Students were given both information and guidance at 2011 Study Abroad Fair

The junior international business and French major said that for students trying to decide where to study abroad, it can be just as difficult as deciding where to go to college.However, with some guidance and information, students can have the experience of a lifetime by studying abroad.Students were given both information and guidance at the 2011 Winter Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 9.Daignault works as an adviser in the Office of International Programs (OIP). She said that in her experience, the number of choices offered always surprises students, but OIP is happy to help students decide on a country and program that works best for them.For students with an interest in studying abroad, Daignault recommends stopping by the OIP’s office in Wickes to set up a meeting with an adviser.Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity, and if you’re really interested you should definitely make sure you plan far enough in advance,she said.

Passports and other documentation can sometimes take a long time to obtain, and students would do well to prepare for such timetables.In addition to SVSU faculty-led trips, which usually run during the spring and summer semesters, programs such as International Students Abroad and Panrimo offer students options for planning their international study excursions.However, some colleges partner directly with SVSU. Edge Hill University, which is located in Ormskirk, England, has been networking with SVSU for 15 years.

Jason Keeling, a North American Officer of Edge Hill, says that Edge Hill has the lowest tuition in England. Located between Manchester and Liverpool, its most popular fields for international students include business, criminal justice, English, history and psychology. Edge Hill also offers a free trip to Wales and scholarships for SVSU students.It’s a wonderful place to study and experience British culture,Keeling says.And we have hundreds of courses for students to choose from.For most students, choosing a program and overcoming challenging language barriers are less intimidating than tackling the financial costs of tuition and living abroad.Josh Guerrero, a senior elementary education student, said that funding is one of the biggest obstacles people must face in studying abroad.

The help is out there,says Guerrero.You just have to be willing to look for it.He said that organizations like OIP and Student Association offers scholarships to students planning to go abroad.Guerrero plans to travel with Elson Boles, professor of sociology, on his faculty-led trip to Japan this spring. The group will backpack across the island for three weeks.It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m an adventurous spirit,he said.He said that he hopes to teach abroad once he’s completed his student teaching courses and added that studying abroad is a great way to gain experience for any career.I’d definitely recommend that anyone who’s remotely interested in traveling and learning about different cultures should look into studying abroad,he said.Now is the perfect time for students like us to do it, and the world’s a big place.