Here’s your chance to discover how affordable, accessible and wonderful a study abroad experience can be. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is sponsoring a Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the first-floor art gallery at the Student Center, and faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome.
For the first time, there will be a drawing for study abroad scholarships, and anyone who is currently registered for a class at SIU is eligible to enter. Participants can enjoy free pizza as well.
“Study abroad is affordable as most financial aid is applicable,” said Brian Henry, SIU’s new Study Abroad director, who has more than a decade of experience in the field. “Studying abroad increases the attractiveness and employability of graduates as they enter the job market, and anyone can go, regardless of their major, if they properly plan.”
He said that in addition to giving students and community members “the opportunity of a lifetime to see the world, meet new people, learn and grow as individuals and enjoy adventures and exploring,” there are tangible benefits to studying abroad. He cited numerous studies and surveys, including ones by AACSB and Forbes, have found that 60-80% of prospective employers seek graduates with global experience and that on average, the GPAs, completion rates and retention rates are higher among study abroad participants.
“The impact and rate differences are even more significant for students who are first-generation, underrepresented minorities, from STEM fields or who have high financial need. SIU has study abroad opportunities in more than 100 countries around the world,” he said.
Henry noted that SIU also offers international opportunities for internships, research, service learning, field studies and other innovative, hands-on experiences.
To learn more, attend the event, visit the website, or email abroad@siu.edu.
