Students learn value of studying abroad
Published Sept. 7, 2007
Students were able to shop around for an international experience at the MU International Center's 10th annual Study Abroad Fair, held Thursday at Stotler Lounge in Memorial Union.
The fair drew crowds of students who were interested in studying away from MU for periods of time varying from several weeks to an entire year.
"It's really like shopping for anything else," said Russ Braby, spokesman for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Institute of Study Abroad.
Braby was representing his university's study abroad program, which features trips to London and Fiji.
Many MU colleges and departments, study abroad companies and other universities' study abroad programs were represented at the fair.
Tables promoted study abroad opportunities in China, Germany, the United Kingdom, Africa and the Middle East, among many other offerings.
Studying abroad has become an increasingly popular option for many students who attend MU, according to an MU news release.
The release stated that study abroad participation increased 8.4 percent during the 2005-2006 academic year. The International Center reported that 848 students studied abroad during that year.
The fair also offered information on financial aid for students hoping to study abroad.
"We try to keep them as cheap as we can," Braby said.
Students can find scholarships from a number of sources, including private providers.
"Scholarship opportunities definitely help students," AustraLearn Senior Coordinator Alicia Rippen said.
AustraLearn is a private company that runs study abroad programs.
Students who have returned from their study abroad program usually have few complaints about their experience, said Jessica Heusler, the marketing manager for the study abroad program in the MU College of Business.
"I think study abroad is once in a lifetime," Heusler said. "It completely changes you as a person. It's an investment in yourself."
She said she has studied abroad in Italy, Korea, China and Hungary.
MU students have many options to choose from for study abroad. The university offers more than 400 study abroad programs in 60 countries.
"Everyone can find some way to experience an international journey," Rippen said.
Another reason for students to study abroad is to experience the blending of cultures. Heusler said globalization makes studying abroad a necessary part of the college experience.
"It's so important in everyday life," Heusler said.
Heusler said some students become nervous about leaving campus and life at MU, but that the feeling disappears once students arrive at their destination.
"I was worried about missing out, but I had three years," Heusler said. "It's addictive. You just get this rush. A lot of students do multiple programs."
The MU International Center holds a Study Abroad 101 session at 4 p.m. every Monday and Thursday while classes are in session. Students can also talk with a study abroad peer adviser through the center.
The International Center will also hold a Study Abroad Scholarship Workshop at 4 p.m. Sept. 20 in Memorial Union's Mark Twain Ballroom.