Spring Study Abroad Fair brings global opportunities to Bear Down Gym
The annual Spring Study Abroad Fair returned on February 5th. More than 800 people attended this event in Bear Down Gym, which featured numerous tables and enthusiastic representatives eager to discuss available opportunities. The event showcased over 50 tables, each dedicated to spreading the word about a specific program or resource for students considering studying abroad.
“The main takeaway from the Study Abroad fair that we hope students will have is that study abroad is for everyone,” said Harmony DeFazio, executive director of U of A Study Abroad. “There is a program that works for every major and we work so hard to try to make the curriculum, the timing, and the locations work. Our goal is for students to know that there is an opportunity out there with their name on it.”
One of the many aspects that make U of A study abroad programs unique is not only the variety of options but also their inclusivity and convenience.
There is a program for almost every major and academic year. Student funding is also a key consideration in designing these programs because studying abroad may not be financially accessible to every applicant. That is why resources like the Gilman Scholarship were created, to give every student the opportunity to live these transformative experiences.
The Gilman Scholarship is offered through the federal government and can go up to $5,000,” said Joseph Siml, study abroad alumnus and current first-year law student at the James E. Rogers College of Law. “The idea behind the grant is we want us students to get out of the country and experience new cultures and then bring that back with them. I was a recipient over the summer of 2024, I went to Orvieto, Italy. The grant made it completely possible. ”
Wildcats are eligible to study abroad starting the summer after their first year at the U of A. This allows students time to explore the countless programs and resources available to them.
“I'm mostly looking into Barcelona, London, Spain, or Paris because those are huge art centers, which is what I'm majoring in,” said Sabrina Tioly, a freshman studying Studio Arts. “It's about expanding my horizons and learning about the world. So it's definitely something that I want to put the work into, into finding out. It's going to be a tough decision because they all look so great and amazing.”
It's important to explore the wide range of study abroad opportunities available, you might discover a program you never knew existed and fall in love with it, according to Jacob Eavis, the study abroad recruitment manager. That’s why attending events like the Study Abroad Fair is valuable, as it allows students to learn about different programs and find the one that best fits their goals.
“I think it's a really cool opportunity at this age to get out and travel and see something new,” said Eavis. “Even if you've traveled before or you're a first-time traveler. You rarely find such unique opportunities to do a couple of things: earn college credit, travel, and have an adventure. Learn something about the world and yourself.”
To learn more about the amazing opportunities awaiting you through the study abroad program, visit our UA Study Abroad webiste and make an appointment with Study Abroad today.