Fall 2026 Study Abroad Fair draws record crowd

Nearly 1,800 students attended the Study Abroad Fair on the U of A Mall on Oct. 7 — the highest attendance in the event's more than 20-year history, connecting students with representatives from colleges and schools, faculty-led programs, and campus resources to explore opportunities for international learning.  

Following a successful first year of the Garcia Foundation Scholarship for Study Abroad, the fair reflects ongoing work to deliver on President Suresh Garimella's Success for Every Student initiative, which emphasizes extraordinary experiences to enrich education and advance career readiness.

Students were lined up down the Mall by the time the fair opened at 10 a.m., and soon hundreds of conversations were buzzing, with students moving between tables to ask questions about academics, destinations, programs, scholarships, and more. As stacks of flyers began to shrink, stuffed into Study Abroad tote bags slung over student shoulders, Wilbur T. Wildcat showed up to greet attendees and pose for photos.

This fall’s Study Abroad Fair connected students with representatives from 25 colleges, campus resources, and international partners. Among the highlights displayed across some 80 tables: Nearly 30 new study abroad programs and 195 Global Tracks, which help students identify study abroad opportunities that seamlessly align with their major and minor requirements.

Information, Stories & Discovery

The Study Abroad Fair serves students at every stage of their planning process, from those exploring international opportunities for the first time to those refining programs that fit their academic goals. For some, it’s a chance to learn more about programs they’ve already identified for their degree pathways. For others, it’s about discovering possibilities, a way to learn about scholarships and financial aid, or the chance to hear first-hand from returnee students who volunteered their time to share their own experiences in study abroad courses, research, and internships.  

Harmony DeFazio, executive director of Study Abroad, sees the Fair as one more way her team is championing the university's commitment to ensuring every student has access to international experiences that support their education and future goals.

“We hear again and again how study abroad has the power to transform not just students’ education, but their self-confidence, their communication and problem-solving, their entire outlook on the world,” DeFazio said. “We want every student to see themselves in study abroad, and we're continually increasing scholarship support,  expanding program options, and creating clearer pathways to make that happen."

Students interested in studying abroad can now apply for summer programs. Peer advisors are available for drop-in consultations and appointments, and Study Abroad continually offers information sessions and workshops throughout the semester. The spring Study Abroad Fair is currently planned for February 2027.

Learn more at the AZI Study Abroad website.