If the allure of faraway places and foreign cultures is calling West Virginia University students, they should plan to attend the annual study abroad fair from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, in the Mountainlair ballrooms.

The event is sponsored by the Office of International Programs and offers a full spectrum of travel opportunities, including destinations to Australia, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Japan and South Africa.

Students can talk with classmates who have traveled overseas and meet representatives from all of the Universitys study abroad programs, said Tara George-Jones, study abroad program coordinator.

About 60 presenters will be on hand, she added, and students can get everything they need to know, from admissions and financial aid to advising and student health, at one time. There will also be a raffle for a backpack, T-shirts and other giveaways.

Study abroad is increasingly popular at WVU , George-Jones said. About 570 WVU students participated in programs during 2005-06up 30 percent from the previous academic year.

I think theres more global awareness today,she said.Students realize the importance of international experiences and how a global education is beneficial to their careers.

For more information about the fair, e-mail oip@mail.wvu.edu

On the Net:www.wvu.edu/~intlprog