Study Abroad Week: The World Is Calling

For Radford University students looking to enrich their college experience, a variety of international education opportunities will be featured through Friday during the International Education Center’s (IEC) Study Abroad Week.

The 2012 Study Abroad Fair will begin today with a weeklong series of information sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Bonnie Plaza. Information will be available on the excitement and value of international education and the steps necessary to take advantage of opportunities to learn while traveling.

Last year, nearly 140 RU students studied abroad. Of those, 115 took part in 13 Radford faculty-led programs, and the rest participated in affiliate programs or semester exchanges.

"We work closely with faculty and academic advisors to develop a plan of study that will allow a student who wishes to study abroad to graduate on time," said Teresa King, IEC director and immigration counselor. "With proper planning, any major can study abroad, and now is the time to start the planning."

King cited U.S. government surveys that conclude, "Graduates who have studied abroad, or participated in professional work experiences in other countries, will have a distinct advantage in the job market." She added that study abroad experience on a resume demonstrates independence, self-confidence and experience in the global marketplace.

RU students have the option to study abroad for a semester, an academic year or a short-term summer program. Students can choose to be part of a faculty-led program during the summer, Wintermester or spring break with an RU affiliate like Semester at Sea or with one of eight RU exchange partners like France’s Blaise Pascal University, Kassel University in Germany or Kansai Gaidai University in Japan. An art program in Rome is being planned for Wintermester 2012, and 2013's spring break programs include study in France, the Netherlands and the Galapagos Islands.

The following events will explore international opportunities during 2012 Study Abroad Week:

Study Abroad Fair. Monday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bonnie Plaza. Rain location: Bonnie combo room.

• Study Abroad 101. Exploration, process and preparation to study abroad. Tuesday, 4 p.m., Bonnie 248.
   
• Funding Your Study Abroad Experience. Wednesday, 4 p.m., Bonnie 248.
   
• Building Global Competence: Applying the Study Abroad Experience to Your Career. Thursday, 3:30 p.m., Bonnie 248.
   
• East Meets West: Kirk Scholars Study Abroad in China or Taiwan. Thursday, 5 p.m., Heth 44.

For more on the IEC’s Study Abroad Week, visit the IEC online or the IEC’s Resource Center in Cook 108, or call (540) 831-6200.