The Saint Anselm College Study Abroad program was showcased on Wednesday, September 10^th at the Study Abroad Fair in the lobby of Davison Hall. The fair was intended for students of all grades and majors to learn more about the wide array of opportunities to go international during their college experience.

Representatives from the many international programs offered through Saint A’s were present to answer questions and spur interest. Lee Frankel from Academic Studies Abroad (ASA) said that the biggest concern that students usually have when considering studying abroad is the cost.

“Students worry about how they’re going to pay, but in most cases it’s not more expensive,” he said, “and in some cases it can even be less expensive.” Another comforting fact came from Julia Dougherty, the Director of the Arcadia University program.  She said that students who travel with her program often have no trouble with transferring credits back to Saint A’s because the credits received are through a US institution.

In addition, all representatives adamantly credited their experienced and dedicated staff as a reason for success with study abroad students.

The fair held in Davison buzzed with an elevated level of excitement this year as this is the first year that sophomores will be able to study abroad. Sarah Goolkasian, the Director of the Study Abroad Office here on campus, was also present at the fair.  She mentioned that there has been a considerable amount of interest so far in the new sophomore program.

“There are a lot of people that have asked about it, and there are already a few that are doing it for sure.”

Sophomores are now allowed to study abroad during the second semester on a case-by-case basis due to the recent curriculum changes that included implementation of a one-year humanities program as opposed to the previous two-year program.

The procedure for sophomores to study abroad is only slightly different from the procedure for upperclassmen; it requires one additional form in which students are asked to justify their reasons for wanting to go during their sophomore year, as well as an academic recommendation.

The new sophomore eligibility is especially important for students who want to travel internationally but have majors with very strict course requirements, like those who major in education.

When asked why it is important for students in general to consider studying abroad, Goolkasian said that future employers love to see it, but that “even more important is getting students to reach out of their comfort zone.” For those who are looking to study abroad or just looking to ask a question, Sarah Goolkasian’s office is located on the third floor of Cushing.