Worldfest Study Abroad Fair

This past Monday the International Education Center hosted the yearly Worldfest Study Abroad Fair in the Rivera walkway. Various study abroad program providers as well as UCR student volunteers were in attendance to give interested students information on how they could continue their studies in another country. As an undergraduate student who currently is signed up to study this coming year in England, I volunteered for the day to help spread information on how every student should take advantage of the opportunity to spend a semester abroad.

The Worldfest Study Abroad Fair began at 10 AM and featured over 25 private providers who provide students the chance to study anywhere from South Africa to Iceland. There was also an information table for those students who would rather travel with a program hosted by UCR directly. I spent the first part of my shift passing out lunch to the various representatives and then transitioned into tabling for abroad various programs.

Being a strong advocate of Education Abroad Programs, I spent the majority of my time giving students information on the differences between the Education Abroad Program and Opportunities Abroad Program. Having had experience with both, I strongly recommend trying to apply to an EAP program because all classes you take abroad are approved by the UC system and you are able to use your UCR financial aid to help pay for your program.

Source. Best part about fairs is all the free swag. I’ll never have to buy pens again!

If you are interested in studying abroad I recommend attending an information session hosted by the International Education Center to help you figure where you would like to go and the type of program would be most beneficial to you overall. The next ones are being held throughout the day Wednesday October 17, Thursday October 18 as well as various days next week . You can check for specific times on the IEC website. For more specific information about a country or program, you can visit the International Education Center office which is located above Starbucks in the University Village.

Source. Scotty posing with IEC volunteers.

My personal advice for anyone who is interested in studying abroad is to visit an information session first, pick a country of interest, then schedule an appointment with either LaSharon or Mike who work in the IEC office to help you with any questions you may have about studying abroad. They will be able to list for you all the steps and requirements you may need to meet before going abroad and provide you various options if you feel that you could not study abroad during the regular school year.

Many people hesitate from trying to go abroad because of the financial aspect. The past year I’ve spent learning about different programs, countries and financial packages has taught me that if you really are committed to spending time abroad, there is a program that will fit your situation, regardless of major, time restraints and financial situation. So visit an info session, pick a country and take advantage on the chance to study in a country you never thought you’d visit!

-Rubi