On September 13, the Office of International Programs held its annual Study Abroad Fair in the Babbio Center, featuring the various organizations and institutions Stevens works with, as well as Ducks who have recently returned from all corners of the world. This year’s fair comes at an exciting time, as the Office of International Programs recently launched its shiny new website, making international programs more accessible than ever for adventurous students. Using the new portal, students will find it much easier to discover, research, and apply for programs in over 100 countries across six continents. If the new portal didn’t make it easy enough to discover the right program, the Office of International Programs also hosts information sessions every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. to help students find their very own destination.
In the past academic year, 140 Stevens students studied abroad across five continents. Thanks to the new study abroad site, keeping track of these students is easier than ever for Susi Rachouh, the director of the Office of International Programs, who says it also allows for students to find their own information about programs much more easily and intuitively. Ms. Rachouh also hopes curious students seek out their peers who have already studied abroad, especially Global Ambassadors, who are students who have studied abroad in the past and now volunteer to encourage and inform other students about international programs. There is also a questionnaire feature within the new portal that Ms. Rachouh recommends; While all students must meet with the Office of International Programs before studying abroad, the questionnaire allows students to get a head start and quickly find their favorite programs all on their own.
Also on offer at this year’s study abroad fair is a variety of winter break—or “J term”—programs. For students who find semester programs daunting or who already have summer plans, J term programs are still an amazing opportunity to experience another country and earn some extra course credits. As of now, over 30 students are set to study abroad between semesters this winter. J term programs are also eligible for the same Pinnacle and Clark scholar stipends as summer programs, allowing eligible students to truly maximize their winters.
Students in their first or second year of study are especially well-suited for international programs. Because high-level, major-specific courses are mostly only available at Stevens, students who still have the chance to satisfy their elective and humanities requirements have much more freedom in their program choices. While each and every student has a unique experience when they study in another country, a common sentiment among the students at the Study Abroad fair was that no student who chooses to study abroad goes on to regret their decision.
Interested students should keep their eyes out for regular emails regarding events regarding international opportunities, or visit the Office of International Programs on the 9th floor of the Howe Center. Additionally, the new portal can be accessed through the myStevens site.
