Students explore study opportunities at fair

By Ginny Galvin
Online Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer

The CSU study abroad programs hosted The Study Abroad Fair on Oct. 20, prompting many Cal State Long Beach students to stroll the LA building walkway.

The fair provided an opportunity for students to talk to program directors and alumni, and have their questions answered. The International Program (IP), a study abroad organization in existence for more than 40 years, is associated with the CSU system and extends their course studies in 17 countries worldwide.

Geoff Webb, a student services representative of IP, was at a booth on Wednesday to promote the academic program. "The IP is designed upon the academic needs of students and of CSU majors," Webb said. "The focus is to concentrate on course requirements for a major and have units transfer from the universities. We place strong emphasis on the academic structure of the program, and in return, it helps enrich the students' experience."

CSULB student, Robin Watkins, excelled in the IP program last year, lived in Kingston, England and gained more than she had hoped for. As a business major she was not only able to read about the operations of other countries, but witness them first hand and acquire a new understanding for business.

"I am really at an advantage. My current business classes are discussing international business strategies that I was able to encounter while studying in England," Watkins said.

Watkins also worked their booth and shared her personal experience with interested students and encouraged them to study abroad. "Studying abroad is something that everyone should experience," she said. "Every person will take away something different from the program and it will stay with them their whole lives."

Webb emphasized the personal enhancement that students acquire while living outside their home country. A large amount of time is spent outside the classroom, which gives students the ability to explore different perspectives about the world around them.

Such a wonderful opportunity is often thought to be too expensive, but the IP is an affordable program that caters to students. Financial aid, loans and scholarships are available to students who meet the requirements. Applicants must be a CSU student, have a declared major and meet the minimum GPA requirement. However, out of the 1,100 applicants last year, IP was able to send 700 students to various countries.

As students around the IP booth learned of the affordability of the program, they helped themselves to the brochures.

Second year student, Greg Fowler, explored the IP booth during the event. "I want to experience other cultures and live outside the U.S.," he said. "IP is the perfect opportunity."

Third year student, Abbie Orr, has other motives to study abroad. "I am a sociology major and will minor in criminology and want to explore the criminal justice systems in other countries."

Webb said IP is planning to add more substance to the program in the future. "We will be looking to extend our program into countries or universities that will hold the best interest of the students."