The Kennedy Center for International Studies hosted its Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 17.
Booths throughout the Marigold Quad on BYU campus showcased different study abroad programs and foreign internships, one of which was the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies.
"I loved being where Jesus was and learning about Him," Mallory Goodfellow, who previously studied at the Jerusalem Center, said. "You just learn so much about yourself. You learn so much about your faith, and you learn so much about other people's faith."
Goodfellow said the program was hands-on, affordable and helped her come closer to the other students there.
Another booth shared information about the "Plague, Penicillin and Pastries: Microbiology in Europe" program.
"It's a microbiology-centric study abroad," Jeff Tessem, associate professor at BYU and director of the "Plagues, Penicillin and Pastries" study abroad program, said.
He explained that students travel throughout Europe while engaging in cultural experiences through the lens of microbiology. This includes learning about the plague in England, making European cheeses, studying the windmills in the Netherlands and more.
Other programs students could learn about included foreign exchange programs, internships with different businesses, language-focused study abroad programs and major-specific options.
In addition to sharing where students could go, the fair also had booths to explain how they could make it possible, especially since many students may be unsure about the costs.
Cory Leonard, associate director at the Kennedy Center for International Studies, helps direct the Global Opportunity Scholarship. He said most students at BYU "think they may not be able to study abroad because of cost."
"We provide up to $5,000 and make study abroad possible," Leonard said.
Leonard said students can find many scholarship opportunities on the Kennedy Center website.
He also said study abroad experiences can be an investment in students' futures by helping them progress toward graduation and fulfill general education classes and other major requirements.
He said these opportunities can "expand your world, expand your perspective" and give students the chance to learn in a unique setting.
BYU is also one of the top universities for offering study abroad experiences, according to Aaron Rose, an international program coordinator at the Kennedy Center. Rose said the university offers new programs each year.
He said creating a new study abroad program can take several years; professors must work with their department to propose a program, ensure it supports a BYU education and work with the Kennedy Center to figure out other logistics like itineraries, hotels, transportation and insurance.
Students can find study abroad opportunities on the BYU Kennedy Center website.