The BYU David M. Kennedy Center Study Abroad Fair informed students about experiential learning opportunities on Sept. 18.
The Kennedy Center hosted hundreds of students with 82 study abroad program information booths. The center also gave out mini board games, free Kona Ice and two airfare vouchers to students who attended Thursday.
Sergio Romero, a Kennedy Center student employee for three years, has participated in three study abroad programs.
“Honestly, it’s been the best part of studying at BYU,” Romero said.
Claire Rose, another student employee for the Kennedy Center, said she’s been working there for two years.
“I want students to know that there are more places to travel than just Europe,” Rose said.
She recognized that students may feel apprehensive about going to a new place, especially with language barriers. She said study abroad programs can diminish those worries.
“They’ll still be able to experience a different culture and country, without the fear of doing it by themselves,” Rose said.
Romero and Rose mentioned that many of the programs need more students to apply.
“I just wish that it would be a requirement to study abroad at BYU," Romero said. "So many people graduate, and they don’t get that crucial experience."
Denise Braithwaite, a student with a Japanese minor, hopes to study abroad in Japan this spring.
“I’ve had my eyes on this one ever since the study abroad fair last year,” Braithwaite said. “I want to have a genuine experience someplace else.”
According to BYU Facts & Figures, more than 2,000 students study abroad annually. BYU offers more than 200 international study programs in more than 60 countries.
Many students have the desire to study abroad but worry it is not financially accessible.
The Kennedy Center offers an ISP scholarship for $1,000. Many colleges also stack scholarships, and need-based scholarships are available.
Romero said students “just don’t know what their funding options are.”
From general education to engineering to art history, there are programs for every student at BYU.
Sami Manwaring, a senior studying public health, went abroad this spring in Nepal for global health.
“You can do so much in the classroom here in Utah, but just seeing it from a global perspective is super life-changing,” Manwaring said.
International programs offer more than just learning. Manwaring got the chance to go hiking in the mountains and do an internship at a hospital during her time abroad.
Valerie Tracy, a freshman, hopes to study abroad while at BYU to gain experience beyond the classroom.
“I want to expose myself to as many new cultures as possible so that I can learn how to better connect with my spiritual brothers and sisters everywhere,” Tracy said.
She plans to study abroad in Jordan to learn Arabic. She attended the fair to explore her options.
“I just want to really get to know the rest of God’s world because it’s incredible,” Tracy said.