Pitt hosts Study Abroad Fair today

Pitt’s Study Abroad Office will host its Fall Study Abroad Fair today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m…. Pitt’s Study Abroad Office will host its Fall Study Abroad Fair today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the William Pitt Union Assembly Room to help students answer questions they might have about studying abroad.

The fair will introduce students to the wide variety of study abroad options available to them, said Tiffany Martin, director of the University Center for International Studies.

Students can choose from about 800 different programs, Martin said. Some programs are as short as two weeks, while others last for a full year.

Representatives from both Panther Programs and study abroad programs affiliated with Pitt will table at the fair. Panther Programs are study abroad programs put together by Pitt faculty; the classes taken while abroad go toward academic credit, and most count toward a student’s GPA.

Pitt alumni who have previously participated in programs will also attend the fair to speak with students, and Study Abroad Office interns will answer questions about many programs.  The Study Abroad Office worked with about 1,400 students who went abroad last year.

Program manager and Study Abroad adviser Ben Pilcher said the Study Abroad program is constantly growing. The University tries to add one or more programs each year.

New this year is a Pitt in Greece Program, as well as a Pitt in India Program in the Himalayas, both set for summer 2011.

Intern Timothy Kraus has studied in Chile, Peru and Germany through the office. He said he believes that almost anyone can find a location to suit his or her needs.

“Students who want an in-depth cultural back flip — Eastern European, African, Asian, and South American countries are a good choice. For those who may not want a complete 180, there are Western European and Australian programs,” Kraus said.

Both Kraus and Martin said the advantages of spending time abroad are numerous.

“Being able to immerse yourself completely in any culture is an eye-opening decision,” he said. “Pitt makes it very easy to study abroad compared to other universities.”

Martin cited studying abroad as a way for students to set themselves apart at graduation.

“It is a great opportunity for students to gain knowledge about a different region,” he said. “It shows future employers that you are willing to leave western Pennsylvania.”

Those planning to go abroad should start planning a year in advance, Martin said. They should also talk to their advisers and save some general education requirements that can be fulfilled while abroad.  For more information students can go to www.abroad.pitt.edu or visit the Study Abroad Office in 802 William Pitt Union.