Studying abroad may seem a daunting task to those who feel that they lack adequate proficiency or confidence in a second language. However, with the help of faculty advisors, past study abroad students and representatives from various countries, the University hopes to encourage more participation in the program.

The Study Abroad Fair, located in Illini Union Room C from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, allows students an opportunity to get a glimpse at various resources, costs and descriptions of programs offered through the University.

Students are able to spend time looking around without committing an afternoon to learning about the different aspects of the study abroad program, said Erika Ryser, the associate director at the Study Abroad Office.

“The professional advisors – the study abroad office staff – will be there to answer questions about programs,” she said. “There will also be returned students as well as students from those countries, who will be there to speak about those programs and about their experience.”

“I recommend (studying abroad) to everyone I talk to because it was such a great experience,” said Jodi Hockensmith, junior in education. Hockensmith, who went to Granada, Spain for six weeks over the summer, tells students considering studying abroad to “have an open mind.”

Carrie Murrow, junior in LAS, said her experience studying abroad in Milan, Italy was worthwhile. “It was awesome,” she said of her trip last summer. “It was the best experience in my life.”

For students who plan to major in something other than a language, studying abroad can still be an option. The College of Business and the College of Engineering will also be at the fair to discuss study abroad options for students in the different programs.

Murrow, a psychology major, said she went to Italy because she was interested in the language and culture.

A student doesn’t have to be fluent to be able to study the local language, said Ryser.

The University boasts a wide variety of study abroad opportunities for students with at least one program in every region. Mexico, South Africa, Russia, Italy, Ghana, Thailand and Vietnam are some of the countries where study is available in the English language.

“(The Study Abroad Fair) is just a nice way to get a picture of the wide array of study abroad options,” said Ryser.

Students may benefit from the experiences of many returned study abroad students and international students at the Union. If they cannot attend the fair, the resource room – Room 124 of the International Studies Building, 910 S. Fifth St. – is always staffed with either a professional staff member or a student peer advisor, who is somebody that returned from studying abroad in the last year or two.

“Our office encourages, of course, anybody to study abroad, but particularly language majors so they can be immersed in the language. It makes you so much more confident and competent in that language,” she said. “It’s really honestly to your benefit.”

Students interested in study abroad should consult with the study abroad office and their academic advisor. Professional advisors with the study abroad office aid students in choosing a program suitable for their life and career goals, as well as preparing them for their experience living and communicating in a different culture. Academic advisors can provide information about courses that transfer for University credit. They are also knowledgeable when it comes to choosing the best place to study based upon the foreign school’s reputation and how that correlates with a student’s career goals.

The resource room also offers First Steps, the program that allows students to become familiar with the study abroad options, and offers guidance in choosing a program right for them. First Steps holds sessions every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. No appointments are needed.

“The earlier you can plan your courses out and your path for the four years, the sooner you will be able to make the best use academically of your time abroad,” said Ryser.