Expo provides study abroad options
University of Indianapolis hosted the fifth annual Study Abroad Expo on Oct. 26 in Schwitzer Student Center as an opportunity for prospective students to gain insight and obtain information on new and existing study abroad programs.
The cultural center from at the University of Indianapolis Athens campus provides an overlook of the city of Athens. Photo by Jacki Dillman.
The event featured various programs with which UIndy has partnerships. Participating countries included Australia, Belize, China, England and others. Most of these partnerships were established though College Consortium for International Studies. According to Study Abroad Advisor Breezy Wente, UIndy has been a member of CCIS and one of the partners since 1995.
The expo emphasized the importance of study abroad and its benefits.
“When students study abroad, they learn about different cultures and different customs, but they will also gain cultural experience and confidence,” said Jason Keeling, study abroad coordinator for Edge Hill University in England. “It’s a life-changing experience.”
There are other reasons students may want to study abroad.
“Students learn more than just language or the cultural differences,” Wente said. “They become more independent because they have to.”
Wente said that studying abroad also gives students a chance to relax a bit and provides a change of lifestyle from the fast-paced society in the U.S. to a different social environment.
UIndy hosts the expo each year to promote new programs and try to recruit students to go out and explore the world while they study.
An informational session followed the expo.
Representatives of different campuses and programs brought artifacts and videos to showcase their respective countries.
More information is available at the International Division in Schwitzer Student Center.
