With the sounds of Samba Gringa in the background, the International Fair kept the Union hopping as students buzzed around, asking about study abroad opportunities.
The fair has taken place every year since the University of Utah has had a study abroad program, said Aaron Rose, study abroad adviser for the International Center.
?The study abroad fair is an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to find out about international study, work and service,? Rose said.
The fair featured booths touting study opportunities in countries ranging from Japan to England to Australia. Other local universities also had booths for the opportunities they offer.
Receiving U credit, students can study a language, live with native families and experience a culture firsthand during the programs, which last between a few weeks and a full school year.
The cost for studying abroad is different for every program. However, students can use financial aid and scholarships for many programs, said Linda Phelps, administrative assistant at the International Center.
?Financial aid is based on need, but every student is eligible for the Stafford loan, which can be applied to study abroad programs,? said Wendy Clark, a financial aid counselor.
Scholarships are also available from non-university locations.
Other international opportunities were also present. Service learning projects, the Peace Corps, the Cross-Culture Club, Alternative Spring Break and the International Women?s Association had tables as well.
This year, the Alternative Spring Break will take place during February, when school is out for the Olympics, according to Melissa Nielson, Alternative Spring Break coordinator. The Bennion Community Service Center provides a number of scholarships for participants in the service program.
A drawing was held just after noon. Prizes included T-shirts, a 10-day vacation to Europe and a 15-day, first-class Eurail pass. Council Travel sponsored the event and gave away the vacation and pass.