Binghamton University is promoting the benefits of studying abroad and teaching students how to apply at the study abroad fair on Thursday, Sept. 24.
BU sponsors 25 study abroad programs encompassing an array of academic fields and locations, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the United Kingdom.
In addition, Binghamton students have the option of entering over 520 study abroad programs that are based out of other SUNY schools, and can even access non-SUNY exchange programs for academic credit.
The fair will be held in the Mandela Room of the Old University Union from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“The study abroad fair is a fantastic resource for students who wish to go abroad,” said Giselda Beaudin, assistant director for the Study Abroad office. “It’s essentially one-stop shopping.”
Student volunteers and peer advisers who are past participants of study abroad programs and exchange students who are studying at Binghamton for the semester will be available at the fair so students who attend can also hear about their experiences, Beaudin said.
Students who are beginning to plan for their respective study abroad programs can also visit the Office of International Programs, where they can obtain the necessary paperwork for going abroad and speak to advisers about programs they are considering.
“We are a resource for people who are going abroad; they can talk to us to get ideas for places to go, for programs to do, what you need in order to go abroad and how to go about actually picking up the application,” said Juliana Sagor, a study abroad student adviser who works at the Office of International Programs.
According to Beaudin, currently 15 percent of BU students go abroad during their college career. This translates to between 300 and 400 students going abroad during the fall and spring, and even during winter and summer programs.
The study abroad office would like to increase this number, Beaudin said.
“There are programs that are very focused on academics, and programs where the focus is on an internship or hands-on volunteer work,” Beaudin said. “There are intensive language programs, and programs that integrate group trips and activities. There are programs that introduce students to a new culture, and programs that encourage students to get out and explore on their own.”
According to Beaudin, as a study abroad adviser she tries to help students sift through the different program options, helping them to find the program that fits their personality and goals for study abroad.