With 39 programs in 19 countries across five continents, international study opportunities are available to students in a wide variety of curriculums and topics, and the best way to find out about them is at the Study Abroad Fair from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sept. 18 on Gullen Mall.

Sponsored by the Office of Study Abroad and Global Programs, the fair connects students with study abroad alumni and faculty who oversee the programs.

"I think the fair is so effective because students can connect with the professors who will be leading those programs," says Project Coordinator Margaret Hall of the Office of International Programs. "It's not just an idea in the back of their head; it's someone physically in front of them telling them what they are doing and showing them where they can go.

"I think it excites students to see this huge force of professors who want to take students with them and alumni who have already gone, and they can do something that they can take with them for the rest of their career."

Hall studied anthropology in Cuba during her senior year at Wayne State. "I've travelled extensively myself, but getting to go with a professor who has done research there opened up doors I couldn't have on my own," she says. "These professors have been working there for years, if not decades, and they have connections you wouldn't have access to on your own."

Hall says the most popular programs are based in Western Europe, particularly Italy. Two new programs this year are "Ecuador: Global Health" and "Puerto Rico: Global Business." Programs are available in business, health, engineering art and culture, and not all require mastery of a foreign language. All earn academic credit.

Freshman English major Kassidy Phipps says her interest in studying abroad comes from a desire to see places outside the U.S. and hearing about her friends' study trip to Costa Rica. "I've always been interested in going to foreign countries," she says, particularly to developing nations.

Political science major Giuseppe Viviano intends to minor in Italian, so his previous experience with a study abroad program outside of WSU made him eager for more. "I had a great experience going to Italy to help teach English to kids and assist running what was basically a summer camp," he says. "I'm really looking forward to traveling again."

Hall says that all students should consider studying abroad. "Studying abroad is an incredible personal experience," she says. "It pushes your boundaries and helps you to open up to new challenges and teaches you how to conquer them, especially with people who don't know how to speak the same language as you. It also looks incredible on a resume. It sets you apart from having just taken a class, it shows you can operate in environments outside your norm."

Hall recommends students looking to study abroad start planning now so they can take advantage of financial aid and scholarship opportunities. For more information on programs, visit studyabroad.wayne.edu.

By Jacob Stocking, OIP communications associate

The Office of International Programs leads Wayne State's global engagement by creating opportunities that foster international education and research, facilitate the exchange of individuals and ideas that promote global competencies and citizenship, and provide resources that support the expansion of the university's global agenda. Follow us @WayneOIP.