Yesterday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Global Education Office at Plattsburgh State held its annual Study Abroad Fair in the Angell College Center. It welcomed any PSUC student interested in enriching their college experience, culturally and academically.
The fair provided interested students with the information they need to determine which study-abroad program will enable their personal and academic growth.
Study Away Assistant for GEO Claudia Carrera said incorporating studying abroad into an educational experience is far more attainable than many students believe.
“I didn’t even think studying abroad was an option for me,” Carrera said. “My friend came to me and said they were looking for people, so I applied and was lucky enough to go.”
So far, Claudia has studied in three different countries; one semester in Spain, another in Italy and one summer semester in Turkey.
Ingrid Almaguer, coordinator of PSUC’s Study Abroad and Exchanges Program, has helped organize the Study Abroad Fair for the past three years.
“If you’ve ever been curious about study abroad or wanted to know more, it’s a great way to do so,” Almaguer said. “It’s a one-stop shop to gather information from the representatives themselves about all the programs they represent.”
The line-up of guests included representatives from seven different SUNY campuses and three international partner institutions from Australia and the United Kingdom.
Just like a study abroad program itself, the fair encouraged curiosity and exploration, providing interactive components to engage those in attendance to find out as much as possible.
At the fair, there was a table giving out small cardboard “passports.” Attendees encouraged to take the passports to a representative at each table, earning a stamp for asking a question. Once they collected a stamp from every table, students were entered into a raffle to win a GoPro. There was also a photo contest showcasing the photography of Study Abroad alumni photography.
These activities allowed students to engage in the fair and provide an icebreaker for those who weren’t really sure what it was about.
Almaguer said it’s important for a student to meet with an advisor as soon as they think they might be interested in a program.
“We can point them in the right direction,” Almaguer said. “We can go over cost, how financial aid works, scholarships that they might be eligible for, as well as application requirements and deadlines.”
Transfer student Kailyn Schulz met with Study Abroad advisor Brooke Layhee.
“I was able to get the knowledge base I need to be able to make a better decision and helps narrow down my decision making,” Schulz said. “It’s a long process, and there are a lot of resources, but she helped me use the Study Abroad sites and find the classes I need.”
More information about studying abroad can be found on PSUC’s Study Abroad and Exchanges Program website or by visiting GEO on the second floor of Kehoe Administration Building.
Email Alana Penny at cp@cardinalpointsonline.com
