The study abroad fair took place last Thursday, giving students the opportunity to explore their options and learn about study away experiences that nearly 50 percent of Gusties partake in.

More than 250 students gathered at the fair to learn about studying abroad. Some knew what they were looking for, others were just beginning their search.

Study Abroad Advisor Jill Fischer led the fair in hopes of helping students along this unique learning experience.

“A person should study abroad because, especially today, we’re very interconnected. I think it’s really important to learn how to be a cross-cultural person that you can apply to your regular life, but also your work life. Study away is a natural extension of our liberal arts education,” Fischer said.

Studying abroad gives students an opportunity to learn in ways that may not be possible in a traditional classroom. Meghan McMillan ‘12 now works for the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS), and was at the study abroad fair. She talked about the impact that studying abroad in Australia had on her.

“You empower yourself with so many more skills. You are able to learn not only about yourself, but about the country. You are never going to have a chance to live and feel like you are a part of that country,” McMillan said.

Studying abroad can open doors for students to learn what they are passionate about and may even influence them in their job search in the future. McMillan’s experiences while travelling influenced her while at Gustavus, leading her to working with study abroad students.

“I came back and just fell in love with study abroad and the whole idea of going abroad and getting that experience,” McMillan said.

There is a variety of study away options for students to explore. Unique to Gustavus are the three faculty led options to Sweden, Malaysia, and India. Besides these experiences, the school works with other programs to give students as many opportunities possible.

Senior English Major Olivia Del Viscio is a CICE Peer Advisor and intern and studied in Rome, Italy last spring.

“We have 120 different program options so that students have the ability to pick the program that works best for them,” Del Viscio said.

Students must find a way to narrow down which type of program will fit best, a process that emphasizes the individual.

The advisors are interested in helping each student find a program that meets his or her goals for studying away. Students can make an appointment with a Peer Advisor in the study abroad office to learn about the variety of options available.

“In our initial interview process, we sit down with the student to streamline what he or she wants to achieve while abroad,” Del Viscio said. 

The bottom line of the study abroad fair is clear.

“Plan early. With planning, we send all majors abroad. Come in and talk to us,” Fischer said.

Students can get more information about studying away by making an appointment with a Peer Advisor to discuss their goals and options.

-Laura Isdahl