Study Abroad Fair inspires ASU community to learn through global experiences

Arizona State University students, faculty and staff who would like to learn more about study abroad programs are invited to attend the annual Study Abroad Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 18, in the Memorial Union, Arizona and Ventana rooms on the Tempe campus.

The event is hosted by the Study Abroad Office, which offers programs in more than 55 countries – totaling over 250 different programs.

Various study abroad personnel will be exhibiting at the fair and providing attendees with information about study abroad opportunities. Attendees will also be able to engage with previous study abroad students, meet international students currently attending ASU, view photos and videos taken by ASU students while abroad and enjoy international music provided by a DJ.

“ASU is committed to the concept of global engagement and sees the value of study abroad for our student population as it relates to advancing the mission," said Robert E. Page, Jr., university provost. "ASU is committed to graduating global citizens, and study abroad is one distinct way that encourages intercultural growth and competency development relevant both globally and to our local community.”

Allyse Johnson, a current ASU senior studying communication, studied abroad in London during the spring semester of her sophomore year.

“Study abroad has impacted my life in so many ways,” says Johnson. “I think most importantly, not only was I able to learn the ins-and-outs of another culture, I came to really understand my own and how it has shaped me … I really believe I came out of that experience as a better, more confident version of myself.”

The Study Abroad Office offers three types of programs: faculty-directed, partnership and exchange.

Faculty-directed programs are led by ASU faculty members, and they allow students to travel and learn together in the host country, forming a close-knit cohort. These programs take place during the summer, ranging from two to eight weeks long, and focus on a particular area of study.

Partnership programs and exchange programs are available for students wishing to spend a summer, semester or year overseas.

Partnership programs provide students with on-site staff in the host country, where they take classes with local students, international students and/or American students.

Exchange programs are the most independent type of study abroad program as students enroll directly in courses at a local university. Foreign language proficiency is sometimes required and students arrange their own housing, flights and visas for these programs.

“All industries have gone global,” says Adam Henry, director of the ASU Study Abroad Office. “To prepare our graduates to be successful in this ever-changing and cross-cultural environment, they must know how to accept and adapt to new cultures. Studying abroad is a fantastic way to accomplish this goal.”

There are various funding opportunities available for study abroad programs, making international experiences accessible for the ASU student population.

More information is available at https://studyabroad.asu.edu/.