The Center for International Education is sponsoring a study abroad fair to expose students to the expansive opportunities available for them to expand their intellect overseas.
The event will feature information highlighting a diverse range of international universities and programs eager to further the intellectual pursuits of UT students.
Heather Grigsby, programs abroad coordinator for the Center for International Education, encourages students to explore the possibilities for international education.
“The Spring 2011 Study Abroad Fair will offer students the opportunity to browse just some of the many options for study abroad programs available to them,” Grigsby said. “The fair will also give students a chance to ask questions of campus offices that support education abroad like the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, Career Services, Health Services, Disability Services, and others.”
Attendees can interact with their peers, as well.
“Students will have the opportunity to speak with study abroad alumni about their experiences, meet international students who are studying at UTK from many of our programs, talk to faculty who are leading summer programs abroad and ask general questions about the study abroad process all in one room,” Grigsby said.
Tremendous benefits for a student’s future can be incurred by study abroad.
“Many students reflecting on their experience comment that studying abroad allows them to become more self-sufficient and independent,” Grigsby said. “Studying abroad allows students to also add to their UTK curriculum by mastering a language in its country of origin or taking courses that would not be available at home or that are taught from a unique and different perspective. Studying and living abroad offers an up close and personal experience of a different country that allows students to engage daily with a culture different than their own.”
Jessica Hill, junior in public administration and Spanish, is extremely enthusiastic about her own study experience.
“Study abroad has opened so many doors for me in the academic and professional world,” Hill said. “There are many career opportunities on the international level. I hope to use my experiences abroad to help me find a career where I work with different cultures and different languages.”
She offers some useful advice to others interested in experiencing these different cultures.
“Start your research early!” Hill said. “It is important to get started at least a semester or two before you plan to study abroad. The application process can be a little long so it is important to have enough time to research your options, decide on a program and fill out all the necessary paperwork.”
The Center for International Education aims to provide an extremely diverse range of study opportunities to fit the educational goals of as many students as possible.
“A study abroad experience can come in many shapes and sizes from a very short experience with other UTK faculty members and/or American students to an academic year abroad experience immersed in a local university taking classes with local students,” Grigsby said. “If you think you would enjoy the opportunity to travel and experience languages, cultures, and customs unlike your own, then the study abroad experience allows you to have that opportunity while also enhancing your academic experience and your resume through courses taken from an international perspective.”
There is a variety of experiences for students to consider, making sure to discuss their personal preferences and expectations when making their decisions.
“There are many different types of programs that are better suited to different types of students,” Grigsby said. “In general a study abroad student should be open-minded because he/she will definitely be going into a new and different cultural setting regardless of location or program. A study abroad student should be open to adapt to new environments and ready to exercise patience and flexibility as he/she adjusts to a new culture and often different teaching styles.”
Some study abroad experiences require certain qualifications for participation.
“A potential study abroad student should be currently in good standing with the university,” Grigsby said. “Depending on the type of program of interest to the student, there are GPA requirements that are part of the application process for programs that range anywhere from 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.”
The fair will serve to concentrate the immense amount of resources available to students interested in studying abroad.
“There are programs to fit many different types of students’ needs and the study abroad fair events allow students to browse the most number of these options and get advice from the most number of individuals at once,” Grigsby said.
Extremely interested students are advised to prepare before attending.
“It could help them to be more directed in their discussions at the study abroad fair, if the students had considered some of the questions raised on the study abroad website at http://studyabroad.utk.edu under the Getting Started section,” Grigsby said. “All of the Programs Abroad Office staff will be available to answer questions at the fair and two Programs Abroad General Information tables will be present for questions about the process and next steps.”
The Spring 2011 Study Abroad Fair will take place on Wednesday from 10-3 p.m. in the UC Ballroom.
