On Thursday, Sept. 8, students will have the opportunity to learn more about their options to go abroad at the annual Study Abroad Fair. The fair will take place from 12 – 2 p.m. in the McKean Gym. Stephanie Jones ‘17, a senior at Rollins who participated in the Otago, New Zealand program in Spring 2016 said, “the study abroad fair can be the first step on your adventure of a lifetime!”
Students have many options when it comes to studying abroad during their time at Rollins. Students can go on a Rollins Approved Semester Program, which currently has 24 different program options in over 37 different countries. Field studies are short term programs led by faculty members that emphasize hands-on learning, and take place over winter break, spring break, and other various times throughout the summer. Summer approved programs last three to six weeks and focus on language study, internships, or cultural immersion. Each of the programs will have a table represented at the fair so students can ask questions and talk to program providers, faculty, and alumni to learn more.
Studying abroad opens doors for students in many ways. It helps expand their horizons by giving them the opportunity to interact with those different from themselves, and teaches them to think differently. Also, it allows for students to be a part of a community abroad, and not be just a tourist. Traveling and seeing the world is fun and exciting, but more importantly, it helps students become global citizens in a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected.
“Studying abroad changes who you are as a person, and that changes everything. With my adapted/updated worldview, I see things more clearly, and more positively. Overall, it has made my Rollins experience all the more pleasant even now that I’m back on campus,” said Jones.
Financially, studying abroad may be more feasible than students first expect. The cost for all of the Approved Semester Programs is the same cost as standard A&S tuition, room and board, and almost all of the students’ current financial aid and scholarships follow them for their semester abroad. International Programs even has need-based scholarships to help offset the costs of airfare. For all field study and approved summer programs, partial, need-based scholarships are offered through the Office of International Programs. The scholarship application is part of the application process for these programs, and students are notified of any scholarships awarded before they officially accept a place on a program. Students are encouraged to apply for a program even if at first they do not think it is financially possible.
All attendees of the study abroad fair will be entered into a raffle to win a $500 study abroad scholarship that can be used towards any Rollins study abroad program. Two scholarships will be given away. The Office of International Programs is located on the second floor of Carnegie Hall (behind the Ben Franklin statue) and has walk-in advising hours, Monday-Thursday 12 – 2 p.m.
Come and check out the Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 8!
Be First to Comment