Have you ever wondered what it would be like to study design in Milan, Italy, or ceramics in Shanghai, China?

West Virginia University students can learn about these and other global education opportunities at the annual Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 19) in the Mountainlair ballrooms.

Fair goers will have a chance to hear from study abroad alumni, browse more than 40 information tables and chat with program representatives, said Ray Bates, program coordinator for the WVU Office of International Programs (OIP). There will also be door prizes from Morgantown businesses and study abroad organizations.

Exhibits will feature videotapes, brochures and catalogues, Bates added, and local travel agencies and University staff will provide information on financial aid, air travel, health insurance, foreign health conditions and different cultural situations.

With a variety of exciting opportunities, ranging from one semester or a full academic year to faculty-led spring break or summer programs, organizers are expecting as many as 900 students to take part in the fair.

We have a spring break program in Italy, one in central Europe, summer internship programs in London and a summer design program in Italy,Bates said.

More than 720 WVU students studied abroad during the 2006-07 academic year. Among the most popular destinations are Australia, Belgium, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain.

Most of our programs we administer ourselves, so theres a lot of faculty involvement in leading and designing programs,Bates said.Many professors are incorporating international topics into their classes.

The OIP staffs a Study Abroad Resource Room at G-13 White Hall on the Downtown Campus. Log ontohttp://www.wvu.edu/~intlprogto sign up for a one-time Study Abroad 101 Orientation Seminar or read descriptions of study abroad opportunities. For more information, e-mail OIP @mail.wvu.edu or call 304-293-6955 ext. 1.