In Photo: (LT to RT) Destani Alvarado (Study Abroad Ambassador), Mekaela Lane (Study Abroad Alumni), Chelé Rigney and Syliah Neely (Study Abroad Advisors), and Reeshi Ghosal (Study Abroad Ambassador) 

By: Bree Padgett, Contributing Writer

Between Nov. 18 and Nov. 22, South Alabama celebrated International Education Week, a time dedicated to highlighting the transformative power of global learning. To inform the campus of what opportunities are available for studying abroad, the Office of International Education and Study Abroad hosted a study abroad information fair on Nov. 20 in the downstairs lobby of the Student Center.

South’s Study Abroad program offers a lot of flexibility. There are three main ways to embark on this adventure:

• Faculty-Led Programs are perfect for first-time travelers. USA students are joined by a professor or two as guides. These summer trips are South’s most popular, taking students to exciting destinations like Greece, Italy, and Taiwan.
• Exchange Programs offer the classic study-abroad experience, allowing students to spend a semester or more fully immersed in another country’s culture, attending classes and living like a local.
• Affiliate Programs open the door to internships, language courses, and hands-on experiences. These programs can be tailored to your goals.

The biggest misconception about studying abroad is that it’s too expensive. Destani Alvarado, a South student and study-abroad advocate, said “I received two scholarships, and they covered over half my program cost.” South Alabama offers both internal and external scholarships, and workshops are held to help students navigate the application process.

Alvarado’s advice for getting the most out of studying abroad is simple: focus on the experiences. “Spend your money on excursions, not just souvenirs,” said Alvarado. She suggested that first-time study abroad students should dive into activities that are immersive in nature, like joining cooking classes, dance lessons, or exploring local music traditions.

For Alvarado, her experience solidified what she wanted to do with her career. “[Study Abroad] opens your eyes to how different—and yet similar—people are across the world,” Alvarado said.

When asked to describe South’s Study Abroad Fair in one word, Alvarado didn’t hesitate: colorful. From the array of programs and destinations to the diversity of participants and faculty, the fair captured the vibrancy of global education.

To learn more, visit South’s Study Abroad office on the second floor of Meisler Hall or check out their website.