On Sept. 26, students and professors gathered in the Union to share the various study-abroad opportunities available to students for the annual Study Abroad Fair hosted by the Global Center for Exploration.
Students who previously studied abroad shared their experiences completing individual semester or year-long programs while professors were available to speak on the faculty-led study abroad and the classes that went alongside such programs. Exchange students from other students to study in their home countries.
Kristen Catrina, associate director of the Center for Global Exploration, said that the fair benefited all students, including those who have never considered taking a study abroad trip and those dead set on engaging with the opportunity.
“There are some students who come to BW, they know they want to study abroad, they know where they want to study abroad, but then there are other students who don’t know about it,” Catrina said.
During the fair, students were able to speak one-one-one with other students about their experiences. Catrina said that she hopes more students will want to go abroad if they are more aware and informed about the opportunities available to them.
“Only ten percent of United States college students study abroad,” Catrina said. “Before COVID-19, we had forty percent of students study abroad. Now we’re around 25 percent, but we’re starting to build back up.”
Maya Norman, a junior theatre: acting & directing student, went on the faculty-led study abroad in London during her sophomore year. She said she thoroughly enjoyed the trip, with it being her first time out of the country and would “100 percent vouch” for others to go abroad as well.
“I don’t think you’ll ever get this chance to go traveling the world under this safety net,” Norman said.
She said this experience inspired her to travel more, and now she has a list of all the places she wants to go.
“We’re very fortunate, you can go almost anywhere doing our study abroad program,” Catrina said.
The minimum eligibility requirements for taking a trip include a 2.5 GPA, completion of at least one full semester at BW, and a clear student conduct record for one year. First-year students now have the opportunity to study abroad. In previous years, only sophomores and above were eligible to go.
As the after-effects of COVID-19 dwindle and the school’s programs become more available, Catrina said that she urges students to take advantage of their study abroad opportunities.
“I want students to just be aware of what their options are… and how affordable it is,” Catrina said.
Many grants and scholarships are available for those wishing to go abroad. The Center for Global Exploration is also available to help guide them through the necessary steps and preparation. Catrina said that she looks forward to the percentage of students who study abroad rising again in the coming years.
