The UC Ballroom was abuzz Jan. 28 with the sights and sounds of the Spring Study Abroad Fair.

More than 40 representatives from various abroad and exchange programs were in attendance.

Numerous students were in attendance, including some who had studied abroad before. Adena Lane, a senior in English, had just returned from a semester in Monterrey, Mexico.

"I want to go back," Lane said. "For anybody thinking of studying abroad, I say go and follow your dream." "For anybody thinking of studying abroad, I say go and follow your dream." Adena Lane

In addition to the traditional direct exchange programs, some university professors were promoting their own programs. Luis Cano, associate professor in Spanish, spoke about the department's programs in Santander and Alicante, Spain and Puebla, Mexico. He also pointed out an advantage to the faculty program.

"Our summer programs are linked to the coursework at UT," Cano said. Grades obtained in these classes go directly to the students' transcripts without having to write petitions."

Both Cano and Noah Rost, Senior Programs Abroad Coordinator, spoke about the benefits of studying abroad.

"Many American students think that studying abroad is just something you do, to round out your education," Rost said. "The truth is that it makes you very competitive. Employers will look for something that sets you apart from the other numerous qualified candidates."

"Studying abroad is a wonderful experience," Cano said. "The benefits are both personal and academic.  It gives students a valuable insight into different cultures, helps them to improve their language skills, and probably more important, helps them to continue growing as human beings."

Anyone who may have missed the fair shouldn't worry. The Programs Abroad Office, located at 1620 Melrose Ave., holds information sessions at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday for people looking for information on programs and scholarships.