Education Abroad Presents Its Annual Fall Fair

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 7, 2016) — The University of Kentucky Education Abroad (EA) program holds its annual Fall Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, in the Buell Armory.

From A to Z, the Education Abroad Fair showcases every international education opportunity available at UK. Students will find a range of global options, including study, intern, research, teach and service abroad programs. In addition, campus offices involved in the education abroad planning process, such as Financial Aid, the J. W. Stuckert Career Center and others, will be available to answer questions.

“Having any kind of experience abroad is so important given the global and multicultural world we live in,” said Andrea Gils, marketing and communications manager for the UK International Center. “While you’re abroad, you learn to develop tools and techniques that you can leverage when working in a project or meeting with a potential employer. It adds a depth of understanding to your field of study.”

The Education Abroad Fall Fair will provide students an opportunity to find a program that aligns with their academic interests and personal preferences. At the fair, students will be able to talk to UK EA’s partners and faculty who teach abroad, ask questions about scholarships and other resources, and get excited about what it is like to #seeblueabroad.

“UK has a diverse student body and we want to meet all of our students’ needs, which is why we have so many programs available to them,” Gils said. “But having many options can seem overwhelming so we want students to know we’re here for them, whether that is at the Fall Fair, at our Advising Center, or at any of our other events and workshops.”

Prior to attending the fair, education abroad adviser Niamh Minion said she recommends students to check their Major Advising Pages, which will allow them to understand how education abroad fits with their studies at UK. It will help them get started with planning their experience abroad.

“When coming to the fair it is important to have thought about some big questions about education abroad — for example — What type of experience do I want to have? Which credit do I want to earn abroad? When do I want to go? What is my price point?” Minion said. “If students think about these answers beforehand, they can really maximize their time at the fair by focusing on talking with key players there.”

In addition, UK students who are first-time passport-seekers will be able to sign up for the Education Abroad Passport Caravan. The Passport Caravan is an initiative launched by the Council on International Educational Exchange where a select group of universities, including UK, will provide students the opportunity to apply and obtain a passport on campus, free of charge.

During the fair, students are encouraged to visit the following sponsors:

Knowledge Exchange Institute (KEI): Automatic $1,000 scholarship awarded to UK students on semester and academic year KEI programs.

International Studies Abroad (ISA): UK students of diverse backgrounds planning to participate in an ISA program may apply for the UK EA Diversity Scholarship. For more details, click here.

The Education Abroad Network (TEAN): UK EA and TEAN have partnered to design an innovative new program with the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Fine Arts: Bluegrass Down Under.

Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS): UK students can apply for two $750 scholarships awards for any KIIS winter programs.

SOL Education Abroad (SOL): SOL offers $250 awards for winter programs in Latin America.

Faculty and advisors are also encouraged to attend the Education Abroad Fair. For questions regarding the event please contact Andrea Gils, UK International Center’s marketing and communications manager, at andrea.gils.uky.edu.

Considering the benefits of an education abroad program? Read the following articles.

"Want a Job? New Research Shows Studying Abroad May Get You Hired," Huffington Post

"Study Abroad Positively Impacts Personality, Study Says," Inside Higher Ed

"Research Shows College Grads Who Study with IES Abroad Get Jobs Sooner & with Higher Salaries," PR Web

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Gail Hairston, 859-257-3302, gail.hairston@uky.edu