Kent State sent a record number of students abroad last year, and this year the Office of Global Education hopes to send even more.

Ediz Kaykayoglu, academic program coordinator in the office, said about 680 students studied abroad last year, compared to 550 the year before. He said students who are interested in studying overseas this year should attend the office’s annual study abroad fair Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Student Center.

The fair is designed to answer any questions students have about going abroad. It is also meant to help students decide whether going abroad is for them.

Holly Henderson, senior political science major, studied in Geneva, Switzerland last semester. She said she suggests going abroad to anyone.

“When you go abroad, you realize that you really can be independent,” Henderson said. “You get to see the rest of the world, and this is the best time to do it.”

Kari Burrell, junior fashion merchandising major, is abroad in Florence, Italy this semester. In an email interview, she wrote she decided to go abroad because it gave her experiences and opportunities she never would have had otherwise.

The experience is something that Jessica Cohen, marketing coordinator for the Office of Global Education, said is a vital asset to students when they enter the job market.

“As the world gets smaller through technology, employers are putting international experience higher on the list of what they look for in job candidates,”Cohen said.

Henderson said one of the best parts of studying abroad was her role as the corporate communications intern for the World Health Organization in Geneva.

“The Kent (State) program has a lot of great internship opportunities when you study abroad,” Henderson said.

There are two Kent State owned and operated program centers in Geneva and Florence. This means students studying abroad in either city never leave the Kent State system.

Burrell wrote in an email interview taking courses abroad is giving her a “real world” experience.

“I’m most excited about visiting the factories,” Burrell wrote. “You learn so much more than any textbook or slide show can ever teach you.”

Henderson said she agreed.

“All of the classes are taught by real professionals in the field,” she said. “I took a trade class that was taught by the head of the World Trade Organization.”

For students worried about any extra cost of studying abroad, Cohen said there really isn’t any. She said the only additional costs to studying abroad are some fees for programs that may be mandatory for your major.

“If you can afford to live on Kent campus, then you can afford to go abroad,” Cohen said.

Cohen said she urges any student who has ever wanted to travel to stop by the fair or connect with the Office of Global Education on Facebook with any questions.

Contact Jenna Hedman at [email protected].