9/12/2002
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Featuring stunning photos and artifacts from around the world, Michigan State University's study abroad program will host an information fair on the second floor of the MSU Union from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19.
The event features most of the university's 180 programs available in more than 50 countries. Program leaders and past participants will be available to talk to prospective students in the Ballroom, Gold Rooms and Parlors, and students can sign up for various giveaways.
"Essentially the fair keeps growing and growing, in terms of students and programs in attendance," said Inge Steglitz, assistant director of the Office of Study Abroad. "We had 2,300 students attend last year, which is a 500-person increase from the previous fall, despite Sept. 11 happening the week before."
Steglitz said this year's fair will showcase several new programs, including the offering of classes in Cuba, and opportunities to study social science in Greece, society and ecology in Kenya, veterinary studies in India and psychology in Germany. The fair also will have a table for returning study abroad participants to offer T-shirts and information on a future workshop focusing on how students can "sell" their traveling experiences and skills to employers.
"Over the past five years that we have done this event, I think it has become part of the academic culture at MSU," said Steglitz. "We now have faculty and students calling in anticipation of the fair to find out the date and time when it will be held."
At the event, staff from the Office of Study Abroad, the Office of Financial Aid and the MSU Travel Clinic will answer questions about the wide array of program options, funding opportunities, and health and safety issues. Academic advisers also will be on hand to address questions about individual degree requirements.