STUDY ABROAD FAIR HIGHLIGHTS MORE THAN 100 OVERSEAS PROGRAMS

   COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University Office of International Education will host its annual Study Abroad Fair Oct. 15, introducing students to overseas opportunities ranging from a London theater program to summer studies in Ghana.

   The Study Abroad Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 15 at Oxley Hall, 1712 Neil Ave. Ohio State students will find information on the Office of International Education's 100- 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 1,000 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.

   "Study abroad challenges students personally, and will help them in the job market. Employers value individuals who exhibit cross-cultural professionalism, and study abroad is a venue which will help students understand differences among people and themselves," Colecchia said.

   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.

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