By L Edington
On Wednesday, Jan. 21, the first floor of the Campus Life Center was filled with tables, information, cultural music and refreshments. Appropriately named the Spring Study Abroad Fair, the event provided free information to students interested in studying overseas. Sponsored by the Multicultural Affairs and the Center for International Studies, this fair gave students the opportunity to talk with 16 representatives from dozens of study abroad programs for the summer, semester and academic year. Representatives and information from countries like Italy, France, England, Germany, Ukraine, Spain, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia and Asia were on hand to answer any questions and persuade students that studying abroad is a great way to gain experience.
"There is no experience that can change a student more dramatically than studying abroad. The experience is valuable from both a personal standpoint and for their career,” said Deryle Hope, associate director for the Center of International Studies. Considering that cost may be an issue for many students, the representatives were ready to talk to students about financial aid information and the costs of each trip. For the students looking to volunteer and intern overseas, information about the International Education Programs was also on hand.
Representing the study program in Italy was Catherine Canino, director of the two week honors program in Italy and the study abroad program in Sicily. “Italy is the most beautiful country in the world. Good food and good weather. Mountains, beaches, history, fashion, and wine,” Canino exclaimed when asked about the country.
All study abroad programs are coordinated by the Center for International Studies located in the Campus Life Center room 202. The Center for International Studies, established in 1996, provides Upstate students with study abroad programs because of joint agreements with different universities all over the world. There are faculty-led summer or semester programs as well as year-long programs available for students. While all of the study programs give credit hours, many of them can be taken simply for travel. These safe and wonderful trips are designed with students in mind, giving plenty of time for studying as well as seeing the beautiful sites of the country.
Three tips to keep in mind when traveling to a different country are: learn the basics of the language, go into the country with an open mind, and above all respect the culture. More information is available by contacting the Center for International Studies at 864-503-5662, or by following the link to the International Studies website on http://www.uscupstate.edu/academics.