The annual study abroad fair, sponsored by the Office of International Affairs, was held in the Lankford Student Union Ballroom last Thursday. The event highlighted an array of opportunities available at Longwood including special faculty-led programs such as a trip to Thailand, slated for May 2012, semester exchange programs, and other third-party program providers to the university.
Hunter Swanson, international student advisor for the office, said, "[The study abroad fair] is important because a lot of students don't realize studying abroad is an opportunity they have at Longwood." He said he was very happy with the turnout for the event, which lasted from 2-5 p.m.
All the programs offered through the university were on hand to display the opportunities involved in studying abroad. Swanson said the third party providers on campus were the ones who felt the most comfortable coming to the fair. They were on hand to answer any questions students may have about programs not directly offered through the university.
From studying abroad, Longwood students can earn academic credit, experience a new language, develop a better understanding of a new culture, and acquire real-world experience in a specific field of study.
Those worried about paying for their trip can apply for a study abroad scholarship. There are two main scholarships open to all students applying to study abroad. The Study Abroad Scholarship for spring study abroad is due Oct. 1 while the summer study abroad scholarship is due Feb. 1.
The Presidential Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded to five students, each receiving $2,000. Applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and are required to submit a 300-word essay. The deadline for this is April 15 for fall or spring study abroad trips.
Cormier Honors College students may receive additional scholarships. For more information, contact the Cormier Honors program.
Applications and other forms are available online through the Office of International Affair's web page.
One of the showcases at the study abroad fair involved the study abroad ambassadors; student-liaisons who share their experiences with those interested in studying abroad.
Study Abroad Ambassador Dani Reese, senior, visited Valencia, Spain last semester. "Learning about another culture was amazing," she said. "I became so independent."
Reese said the teachers she had on the trip were very encouraging, and since they were local, they knew a lot about the area. "You didn't feel like a tourist. You felt like you belonged there."
Reese attended the study abroad trip because she had studied Spanish culture for some time. In addition, Reese said she has wanted to go to Spain for seven years. Saying the trip was worth the wait, she described her experience as "surreal." She added, "Everyone should study abroad for a week or two weeks."
Sophomore Kristyn D'Angiolillo said she was interested in the Morocco study abroad trip. "I love traveling, but I've never been out of the country," she said. "I think studying abroad would be a great opportunity for me."
The Office of International Affairs will hold a Practical Training and Graduate School Workshop Sept. 28 from 3-4:30 p.m. in Ruffner Hall 252.