Study abroad fair showcases opportunities

Students learned about Winter Term and semester-long study programs available in a variety of foreign countries during Elon's first Study Abroad fair, held Tuesday, Sept. 20 in McKinnon Hall. Details...

More than two dozen representatives from Elon’s various study abroad offerings in countries such as Australia, China, England and Italy were on hand to answer questions and provide information about their specific programs. Academic advisors were available to help students select study abroad programs that fit their major field of study. Staff members from campus offices such as financial planning and career services were also available.

In addition, information was available on five new summer study abroad programs, including Spain, Mexico, full-time internships in London, studies at Herstmonceux Castle in England, and International Summer School at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. New semester abroad programs in Costa Rica, South Africa and Germany were also featured.

Linda Holland, executive director of Mesoamerica, the Institute of Central American Studies in Costa Rica, traveled to Elon for the fair. “A lot of students are coming by and they are interested in what we have to offer,” said Holland. “Elon has done a Winter Term program for 17 years in Costa Rica, but this is the first year of the semester program. I know once students come down for the program, it will take off.”

Malcolm Wellby was one of two students from Sussex University in England at the fair. Wellby is studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this year and was asked to represent Sussex at today’s fair. “It seems like a lot of students are interested in Sussex, where it is and what it has to offer,” Wellby said. “I’m glad I could attend.”

Emma Jones, study abroad advisor and publicity coordinator for the Isabella Cannon Centre for International Studies, thinks the fair helps students make wise decisions about study abroad options.

“This gives students the chance to compare and contrast programs at the same time,” said Jones. “I hope we can do this every year.”