In 2015, more than 20,000 students attended the University of Memphis. Only 320 of these students studied abroad.
The Study Abroad Fair Friday is an effort to give students information on different programs and scholarships that would allow them to study abroad.
Rebecca Laumann, program director of the Global Learning Office, said she would like every student on campus to attend, so they can take advantage of the world while learning about it at the same time.
“The more students who go to the fair, the more we could educate each one about the benefits we have to offer,” she said.
According to Laumann, those who go the event will be given important information by some of the U of M’s partner schools, which are schools overseas that the U of M cooperates with in different programs for their students studying abroad.
“Students who attend will be able to speak to those who are at our partner schools and get substantial information,” Laumann said.
Brenda Cowans, administrative associate of international students, said the international students she administrates quickly adjust to living in the United States.
“My students come from all parts of the world and adapt quickly because they take advantage of what is on campus,” Cowans said. “Most work on campus and have a clear focus of why they came here.”
Cowans also serves as an advisor to these international students and helps them adapt to the country. She said her students frequently attend events like the Study Abroad Fair. Not only will students from partner schools be present, but also numerous U of M faculty members and students will be at panels to inform fair attendees.
“Students who have gone abroad will be answering any questions that other students might have,” Laumann said. This year, two student panels are new to the fair: short- and long-term panels. Long-term panels are designed for those who want to go abroad for an entire semester, while short-term panels focus on those who would like to stay only half a semester.
These panels will give attendees the opportunity to listen to students who have gone abroad and are willing share their international experiences. Laumann said these panels would be essential in making students more comfortable. She said one-on-one conversations are an easier way for people to open up and share experiences at the Study Abroad Fair.
Laumann said Costa Rica, Italy and Japan are the most demanded countries to visit, and events like the fair are vital because students can get firsthand accounts of how certain programs could benefit them.
The fair will be Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rose Theatre. There will also be a performance by Francisco Lara, a U of M music professor. There will also be food, and the first 100 attendees will be given a free T-shirt.
