Study Abroad Fair opens up world of opportunities
Sept. 13, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Ever wonder what it would be like to study global economics in one of Europe's bustling commercial centers or to conduct environmental research in a magnificent Costa Rican rainforest?
Students who want to know more about international learning opportunities like those will have a chance to satisfy their curiosity by attending Western Michigan University's second Study Abroad Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, in the Bernhard Center's South Ballroom.
The event, which is open to the public, is geared toward WMU students, high school students, high school guidance counselors, and parents. It will feature information booths and displays at which participants may collect information about WMU's more than 30 study abroad programs and the thousands of additional programs available through a wide variety of other universities and organizations.
"Living and studying in another culture provide tremendous learning opportunities and personal benefits that can significantly enhance students' lives," says Dr. Sabine C. Klahr, WMU's director of study abroad. "The Study Abroad Fair is the best place to find out about all the options to spend time abroad and earn WMU credits."
WMU professors who coordinate courses around the globe and students who have studied abroad or hail from other countries will be on hand to answer questions. Also in attendance will be representatives from non-WMU programs and the University's offices of Study Abroad and Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
"Study abroad programs are academically based and allow students to gain new perspectives, learn by experience and take courses not offered at WMU," Klahr notes.
"They also improve participants' potential for success in the job market and contribute to personal growth by enhancing intercultural and language skills, flexibility, maturity, self-confidence, and self-awareness."
Financial aid usually is readily available, Klahr adds, and classes are offered in a wide range of subjects, including archaeology, art, business, education, engineering, foreign languages, political science and social work, to name a few.
In addition, advisors in the Office of Study Abroad work one-on-one with WMU students to help them choose programs that suit their needs and interests, whether their goal is to enroll in a university abroad for a year, participate in a field studies project or travel throughout a region or country while taking classes.
For more information about the Study Abroad Fair or international learning opportunities, contact the Office of Study Abroad at (616) 387-5890 or <study-abroad@wmich.edu> or visit the office on the Web ar <www.wmich.edu/studyabroad>.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 616 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu