On September 11, the Office of International Programs offered the annual Study Abroad Fair in the Babbio Atrium. With 11 providers and hundreds of programs to explore, the fair provides a chance to learn more about the countries involved and the exciting opportunities available.
The Study Abroad Fair helps students to learn and compare the different programs offered. There is a large variety of opportunities, from internships, winter and summer terms, community service, exchange programs, global semesters, research, and spring break courses. While many providers returned, a new addition was representation from Stevens’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders, which had a table to promote its service project in Peru. This August, some of its members traveled to their partner community in the Andes for the assessment phase of the project.
When the fair began in 2014, there were around 50 attendees. That number has since expanded to over 200, leading to more students sharing their experiences. During the fair, Global Ambassadors, study abroad students, and exchange students were available to answer any questions. Meanwhile, representatives provided QR codes, email sign-ups, contact cards, and flyers. Some provided details for in-person info sessions after the fair’s conclusion.
Susi Rachouh, the Director of International Programs, emphasized that any student in any major can study abroad. Most students study abroad during a summer or J-term, which refers to a period between semesters, and take a general elective or humanities course. Rachouh states that it isn’t just the course that’s important but the experience from exploring a new country.
Stevens stresses the importance of soft skills like resilience and flexibility. “One of my favorite ones to talk about is the skill of tolerating ambiguity,” Rachouh explains. “You don’t always know what’s happening. […] You don’t always know what’s going on. Things are ambiguous. When you’re actually in the country and walking around, […] you might not know everything or even the academics exactly. You will build up your muscle of being able to tolerate that you don’t know exactly what’s happening all the time.”
Rachouh notes that students question how studying abroad will help their careers. She illustrates that many employers look for students who are independent. When students return from their trip, many bring up their newfound sense of independence because their parents and friends aren’t there. In addition, it builds confidence and cultural awareness. It introduces students to a whole new network of people in the same field who have been taught differently, allowing them to understand the academic differences between cultures. Study abroad alumni recall that they look at the world with a different lens.
If interested students wish to learn more, they can attend the weekly info sessions on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. (and occasionally at 4 p.m.) at Babbio 321. A reminder will be sent through emails and will be posted on DuckLink. More events like Lessons from Abroad, a panel with study abroad alumni, will occur throughout the year. Depending on their last name, students can book an appointment with either Rachouh or Jane Winthrop, Assistant Director of International and Special Programs, to understand more about the program options, application requirements, or other important information. However, freshmen must wait until November to schedule meetings.
“Understanding the world is an important part of any student’s education,” Rachouh says. “What better way to do it than to explore through study abroad.”
