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Students, public invited to 'discover the world'

Sept. 23, 2005

KALAMAZOO--Joining an overseas program to study ecosystems in Belize, manufacturing in Australia or creative writing in Czechoslovakia are just a few of the ways Western Michigan University is encouraging area students and the public to "discover the world" during 2005-06.

Those and some 50 other programs will be showcased at the 2005 fall Study Abroad Fair, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, in the South Ballroom of the Bernhard Center on WMU's main campus in Kalamazoo.

Although primarily designed for WMU students, faculty and staff, the event is free and open to high school students, guidance counselors, parents and others interested in learning more about study options available outside of the United States.

One lucky WMU student will win a prize valued at $1,500. Currently enrolled students in good standing at the University will be eligible to enter a 3:30 p.m. drawing to have their program fee waived for WMU's intensive French program at the Universite de Laval in Quebec.

No previous study of French is required to participate in the program, which will take place during the 2006 Summer II Session. The prizewinner will be responsible for covering travel and accommodation costs of about $1,200.

Fair attendees will be able to visit program displays, meet with representatives of study abroad programs conducted worldwide and learn about options for just about any financial budget.

They'll also be able to speak with members of the WMU community, including students who have studied abroad, professors who coordinate courses around the globe, and representatives of the Sindecuse Health Center and Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Advisors from the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, which is sponsoring the fair, also will be on hand to answer students' questions about traveling abroad.

Students in all majors, regardless of their foreign language skills, and at all stages of their undergraduate or graduate educations will find a variety of study abroad choices to expand their horizons and enhance their educations. Those who participate in a program may earn elective credits at WMU or major, minor or general education credits.

For more information, contact the Haenicke Institute at study-abroad@wmich.edu or (269) 387-5890,or visiting the Web at www.wmich.edu/studyabroad.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
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(269) 387-8400
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