С����Ƶ

On Sept. 9, the will host its semi-annual Study Abroad Fair, giving students the chance to learn about studying, interning or volunteering abroad. Students can now travel to more than 50 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, the South Pacific, and Central and South America. About 12 of Rider’s study abroad providers will be on hand to explain what their programs offer and to share one-on-one information. 

The fair allows students to see all of Rider’s study abroad options in one place, with expert help to explain the options, give advice and talk face to face. 

“Students who study abroad can learn a different culture, explore a new country, and boost their confidence and self-esteem,” says Kim Algeo, Rider’s assistant director in the Center for International Education. “Plus, it’s a really great additional piece to have on your resume. Studying abroad shows employers you are willing to move beyond your comfort zone and do something adventurous.” 

Interest in Rider’s study abroad program has been growing. About 35 students traveled abroad last fall, doubling the previous year’s number. This past summer, the number of students who studied abroad tripled. Increased participation has created more alumni with international experience. About 15 of those students will attend to give advice and share their own stories of studying abroad while at Rider. 

Milvian Prieto ’15, the CIE’s undergraduate assistant, as well as a global ambassador and intern for ISA, one of the University’s study abroad providers, studied abroad in spring 2013 in Barcelona. “I traveled a lot growing up but studying abroad in Barcelona solidified my love of traveling,” the communications major says. Now 21, she has a goal to visit all seven continents by the time she’s 25; only Antarctica and Australia remain. 

Prieto attended the study abroad fair each semester before finally taking the plunge. She says it helped steer her in the right direction and thinks it will do the same for other students. “If you’re curious about studying abroad, go to the fair and see what options you have,” she says. “You’ll get to talk to students who recently got back from studying abroad and hear their perspectives.” 

This year marks the first time students will be able to take a service-learning trip to Africa. The University has also expanded its study abroad options to include Cuba and Sweden.  

Algeo has noticed an uptick in students deviating from traveling to English-speaking countries like England and Australia, which have traditionally drawn the most participants, toward visiting China and Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand. “Even if students are hesitant about traveling abroad, they can talk directly to our student ambassadors and the trip providers at the fair,” she says. “The fair gives them access to a lot of people at one time.”

The Center for International Education will host its semi-annual Study Abroad Fair on Sept. 9 from this 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the SRC atrium. Learn more about the CIE and study abroad opportunities at Rider by visiting .