With thoughts of spending a semester in unique places such asLondon or Hawaii, students browsed around the Study Abroad FairWednesday in the Union’s Atchafalaya Room.
As students approached the Atchafalaya Room they were greetedwith a collection of photographs from France, Germany and Turkey.Upon entering the room, there were numerous information tables withmasses of colorful balloons, tablecloths with flag patterns andnumerous poster boards filled with information and pictures fromvarious study abroad and exchange programs.
For many, the fair was an opportunity to explore possibilitiesfor the future.
Phillip Gilmore, a psychology freshman, said he attended thefair because he is considering studying abroad. He said he ismostly interested in studying in China because of their uniqueculture or Germany because of its central European location.
For some, being at the fair simply was an opportunity to informothers about study abroad programs.
Andrea Morris, a Spanish professor, provided information tostudents about a program called LSU in Xalapa. This is a six-weeksummer program, in Xalapa, Mexico, where students are exposed tothe Spanish language and Mexican culture.
Morris said she became involved with the program after beingapproached by another professor. She studied abroad in Spain as acollege student and accepted the invitation to become involved withthe Xalapa program because of her past experience.
Allison Roark, a French studies instructor, informed studentsabout internships in the Ubay Valley of France. She said this is arather small program and it was only initiated five years ago. Theprogram provides students the opportunity to learn more about theFrench culture. To enroll in the program, Roark said studentsshould have taken a minimum of five semesters of French.
Some students with past study abroad experience also were at thefair to provide students with personal testimonies about theirexperience and further information on the various programs.
Lock Paret, a biological sciences junior, studied in Londonduring the summer of his sophomore year.
Paret said his experience was unique and life-changing.
Paret said he learned about the study abroad program fromsomeone who talked about the programs in one of his classes. Hesaid he liked going abroad during the summer because it did notjeopardize his class opportunities at LSU.
Mary Belleau, assistant director of Career Services, said sheattended the fair to encourage students to use study abroadprograms as networking opportunities.
Belleau said it is great for students to study in a foreigncountry and return after graduation to receive jobs through thenetworking they had done while studying abroad.
“Studying abroad is such a broadening and maturing experiencefor students,” Belleau said.
Belleau also said she was very pleased with the student turnoutat the fair. She said at one point the room was filled with thoseeager to discover information about various study abroadprograms.
For more information about courses, costs and dates of studyabroad or exchange programs and to sign up to receive informationstudents can log on to www.lsu.edu/studyabroad.com.