October 13, 2011
Office of International Initiatives' Study Abroad Programs hosted its annual Study Abroad Fair in the Student Center Ballroom. The fair which took place from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm had the room buzzing with interested students throughout the entire event.
Student inquiring about program to Japan
At least 1419 students attended the Fair to learn more about the wide array of study abroad programs that are available to them as Georgia State University students.
There were 31 GSU faculty-led programs and exchanges represented at the Fair. There were also representatives from 11 University System of Georgia institutions and 21 non-GSU/non-USG program providers. In total, programs in 49 different countries were represented at the Fair. In attendance, there were also 8 GSU administrative offices such as Career Services and Student Advisement.
Study Abroad Program staff with Pounce
During the Fair, there were three Globetrekker information sessions at which students could learn about the study abroad process. These sessions were held at 11:00, 12:00 and 1:00. 49 students attended these Globetrekker sessions.
Throughout the day, there were 39 student volunteers who assisted with the Fair in different capacities, from greeting exhibitors, transporting boxes or distributing boxed lunches. These volunteers were all recipients of the International Education Fee or Global Experience scholarships.
Pounce is ready to Study Abroad
One of the more popular tables at the fair at the Fair was the Trivia Table. Students were asked to answer global trivia questions for prizes, and they had the opportunity to enter for a drawing to win a Eurail Pass!
First-year Georgia State student Sarah Woods attended her first Study Abroad Fair and had a positive experience: "As a person who is very interested in studying abroad, I found it really informative and helpful. I now have a better idea of where I want to go, how to prepare financially, and most importantly the steps to take to be able to study abroad."
Dr. Glenwood Ross poses beside his South Africa display table
Dr. David Bell, from the Department of Religious Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and leader of the popular Pilgrimage: Catholic & Protestant Sites in Europe program explained: "As a Study Abroad program director and faculty member, the Study Abroad Fair was a wonderful way to meet interested students and to share more about our upcoming Study Abroad program as well as our academic department. With the room full of hundreds of students, the energy and experience of this event is instrumental to GSU's Study Abroad program and is a wonderful example of the strength of education at Georgia State"
Additionally, Perry Binder, Assistant Professor of Legal Studies in the Robinson College of Business and leader of the planned 2012 Business Culture Meets Law program in Florence, Italy stated: "The Fair was a fun opportunity to match students up with a country they always dreamed of visiting and learning about."