Students at West Virginia University who have dreamt of studying in Brazil, China or another foreign country have the opportunity to take a step toward that dream by attending the Study Abroad Fair on Oct. 3.

The fair, held in the Mountainlair Ballrooms from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers students a chance to speak with a range of study abroad representatives who aim to provide students with the initial contacts and information that they will need to pursue their study abroad efforts.

Table displays will also feature information, photos, videos, brochures and catalogues to help students better understand the programs. Local travel agencies and University staff will be available to provide details on financial aid, travel arrangements, health insurance, foreign health requirements and cultural activities.

Associate Provost Michael Lastinger, who oversees the Office of International Programs, said more than 800 WVU students traveled to another country for study abroad courses in the 2011-12 academic year.

“International experience has increasingly become an essential component of higher education. It adds a dimension to one’s college career that can only be obtained through direct exposure to other countries, cultures and languages,” Lastinger said. “Research shows that students who have lived, worked or studied abroad have higher grades and graduation rates and that such experience gives them a real advantage in the job market. And, of course, one major benefit is the kind of personal growth that comes from such experience.”

Lastinger said the fair is important to attend since students will learn about a wide variety of WVU programs in many different and exciting destinations around the world.

“Students will be able to speak in person with faculty and advisors in many different fields of study and will also be able to get information from experts on financial aid, travel safety, international insurance and more,” Lastinger said. “Students can learn about more than 58 faculty-led spring and summer programs and 40 different WVU study abroad exchanges.”

The WVU study abroad network is worldwide and has available programs in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Fiji, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Northern Ireland, Czech Republic, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, Trinidad-Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Vietnam and many other countries.

For more information, visit the Study Abroad Resource Room at 336 Stansbury Hall on the downtown campus or http://internationalprograms.wvu.edu. For specific questions or appointments, email OIP@mail.wvu.edu or call 304-293-6955.

-WVU-

mm/jb/09/28/12

CONTACT: Jason Burns, Office of International Programs
304-293-6955, Jason.Burns@mail.wvu.edu

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