UT’s Programs Abroad Office will hold its Study Abroad Fair today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the UC Ballroom. This event will provide students with a more in-depth understanding of the study abroad experience and the overall process.

Studying abroad is an experience that is encouraged for students who seek a more globalized outlook as well as a more expanded understanding of foreign cultures.

Sophomore Madeleine Hartle, sophomore in business, values the potential experiences offered by foreign education.

“I plan on studying abroad because I think it will be life changing to explore some of the sources of modern civilizations,” she said.

Many UT students study abroad each year, and each of these students testify that their experiences abroad changed them. Having the opportunity to live amid a different culture is a great way to broaden one’s perspective. It also results in a more competitive resume in today’s job market.

The Study Abroad Fair will have students that have studied abroad on hand to answer any questions. There will also be staff from the Programs Abroad Office available to inform everyone on the different types of programs (mini-term, summer term, year long, semester long and internships). The staff will also be able to answer questions about paying for the trip through scholarships and financial aid.

Molly Thessin, junior in accounting, studied abroad in Malaga, Spain. Her desire to pursue studying abroad came from her mother’s past ventures abroad.

“She always talked about how great her experience was and how much she learned,” Thessin said. She mentioned that visiting where her mother studied in Italy motivated her to choose a location in Europe as her destination.

When it was time for her to begin the process of studying abroad, she chose to study intermediate Spanish in Malaga.

“Spanish is so valuable in the United States now, so I wanted to learn the language better,” Thessin said. She knew that learning a language in a country that speaks it is the best way to do so. Her immersion in the language and culture really sped up the learning process.

As mentioned above, most students feel that their experiences abroad changed them, and Molly is no different. She spoke on how she changed.

“I think I have become more independent. I only went with one person from UT, so we learned to meet other people in our group and meet locals in Spain,” she said. “I also learned to communicate with people who didn’t speak English, and that made me realize I could do it.”

Thessin’s advice to any student interested in studying abroad is simple.

“Go to the Programs Abroad Office. They are very helpful in helping you pick a program, and they help you figure out what you need to turn in. Start early. There are a lot of forms involved, but if you start early, it is less stressful,” she said.