Students filled the Memorial Union Loading Dock Wednesday to learn about the 40 different countries in which there are UND study abroad programs.

The Office of International Programs hosted a semi-annual Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday at the Memorial Union Loading Dock.

The event showcased the variety of study abroad destinations and programs available at UND and gave those interested an opportunity to speak with students and advisors who have participated.

Study Abroad Adviser Neva Hendrickson’s goal is to let students know “the world is much smaller than they think.”

“There is a different way of doing things than just the American way,” she said. “We want to challenge their beliefs that they have held.”

According to many of students at the fair, studying abroad can be a worthwhile experience for those who choose to do it.

“For me, I learned a lot about myself,” participant Emina Mujcic said at the fair. “I grew as a person. You don’t get to until you’re put into that situation where you have to.”

There are three core benefits associated with studying abroad, according to Hendrickson.

“The academic benefit allows students to explore areas of study,” she said. “Personal benefits entail the maturity, responsibility, and independence that students gain. The professional benefits are promotion and salary increases at higher rates than students who don’t study abroad.”

Less than 3 percent of the U.S. student body population studies abroad, Hendrickson said. Those who do are really “setting [themselves] apart.”

To students who feel intimidated by their lack of knowledge of a particular region and its language, Hendrickson provides a little comfort.

“I think the main thing is that regardless of where you go, people are people,” she said. “It’s nothing that students can’t handle, and we really try to get them prepared prior to their departure.”

Veteran advice

Study abroad participant Chris Johnson also assured hesitant potential study-abroaders not to be made uneasy by being surrounded by a foreign language.

“I studied abroad in Norway three times, so I know Norwegian,” he said. “But it wasn’t necessary. Everyone there speaks English.”

Some students at the event were not so enthusiastic with the idea of studying abroad.

“It’s expensive, and people want to finish school efficiently – some of the credits don’t count.” Mujcic remarked. “If it’s an exchange program through UND, where you pay UND tuition, the credits should all transfer. If it’s an exchange program, it means that our school has accredited them (and vice versa).”

In terms of efficiency, however, Johnson found a way to be extremely productive.

“I did 15 credits in six weeks, during the summer (in Norway), so I would say that’s pretty efficient,” Johnson said with a smile.

Hendrickson leaves students with a piece of advice.

“I think there’s a lot of things we don’t necessarily see the value of right now and we’re gonna wish we had done,” she said. “A lot of students say ‘I’m going to travel when I’m older, or when I have my career, I just want to get through school,’ but what they don’t realize is as you get older and get more responsibilities, it becomes harder and harder to step out.

“There’s something really unique about being a student in another country. There’s the freedom to explore.”

Paula Kaledzi is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at [email protected].