For many students, the strain of paying for college and pressure of graduating in four years can make studying abroad seem impossible, but for some, those uncertainties can be put to rest at the Study Abroad Fair this Wednesday.
International studies faculty and study abroad advisors, like Jonathan Holland, will be available to talk to students at the Student Plaza near the fountain from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. about all of the possibilities of studying abroad.
This year, the University of Memphis Study Abroad Office will be focusing primarily on their featured short-term and faculty-led summer programs at the fair, according to Holland.
The University has several of its own programs, but there are many other university-sponsored routes students can take.
"We have our own in-house programs, like our faculty-led programs," Holland said. "We (also) have our bi-lateral exchanges and partnerships where the U of M has a direct relationship with a certain university. Students can take that route, which is typically more affordable since we deal with these universities one on one."
Representatives from partnering programs will also be available to answer questions at the fair.
One of the main purposes of the fair is to inform students of all the resources that are available to them. Most students already qualify for multiple study abroad scholarships.
"Student can use most of their financial aid and scholarships they are already receiving towards studying abroad," Holland said.
There will also be three $1,000 scholarships given away at the fair. Each student will be given a "passport" that they will get stamped at each booth. After the student has gotten at least six stamps, they can drop their "passport" into a drawing for one of the three scholarships.
One booth will be set aside for students who have studied abroad in previous semesters and students who are currently studying abroad at the U of M.
Lale Ida, an exchange student from Germany, started studying at the U of M this semester.
"It's really nice to live in another country while you are studying, so you can experience the culture as well," Ida said. "So far I've really enjoyed the culture and the Southern hospitality here."
Charlotte Kestell, an exchange student from England, will also be working the fair.
"It's so much easier to meet people here, because people are generally much more kind than they are in London," Kestell said. "It's been great meeting new people so far."
Holland said studying abroad doesn't just give students the chance to earn college credits, but it also enhances students' experience overall.
"Most students say it was the best thing they did in college, because you just learn so much more out in the world than you do in the classroom," Holland said.
For more information, visit the Study Abroad Office in 102 Brister Hall or call 901.678.2814.
