“I always tell people, don’t think about it — just do it! You won’t regret it,” Donna Dang, a senior in biochemistry, said. Dang participated in study abroad programs in the past. 

Students who are interested in studying abroad are encouraged to attend the study abroad fair to learn about the programs, as well as talk to students who have been abroad, according to Adam Steckler, assistant director of the study abroad office. 

According to Steckler, the N.C. State Study Abroad Office will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

“At the fair, we’ll have information on all of our University programs, including semester programs and summer, spring break and winter break faculty-led programs, in addition, there will be some information on outside programs,” Steckler said.

According to Steckler, there will also be N.C. State students who have returned from studying abroad sharing their experiences with interested students.

“There will also be N.C. State students who have returned from studying abroad who will share their experiences with interested students, along with the faculty directors who lead our faculty-led summer, spring break and winter break programs. N.C. State study abroad advisors will also be there to answer questions,” Steckler said.

According to Steckler, students need to consider a variety of topics when deciding to study abroad. Students should consider the location of the program, the language the program will be offered in, the classes that will be offered with the program, living situations and the overall cost of the program.

According to Steckler, the benefits of study abroad are immense and long-lasting.

“Students can broaden their horizons, fulfill requirements for their major and minor, learn about a new culture, enhance their resume and improve their employment prospects upon graduation, improve language skills, grow as an individual and become more independent and self-reliant, among other benefits,” Steckler said.

Natasha Vos, a senior in animal science and poultry science, has taken part in the study abroad program.

“I visited Australia on a Summer Study Abroad program in conjuncture with the animal science department, as well as a semester-long direct exchange program to New Zealand,” Vos said.

Vos said she felt she had an invaluable experience studying abroad in New Zealand.

“I grew academically by learning about another country’s agricultural and animal science practices, as well as culturally through my interactions with everyone during classes and throughout my travels,” Vos said.

Vos said she enjoyed the opportunities she had.

“I also had the opportunity to do lots of traveling and go on plenty of adventures that took me skydiving, bungee jumping, hiking and exploring the countryside,” Vos said.

Dylan Price, a senior in business finance and international relations, said he studied abroad during his sophomore year for a semester in Montevideo, Uruguay, and the following semester in Monterrey, Mexico.

Price said he recommends students take part in the program, for any length of time.

Price said, “If not for a semester, even a summer program or spring break program will undoubtedly provide you with invaluable experience and learning.”

Price said his experience with study abroad improved his experience at the University.

“I don’t think my experience here at State would have been as amazing if I hadn’t explored all the school has to offer me and taken advantage of its study abroad programs,” Price said.

Dang said she feels the study abroad program was affordable.

“Studying abroad is probably one of the most affordable opportunities for anyone to go abroad for an extended period of time and it is a big resume booster. I’ve met many students who regret not taking the initiative to study abroad during their undergraduate year. Plus, when people talk to someone who’s been abroad, the general feedback is definitely a positive one,” Dang said.

Catherine Clark, a sophomore in psychology, said she is interested in studying abroad. 

“I am aware of the fair and probably will go to the fair. I am interested in studying art in France,” Clark said. 

Steckler said he encouraged all the students to go to the fair and see all the different options that were available.

“Any major can study abroad, it won’t set you back for graduation and the programs at N.C. State are really affordable,” Steckler said. “With many of our programs students just pay their regular NCSU tuition and then pay whatever their living costs are abroad — so a semester or summer abroad can be the same as staying here.”