Global Education Office hosts ninth annual International Expo
The Global Education Office at the Reves Center for International Studies will host its annual International Expo/Study Abroad Fair on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 12-3 p.m. in Trinkle Hall at the Campus Center. The event is free and open to William & Mary students and families.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about W&M’s 14 summer programs, 16 semester tuition exchange programs, four sponsored semester programs and external study abroad programs hosted by third-party organizations.
Students and parents will be able to chat with returned study abroad students, ask questions of the Global Education Office staff and discuss program options with non-W&M study abroad companies.
“The annual International Expo is a wonderful opportunity for students and parents to explore study abroad options available to William & Mary undergraduates,” said Sylvia Mitterndorfer, director of global education. “Our goal is for students and their families to be able to access information all in one place, meet faculty and students who have participated in programs, and gather information about study abroad options from around the world. In addition, a study abroad advisor and representative from the Financial Aid office will be available to answer questions about funding a study abroad experience.”
Over 40 percent of William & Mary undergraduates study abroad during their academic career, last year in 41 countries. Molly DeStafney, assistant director for study abroad operations, encourages students and families to think of studying abroad in terms of a student’s overall education rather than as a stand-alone experience.
“Studying abroad is a vital component to global education and to becoming more aware of the world beyond our borders, be it the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, the East Coast or the United States,” she said. “The experience is often transformative for students, allowing them to gain a perspective not only on another culture, but it also provides a different vantage point to reflect on their own culture, education and values.”
Debi DeBacco, coordinator of global education programs and services, encourages students and families to attend the Expo in order to speak with returned study abroad students.
“Come to the International Expo to see all the study abroad opportunities available to W&M students," she said. "It’s a wonderful opportunity to talk to students who have studied abroad and learn how it has changed their perspectives and goals.”
For more information on the International Expo contact wmabroad@wm.edu.
