by Tara Touloumis
Imagine being able to travel from England to France in a matter of moments, nibbling on a traditional English tea biscuit as you complete your journey. Latin America is across the room, Australia is a few feet to your left and from this angle, the cookies in Italy appear downright irresistible.
The first floor lounge of the campus center was transformed into a miniature United Nations as the study abroad office hosted their second annual Study Abroad Fair on Tuesday. Students wandered through several rows of impressive display tables, picking up leaflets about Fairfield’s variety of study abroad programs while munching on customary snacks from a variety of exotic destinations.
In addition to information tables stacked with pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and food, the fair included presentations that began approximately every 30 minutes and discussed many of the programs in depth. One of these presentations, entitled “Planning Ahead – A Session for Freshmen and Sophomores,” perhaps best captures one of the study abroad office’s major goals in hosting the fair.
“With the growth of study abroad at Fairfield, I want to start students thinking about study abroad options early on,” said Susan Fitzgerald, director of study abroad programs and associate dean of University College. In addition to providing the opportunity for exploration of all Fairfield’s possibilities, the annual fair also fosters early thought about fitting an abroad experience in a student’s undergraduate career, said Fitzgerald.
Students who have already studied abroad volunteered at the fair, offering insight to potential travelers. Although some of the students who worked at the fair were paid, most were volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to discuss their travels.
“I decided to work this fair because I had fun in London and I wanted to share my experiences,” said Richard Brennan ’06, who manned the England information table for over two hours.
Biology major Anne Morris ’06 wanted to let other science majors know that despite a rigorous course load, traveling abroad is still an option.
“My experience in Costa Rica was absolutely amazing,” she said. “I studied tropical biology while I was there. There aren’t very many opportunities for science students to go abroad, so I’m here today to let students know that it is possible to be a science major and go abroad”
In addition to imparting his knowledge about studying in China, Alex Martinez ’06 volunteered at the fair in order to convince more students to seriously consider Asia as a destination.
“I think there are not enough people interested in going to Asia, especially China, ” he said. “And many people don’t realize how important it is to keep China in mind,”
Wandering around looking overwhelmed and even dazed, it was clear that many students were surprised at the number of destinations Fairfield offers.
“There was lots of information [available] that I previously didn’t know,” said Stacey Molski ’08. She said she attended the fair because it offered information she was unable to obtain through her own Internet research, including first-hand accounts from other Fairfield students who have studied abroad.
Michelle Wolstromer ’08 also stressed the value of being able to talk to other students who have already experienced life abroad.
“[Attending the fair is] a lot easier than looking online to find out information because you actually talk to people who have been there,” she said.
Organizers of the fair said they spent nearly the entire summer preparing through staff meetings, where they reflected on last year’s fair. Not suprisingly, considering the immense amount of planning, there was no shortage of volunteers willing to help out. Both faculty and students jumped at the chance to participate, said Fitzgerald.
When asked to estimate the number of people who attended at least some portion of the fair, Christine Bowers, assistant director of study abroad programs, was unable to produce a figure.
“It’s been so busy, I haven’t been able to count,” she said as she hustled between tables to assist a long line of students. Fitzgerald estimates that several hundred attended.
“It’s been a rousing success,” Fitzgerald said. “We haven’t stopped!”
Students interested in learning more about study abroad programs should contact the office of international education at extension 4332 or visit their website at http://www.fairfield.edu/studyabroad.xml.
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