Eastern Michigan University’s 2014 Study Abroad Fair gave students the opportunity to browse the various destinations they can visit to learn about different cultures and study for the credit course that is offered.
The event was held on Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at EMU’s Student Center. Many professors were on hand to provide information to those students who were interested in studying abroad.
From Spain to Prague, Japan to Germany, students got the chance to learn a little bit about the countries that interested them and find which courses were offered for each individual trip. Students could even obtain a passport for free at the event.
Members from Snow Health Center and CAPS were also on hand to talk to students about vaccinations, immunizations, medications and their health while traveling to other countries.
Registered nurse Lori Killen said that CAPS is available to students before they venture off and also upon their return. Students can talk about the adjustments they’ve had to make when they come home or any mixed feelings they have about leaving home in the first place.
A financial aid booth was also set up that provided students with different options for funding a semester abroad.
Bill Kosidlo from EMU’s financial aid office was there to help the students and answer questions about costs and loans because studying abroad is not a cheap venture.
“We help them look at different things they can do,” Kosidlo said of some financial aid options students can look into.
Pam Walsh, associate professor and program director for Health Administration at EMU, lived in Prague on a Fullbright scholarship, and said that studying abroad promotes cultural understanding between different countries.
“Students can expand their horizons and learn about different cultures,” Walsh said. “They come back with a different perspective.”
EMU student and history major Elizabeth Clark attended the event and said that she would like to visit Germany. Clark was intrigued by what Germany had to offer and said she has family from the region. She also said that she wanted to experience the country in person rather than through a textbook.
EMU student and psychology major Ashley Glasser said she would also like to study abroad.
“Some place warm,” Glasser said of her desired destination.
Brittany Barnes, double major in international affairs and Japanese culture, studied at the Kansai Gadui University last year. Barnes said the trip was amazing and was one of the best experiences of her life.
“Experiencing another culture is a highlight,” she said.
EMU student and Japanese culture major Lija Gudrais also went to Japan.
“It was really interesting to see other peoples’ way of life,” she said.
For more information, email programs.abroad@emich.edu or call 734-487-2424. Also visit the website at emich.edu/abroad.
