The Office of International Affairs and Study Abroad will host its bi-annual Study Abroad Fair for students to learn about study abroad and travel study programs on Oct. 8 in the Don Taft University Center Spine from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The fair will include multiple study abroad opportunities, insight into faculty-led programs and information on scholarships and financial aid.
Study abroad experiences are programs offered through the university and allow students to pursue educational opportunities in other countries for an extended period of time, while earning credits toward their respective major at NSU.
Students will be able to meet with representatives from the Office of International Affairs and Study Abroad, the Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement and Broward College to get more information on the study abroad and international volunteer experience programs available in the area.
In 2013, over 289,000 American students participated in study abroad programs for credit, according to the National Association for Foreign Student Advisers, and the number is growing every year.
Alejandra Parra, associate director at the Office of International Affairs, believes that studying abroad is both a professionally and personally rewarding experience.
“Professionally speaking, studying abroad gives you that edge,” Parra said. “Personally speaking, studying abroad gives you the experience of getting to know yourself, getting to know your potential and getting to know what you can endure. It shows you how you can perform in moments of stress or when you’re totally alone and have to fend for yourself.”
The Office of International Affairs and Study Abroad currently offers academic study abroad programs in every continent. The programs offered vary in length and can range from a semester to an entire summer.
If a student would like to travel to a location not currently offered by the Office of International Affairs, students can work with representatives from the office to plan a trip to the location of their choosing. Representatives will work with the student to find an accredited university in their requested area, and the Office of Risk Management will monitor the location for any threats to a student’s safety.
In addition to study abroad programs, NSU also offers faculty-led travel study programs. To participate in faculty-led travel study, a student may register for specific courses offered by the university and will be required to travel to another country to supplement course material.
Parra said studying abroad gives you a more global view of the world, and employers nowadays are looking for that.
“It teaches you a lot and helps you mature,” said Parra.
All professors who offer faculty-led travel study opportunities will also be present to meet with students and discuss upcoming travel programs. Opportunities for scholarships and financial aid will also be highlighted during the event.
For more information on the Study Abroad Fair, please contact Alejandra Parra at 954-262-7240 or email aleparra@nova.edu.
