International Study Programs hosts open house

By Whitney Carlson

Whether students want to learn French in Paris, do an internship in Mozambique or anything in between, they can learn about opportunities the International Study Programs offer at an open house Thursday (Jan. 18, 2007).

BYU has a large international studies program with programs in 54 countries. In the 2005-2006 school year, 1,444 students participated in 116 programs.

'We have sent students to every continent including Antarctica,' said Timothy Lynn Elliott, director of International Study Programs.

Directors from the upcoming spring, summer and fall programs that still have openings will be present for questions at the open house. One of the benefits of the open house is that students are able to meet the program directors as well as see what programs are available, Elliott said.

BYU offers four types of international programs, including study abroad, field studies, internships and direct enrollment at foreign universities. Representatives from about 25 programs will be at the open house, Elliott said.

'Even if you are not planning to study abroad this year, still come to the open house to see what''s available,' Elliott said.

Natalie Nelson, a junior from Phoenix majoring in dietetics, decided to study abroad in London after attending the open house last year, where she learned more about what individual programs involved.

'I was a lot more interested in talking to the director than reading the piece of paper you can pick up in the study abroad office,' Nelson said. 'It was a little more personal and you can learn more of the details.'

Having an international experience requires both financial and academic planning, and knowing what is available allows for better planning in the long run, Elliott said.

Program costs vary, but general university scholarships and other financial aid programs are available for those who qualify. BYU''s International Study Programs are less expensive than the majority of other universities, Elliott said.

Before coming to the open house, students should consider what they want out of an international program, Elliott said.

The open house helps students to pinpoint exactly what they want to do and where they would like to go, said Internship Coordinator Assistant Anni Taylor, who is a senior from Chicago majoring in German.

'A lot of students know about one or two programs, but then they see our whole broad range,' Taylor said. 'It''s a good place to see the options.'