As part of its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion as a tool to build bridges between communities and cultures, the Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs (OVPDEMA) will support the OVPDEMA Overseas Studies & Scholarship Program in hosting the Embrace Diversity, Share Cultures Study Abroad Fair.
Taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 6, the Embrace Diversity, Share Cultures Study Abroad Fair will offer students information about dozens of study abroad programs, as well as opportunities to learn about scholarships and to hear from IU students who have studied abroad. In doing so, the Embrace Diversity, Share Cultures Study Abroad Fair will help students make studying abroad a rewarding and attainable part of their college career.
“Studying abroad is one of the best ways for students to deeply experience cultures and communities other than their own,” said Yolanda Treviño, assistant vice president for strategy, planning, and assessment. “The Embrace Diversity, Share Cultures Study Abroad Fair will be a key opportunity for our students to make these transformational experiences part of their education.”
Attendees of the fair will have access to a variety of information to help support their study abroad experience. Representatives from over a dozen IU schools and programs will be present to answer questions about the study abroad programs they offer. At the fair, students will also find information about financial aid and scholarships to help make their study abroad experiences affordable. Finally, attendees will also enjoy a photo exhibition, virtual reality experience, and a giveaway of free luggage and free passports at the end of the fair. All IU students are welcome to attend the event, which will take place in the IMU Solarium from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Nov. 6.
The study abroad fair will not be the only opportunity students have to learn about studying abroad. Throughout the week, OVPDEMA-supported culture centers will host three panels where students who have studied abroad will discuss how studying abroad shifted their perspective on the world, how students of diverse identities influenced their choice of program, and how they overcame obstacles they faced. The panels taking place throughout the week include:
- Monday, Nov. 5, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at La Casa/the Latino Cultural Center
- Wednesday, Nov. 7, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center
- Thursday, Nov. 8, 5:00-6:00 p.m. at the Asian Culture Center
The panels are open to all Indiana University students, and each panel will end with a passport giveaway.
“Studying abroad can be life changing,” said Ochmaa Escue, director of the OVPDEMA Overseas Studies & Scholarship Program. “It can serve as a catalyst for personal growth and maturity, lead to unique networking connections, contribute to a deeper understanding of cultural values and biases, and open a wide range of otherwise unattainable professional opportunities. The impact that studying abroad has on a student’s career path, worldview, and self-confidence cannot be overstated.”
More information about the OVPDEMA Overseas Studies & Scholarship Program can be found at https://ovpdemaoverseas.indiana.edu.