The ASU community will get a little closer to the rest of the world Wednesday when the International Programs Office holds its biannual Study Abroad Fair.
"We have kids from everywhere," said Caroline Savalle, IPO coordinator. "We totally encourage students to come in, to be asking questions."
IPO, which coordinates both study abroad and exchange programs for more than 40 different countries, will be putting up a giant white tent on Cady Mall for students to visit and ask questions of IPO staff.
IPO qualifying applications will be available at the tent for students to pick up. In order to be able to study abroad in the spring of 2004, applications must be submitted by Oct. 1. March 1 is the deadline for most fall and academic year programs.
Although qualifying applications will be available at the fair, Savalle encouraged students to go to the Web site to fill out an online eligibility application after choosing a program.
There are different advisors for each country, each with different office hours available to students. Once a program is selected, students will be informed of upcoming group meetings and pre-departure orientations facilitated by the coordinator of their chosen program.
There are some direct programs between ASU and schools abroad, as well as some specialty programs that are more restrictive to a certain subject area such as education or business.
At the fair, there will also be opportunities for students to speak with representatives from study abroad partnership programs including The American Institute for Foreign Study, The Council on International Educational Exchange, The Institute for Study Abroad, Butler University, and International Studies Abroad, among others.
The summer sessions office staff will also be available at the fair to answer any questions students may have about summer study abroad programs.
There are many benefits to studying abroad including the fact that students can earn ASU resident credit and can go for just a semester, or generally one academic year, Savalle said. The resident credit allows them to satisfy degree requirements.
Most financial aid can also be applied to program costs, and there are up to $1000 in scholarships offered by IPO each semester.
"I would encourage students to find out more about this," Savalle said. "I wouldn't want them to miss out on this opportunity just because it's too expensive."
The general eligibility requirements for students to participate in a program are a 2.75 accumulative GPA, sophomore standing at the time of participation, and good standing at the University. In addition, most programs also require at least one letter of recommendation from a professor.
In light of the heightened security in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on America, some universities may be off limits to students, such as the Tel Aviv University in Israel. IPO stays informed of travel warnings issued by the U.S. Department of State in Washington,
Psychology and Spanish senior Jewel Kling said she flew to New York about a week and a half before the attacks took place.
Kling said she doesn't think ASU students should be hesitant to study abroad two years after the attacks. She said she thinks the Study Abroad Fair is a good start for curious students.
"It will be awesome for students to find out more information and get questions answered right on the spot," Kling said about the fair.
The fair will be held from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. Wednesday on South Cady Mall.
For more information, contact Savalle at (480) 965-5965 or write to caroline.savalle@asu.edu. IPO is online at http://ipo.asu.edu.
The IPO office is located at 198 Tempe Center, on the southeast corner of Mill Avenue and University Drive and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Stephanie Anderson is a reporter for the Web Devil. Reach her at stephanie.j.anderson@asu.edu.
