SOUTHERN MISS CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL
AND CONTINUING EDUCATION TO HOST STUDY ABROAD INFORMATION FAIR
By David Tisdale

HATTIESBURG - The University of Southern Mississippi Center for International and Continuing Education will host an International Fair Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the lawn in front of Weathersby Hall on the Hattiesburg campus.

The purpose of the fair is to showcase the CICE's credit-abroad programs to students and to provide information on these programs. Refreshments will be served.

"Southern Miss offers world-class study abroad programs in nearly 30 countries, and there are a wide range of courses to choose from, so almost any student can take part, no matter what his or her major is," said Susan Steen, director of the CICE. "The faculty who lead these programs are truly outstanding, and they're committed to creating exciting, one-of-a-kind learning experiences for their students."

Steen said the fair will give students a chance to talk with professors who lead the programs, and with former participants. CICE staff will also be available to help students with applications to programs and answer questions about financial aid.

"Study abroad is an investment in the future. Students return from these programs with the kinds of skills employers look for - creativity, resourcefulness, independence, self-assurance - and study abroad provides a mark of distinction on the resume that's invaluable when job-hunting," Steen said.

Dr. Andrew Wiest, associate professor of history at Southern Miss who has led the university's award-winning Vietnam Studies program, said students receive an invaluable academic experience through study abroad programs. "They are able to take focused classes in their specific academic areas from leading world experts," he said.

In addition, Wiest said students come home changed simply by living overseas.

"You learn a great deal about the world and yourself by standing in a Hill Tribe village in Vietnam (through the Vietnam Studies program), where the inhabitants have no political or religious freedom and live on less than a dollar a day. It makes you appreciate what you have, while respecting the situation of much of the rest of the planet."

For more information contact International Programs, ELI Room 104, (601) 266-4344.

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