Filled with worldwide possibilities, the International Programs Fair brought study abroad programs into focus Feb. 28.

The fair showcased the possibilities for students to travel abroad, Donna Anderson, director of the Institute for Study Abroad, said. Students were able to talk to spokespersons from UW-La Crosse and UW-Stout as well.

UW-Platteville has a tie with these schools and UW-Oshkosh through the College Consortium of International Studies, Anderson said. Through this association, students are able to choose from a wider variety of study abroad programs.

The fair also included people from the post office, Career Center, Financial Aid and the Student Travel Agency.

“We want the students to know the ‘how to’s’ to get started with their study abroad experience,” Anderson said.

The post office provided applications for students to apply for their passports. The travel agency also had information about International Student ID cards, and general travel information.

“We wanted to bring together all the international programs, because it does get a bit confusing for students,” Russ Braby, Study Abroad adviser, said.

The programs UW-P has to offer include semester-long, short-term, one-on-one exchanges, faculty exchange and summer programs, Anderson said. Many students don’t realize there are opportunities beyond the semester programs.

“Students should take advantage of the opportunity they have here,” Abbie Wiegel, a social science comprehension senior, said.

Many options are available for students wishing to pursue a study abroad program. The financial aid office was available during the fair to talk to students about scholarship opportunities and paying for the program, Anderson said. Grants and scholarships are available for all types of programs offered through UW-P and the affiliated schools.

“After talking to students who have studied abroad, they say you can’t put a dollar amount on the experience,” Anderson said.

The number one goal of the fair was to promote the study abroad programs on campus, Wiegel said.

If there is a possibility of a student wanting to study abroad, but he or she is unsure if he or she has the time or resources, it is encouraged for him or her to stop by the study abroad offices, Anderson said.

“I hear people say they totally regret not doing it when they had the chance,” Braby said.

Even if you missed the fair, there is still time to sign up for a summer or fall study abroad program, Braby said. The deadline for Fiji and Seville, Spain, is April 1. The deadline for fall is from April 15 to May 15, depending on the program.

Facebook groups are also set up for the different programs where students can check out each location and get a little information from alumni of each program. Information sessions will also be held throughout the rest of semester, specific to each program.

“I encourage students to talk with Russ or myself,” Anderson said. “We can set up an appointment and take steps to making it a reality.”

For more information, contact Russ Braby at 342-1010, or Donna Anderson at 342-1727. The study abroad offices are located on the first floor of Royce Hall.