The Programs Abroad Office held its annual Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 24, to provide students with an overview of several overseas programs.  The event was free to all students, and some of the most prominent study abroad programs were in attendance.

The Programs Abroad Office seeks to educate students about the importance of studying abroad during a college career.  They encourage all undergraduate students in all majors to strongly consider spending a semester overseas.

"With the job market as competitive as it is, anything a student can do to get a competitive edge, the better off they will be," Senior Coordinator of the Programs Abroad Office, Alisa Meador, said.

Many departments at the University of Tennessee are realizing that their students need a competitive edge.  According to the Programs Abroad Office, the Engineering Department has provided more support for overseas programs and encourages it to entice foreign exchange students to attend UT.  Students studying International Business are now required to spend a semester abroad.

The job market, however, is not the only reason students should consider studying abroad.

"As part of a liberal arts education, studying abroad provides students with life skills. They gain independence, learn to work through different processes, work with different types of people, and gain different perspectives that are unlike anything you can find on campus.  Overall, the student gains confidence," Meador said.

"As part of a liberal arts education, studying abroad provides students with life skills.  They gain independence, learn to work through different processes, work with different types of people, and gain different perspectives that are unlike anything you can find on campus.  Overall, the student gains confidence." Alisa Meador, Senior Coordinator of the Programs Abroad Office

Students often hesitate about studying abroad.  Here are some concerns that the Programs Abroad Office believes should not prevent students from considering to study abroad:

1.  Cost.  Several years ago, cost was a great concern for many students who desired to study abroad.  However, UT allows students to use the financial aid package that they receive currently to cover the cost of these programs, as long as they are UT approved programs.  This includes all Federal Family Education Loan Programs, such as Stafford loans. 

Also, the Student Senate passed a resolution that created the Center for International Education Undergraduate Study Abroad Scholarship, which is funded by the student body through a $5 fee added to their tuition statements.  This scholarship has been extremely important for students wishing to travel abroad during the summer, as federal aid offered for this semester is limited.

2.  Regional Availability.  For many American students, the United Kingdom, Australia and Western Europe have been popular destinations for studying abroad due to the limited language barrier.  For those students seeking a challenge, the Programs Abroad Office can assist in finding a program outside the traditional areas. 

In recent years, South America has seen a great increase in students interested in studying there.  As Asia plays a greater role in International Business, more and more programs are being offered in places like Japan and China.  There are even national scholarship programs solely devoted to sending students to Asia and other areas where language fluency is a critical need, such as the Middle East.

3.  Getting Behind in Curriculum.  Many students believe that studying abroad for a semester will put them a semester behind of their expected graduation.  The curricula offered by these programs will not set a student back.  These programs offer both core components and major courses that adhere to curriculum guidelines.

4.  "I'm a Graduate Student." Even if students fear that they have lost their opportunity to study abroad because they never did it as an undergraduate, there are programs that allow graduate students to study overseas under an individualized program.  However, graduate students are more likely to go overseas as part of their research for their degree.

Students interested in studying abroad should contact the Programs Abroad Office to find a program that fits their individual needs.