With almost 50 different international study programs available, The Kennedy Center has something to fit every students’ taste. Because there are so many options to choose from, The BYU International Study Programs Fair will showcase what they have to offer.
The fair will feature over 40 booths showcasing study abroad programs, internships and service opportunities abroad. The fair will run from noon to 3 p.m. on Wednesday in room 3220 in the Wilkinson Student Center.
Suzie Bennett is the International Study Programs Registrar in The Kennedy Center is and heading up the fair on Wednesday.
“One of the advantages of coming to the fair is that students can talk to real-life people,” Bennett said. “There will be professors, advisors and students that have been on the study programs that they can talk to. That’s something students can’t get online or from a program advertisement.”
Representatives from the international programs will be available to answer any questions or concerns that students have about a program or going abroad.
The fair is part of International Education Week which runs until Friday. There will be multiple events around campus during the week celebrating and promoting international education. Students can win various prizes by attending these events and the fair is one of them.
Sherstin Creamer is in charge of the International Education Week events and encourages all students to get involved.
“Going abroad in an educational setting helps students to think and grow,” Creamer said. “International missions are fantastic, and I encourage students who had the opportunity to serve abroad to go abroad again and build on their experience. Being a missionary gives a student a good foundation, however there are so many aspects of culture and ways of thinking that students can involve themselves in beyond what a mission allows.”
Attendees can be eligible for the grand prizes of one of four Kindles and up to $2,000 to put towards the international study program of their choice. BYU’s a cappella group Vocal Point will also be performing at the event at 2 p.m.
Besides cash and prizes, Bennet said the fair will expose students to opportunities that will give them experience that will last beyond their years in school.
“We’re really promoting international education this week because when U.S. citizens go abroad, they become better U.S. citizens when they return,” Bennett said. “That’s the real goal.”
