Studying abroad gives students global opportunities

‌

Matt Gregory

Representatives from many of RIT’s affiliate programs were on-hand at the Study Abroad Fair in the Student Alumni Union.

Hundreds of students attended this year’s Study Abroad Fair on Tuesday in the lobby of the Student Alumni Union, conducted by the RIT Study Abroad & Fellowships Office. Students had a chance to meet and speak with representatives from the various study abroad programs as well as staff from RIT.

Representatives set up tables with an abundance of informative materials, including pamphlets and checklists. Students had the opportunity to speak with representatives from programs such as Danish Institute for Study Abroad, Queen’s University at Kingston and Council on International Educational Exchange, among many others. RIT’s three international campuses in Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo were also represented at the fair.

While the programs that are offered vary extensively, representatives agreed that studying abroad affords students a new world-view and a diverse set of experiences.

“Studying in another country offers students a new perspective on their major,” says Jenny Sullivan, assistant director of Study Abroad & Fellowships. “Recent studies suggest a correlation between study abroad and improved academic performance and graduation rates.”

Three types of programs are offered by RIT: global campus programs, faculty-led programs and affiliate programs. Last year, 311 students studied abroad, an increase over the previous year of 275.

Clarissa Baston, program coordinator, helps students prepare for their journey to a foreign land and helps ease some of the anxiety that can come with living far away from home. “We try to over-prepare our students,” Baston says. “Some students are worried that study abroad is too expensive, when it can be equal to or less than RIT tuition. We want students to know that study abroad is a great way not only to get to live in their ‘dream country’ but also to add an experience that looks great to future employers.”

The Study Abroad & Fellowships staff is available to assist any students interested in studying in another country. Information sessions are available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Sept. 19, in the Study Abroad & Fellowships office, located in Global Village building 400, room 2070. For more information, go to the RIT Office of the Provost website.