Study Abroad Fair

Tuesday, Oct. 6, Post’s Study Abroad Department hosted its annual study abroad fair in Hillwood Commons from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“The Study Abroad fair is a great opportunity for students to find out more information about all their options for studying abroad,” said Patricia Seamen, Director of the Study Abroad Program.

Seamen, expressed a profound sense of optimism for this year’s fair. “I am particularly excited this year for the fair, as we have three new affiliate schools that our students can attend in France, Turkey, and Sweden, in addition to our programs in England, Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, Australia, and China.”

Courses are held at select universities within the country (In which students will be studying in). For example, students choosing London as their study abroad destination, will take up classes at Regent’s American College, located right in the heart of London.

“I studied at Regent’s American University in London,” said Kalli Mamounas, a junior Photography major. “I followed through with the study abroad experience because I just wanted to see more. I wanted
to see what life elsewhere was all about, particularly in London, a place that’s always peaked my interest.”

Stephanie Athanasopoulos, who also is a junior Photography major, joined Mamounas for the chance to study in London. “I personally think it’s what college is all about,” Athanasopoulos said. “You’re thousands of miles away, and that’s the beauty of it. Living on your own, getting an education overseas, and the education truly goes beyond the classroom. For example, photographing Big Ben at night was amazing, and taking seminar classes about London culture was just as great.”

Students who study abroad are obligated to take classes premised upon the culture in which students are staying at. For example, for students who decide to take a 10 day study abroad course in South Korea, an Art and Culture of South Korea is a required course. The same can be said for students taking their studies to Tanzania, where a Wildlife Conservation & Sustainable Eco-tourism course is required as well.

Both Athanasopoulos and Mamounas recently became ambassadors to the study abroad program at Post, which is a huge commitment. As ambassadors for the program, Athanasopoulos and Mamounas will now act as ‘recruiters’ for the program and were obligated to take part in events such as this Tuesday’s fair.

Studying abroad has its skeptics, but Seaman has an answer for them. “The largest misconception that prevents students from participating in study abroad is its perceived inaccessibility,” she said. “Students who do study abroad are often amazed at how easy it was to put the whole thing together. Financial aid is often available, every major field of study can partake, and study abroad is an experience available for every student.”

Seaman later added that an individual can study anywhere from 10 days to an academic year. There is no set cost for studying abroad, due to the fact that cost varies from country to country. LIU Post tuition will cover tuition abroad; however, room and board fees will vary according to the program. Standard credit rates are applied to all courses taken by students who study abroad.