Despite the thunder rumbling and rain pouring over campus last Wednesday, Sept. 21, the Hamilton Room in the University Center buzzed with activity all afternoon as students learned about global possibilities.

Once a semester, the Global Experience Fair gives students the opportunity to learn about travel programs, as well as interact with students and faculty who have taken part in the programs.

“Our fair is a good representation of all the programs we have,” Global Experience coordinator Dan Colleran said.

Only 5 percent of UW-Whitewater’s 12,500 students study abroad. This is because many students aren’t aware they have the opportunity to study abroad, think it’s too expensive or that it can’t fit into their schedule.

No matter the reason, Global Experience coordinator Miller Lor believes a student’s college years are the prime time to travel.

“It’s the best time to go to another country to study,” Lor said. “Because when you graduate and have a job, you don’t really have the time to take a vacation or visit another country.”

Lor said there are many benefits to studying abroad. Not only does it diversify a resume, but it can enhance a student personally, academically and professionally.

“It really opens up a student’s eyes…you learn about a country, but until you’re there, experiencing it first hand, you don’t really know how it is,” she said.

Experienced abroad student, junior Megan Stage, advocates for the opportunity after traveling to Frankfurt, Germany, last semester through an exchange program.

“The experience is amazing,” Stage said.  “I wish that I did a full-year instead of a semester.”

The Center for Global Education offers a variety of travel programs, both long-term and short-term. Students can study abroad for a semester or a year through either an exchange, partnership or provider program.

For students that can’t fit a semester or year abroad into their schedule, short-term programs such as faculty-led and national student exchanges are offered. The general requirements include a minimum GPA of 2.5 and good academic standing with no student conduct violations. Funding and scholarships are also available.

For more information about travel programs, visit the Center for Global Education in Hyland Hall, room 1227 or visit www.uww.edu/international.