10-9-98

OHIO STATE STUDENTS INVITED TO STUDY ABROAD FAIR OCT. 16

	COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University Office of International 
Education will host its annual Study Abroad Fair Oct. 16, introducing 
students to overseas opportunities ranging from a Shakespeare class 
in Great Britain to a short-term study program in South Africa and 
Zimbabwe.

	The Study Abroad Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday (10/16) at Oxley Hall, 1712 Neil Ave.  Ohio State students
will find information on the Office of International Education’s
90-plus programs taking place in more than 35 countries.  The fair 
will feature a variety of international foods and music.  Information 
on more than 30 overseas programs managed by other organizations also 
will be displayed.  Last year, the event drew 800 participants.

     Ohio State University annually sends approximately 675 students 
abroad for programs sponsored by the Office of International 
Education.  An estimated 325 more students travel overseas as part of 
employment, internship or academic initiatives, said Carlo Colecchia, 
coordinator of Study Abroad.

     Colecchia said almost any university major can support an  
overseas element of study, and financial aid may be applied to most 
study abroad settings.  Advocates for study abroad note overseas 
travel boosts students’ self-confidence and promotes proficiency in a 
second language -- though fluency in a foreign language is not 
required for some programs.

	“The enhancement to career building also is key in an  
environment of increasing global competition,” Colecchia said.  
“Having a cultural context and sensitivity on a firsthand basis
can help students secure jobs after graduation.”

	In addition to the fair, walk-in advising is available with a 
Study Abroad adviser between 10 a.m. and noon and from 1 p.m. to 
4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Oxley Hall.

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Contact:  Carlo Colecchia or John Greisberger, (614) 292-6101