Study Abroad Fair to be Held at Palms Quad

VALDOSTA - Valdosta State University’s Center for International Programs is hosting a study abroad fair Thursday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Palms Quad.

International Programs staff will provide students with information about VSU’s study abroad options, including faculty-led programs, student exchanges and internships overseas. Faculty, who have led groups to countries such as Japan, Peru, Germany and Spain, will speak with students about the benefits of international travel and study.

“More and more majors and some universities are now requiring students to study abroad because of the value gained from learning about and adapting to a culture,” said David Starling, Assistant Director of International Programs. “Even if students don’t learn the language, businesses are looking for people who have international experience, are able to adapt to different cultures and have learned about American culture by looking at it from another perspective.”

VSU collaborates with universities across the country and within the University System of Georgia to provide students with study abroad opportunities, for which students receive academic credit. Representatives from those institutions will have information available at the fair. Private companies, such as World Endeavors and International Studies Abroad, which organize study abroad experiences, will also provide information to students interested in studying abroad.

International Programs staff will be available to answer questions about financial aid, grants and scholarships that exist to defray overseas travel and living expenses. According to the USG Office of International Education, students who take advantage of financial aid for International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) may spend less money abroad than at their home campuses. Students who enroll in USG’s semester or yearlong exchanges automatically qualify for a $500 ISEP grant from the USG Board of Regents.

In 2006, 221 VSU students and 17 faculty members participated in study abroad programs, and the university hosted 299 international students from 63 countries, according to the International Programs Web site.

For more information about VSU’s study abroad programs, go to www.valdosta.edu/cip/VSUGroupStudyAbroadPrograms or call the Center for International Programs at 333-7410.