Why You Should Go to a Study Abroad Fair

It’s 3:00 a.m. on Monday morning. You can’t sleep after the ten cups of coffee you drank to study for finals. But, you are also super excited because your parents finally agreed to let you study abroad! Unfortunately, your college only offers a few options so you need to do your own research. When searching for study abroad programs on Google, you get flooded with endless information. After hours of going nowhere, you feel overwhelmed and more confused than before.

You’re overwhelmed as it is. Why not save sleepless nights and check out a study abroad fair?

If you can relate, you’re not alone! Preparing to study abroad, as exciting as it is, can also be super stressful. Researching solo can not only be overwhelming but can simply not give enough information.

As great as digital information is, there are limits. Maybe program websites are confusing or the information is not specific enough. Maybe you just don’t know where to look. And even if you know where you are going and what you want to do, sometimes there is nothing like talking to a REAL person. That’s why you should attend a study abroad fair!

What is a study abroad fair?

Speak to recruiters about your interests and get their expert advice.

A study abroad fair, education abroad fair, or overseas education fair is an event featuring programs from around the globe and across the nation. Fairs can get really big, hosting 30 booths or more!

Representatives stand at information booths handing out flyers and applications about their respective programs. Students browse between the different stands to compare all there is to offer. In addition to speaking with representatives, students meet program alumni to get a more personalized perspective.

And, apart from meeting delegates, education abroad fairs host guest speakers, conferences, and career advancement workshops. Let’s not forget the exclusive scholarships and door prizes only available to participants!

Education abroad fairs are not just informational, they are a celebration of study abroad at its finest. Other than jumpstarting your research, a study abroad fair provides the fastest and easiest way to go abroad!

Are in-person study abroad fairs better than virtual fairs?

The basic answer? Not exactly. Attending an in-person fair does allow you to get that human connection that is often lost in the digital space. Talking to recruiters, exchanging contact with alumni, and feeling inspired by the positive vibes, are HUGE advantages.

However, virtual fairs are just as helpful for your study abroad research. Accessible from anywhere in the world, virtual fairs give you exposure to a larger pool of programs that are not available at live events.

No need to travel to multiple events to find the right program. Everything can be done right from your living room. Besides, virtual events mean you can attend in your sweat pants!

Talk to our FREE Online Advisor & get matched with 5 study abroad programs!

Why is it important to attend study abroad fairs?

Apart from minimizing the headache and time wasted searching for study abroad opportunities, here are the top reasons to attend an overseas education fair:

1. Receive advice and direction

Hear from alumni directly!

Meet college delegates who will explain every question you have and clarify whether the program fits your personal needs and desires. If you need clarity, there’s no better way to do it.

Navigate through different college booths and even discover new ones. On top of that, you can talk to alumni to get a better picture.

A student at the Global Study Fair 2020 commented: "The navigation to learn about the different universities is easy and I like how it is so accommodating to help students fulfill their information needs and choose the best university for college.” Besides, if you do find a good fit, you’ll get all the tips on the application process. Maybe you’ll start one right there.

2. Speed up the research process

Between studies and examples, who really has time for research? Speed it up at a fair. Instead of hours searching the web, you’ll get it done in three. Another student from the Global Study Fair 2020 explained: "It's easy to find multiple universities and get to know everything about them all at once instead of getting confused on their websites, plus any other questions that I have are answered immediately."

In other words, during a study abroad fair, your questions are answered without the headache of endless research.

3. Participate in live units and workshops

Discover how studying abroad will help YOUR specific career outlook, with live talks and workshops. They’ll cover units on how these experiences will build your transcript, education, and future career.

Some people think that studying abroad is only for language, humanities, or business students. However, even STEM fields will find inspiration and opportunities to go abroad at a study abroad fair.

Participating in workshops inspires, motivates, and gives the best practical reason why and how to study abroad for any major.

4. Stand out and get noticed by recruiters

Representatives are always amped to meet people who are excited to study abroad!

What if you found your perfect college and program abroad, but it’s very competitive? With over 450,000 US students traveling abroad, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. Meeting a representative in person may earn you a higher chance of getting accepted to your chosen program.

Maybe you’re not the best essay writer but express yourself better through speaking and presentations. A good recruiter will be able to notice that. Enthusiasm and passion will be to your advantage! There’s nothing like shaking hands to make an impact and create personal connections to open the door.

5. Qualify for scholarships and cash prizes

YES! Scholarships! Studying abroad doesn’t have to be expensive. Colleges and program providers at overseas education fairs often provide exclusive scholarships to participants. Financing your dream to study abroad will be a lot easier.

Also, various programs will have more details on loans and payment plans. Students doing research and the application process alone typically don’t have as many financial breaks as those who attend study abroad fairs.

These are only a few of the reasons to attend an education abroad fair. At the Global Study Abroad Fair of 2020, over 85% said they would come again! Take their word for it and check one out. And the best part is—it's free!

Check out the GoAbroad Scholarship page for more options!

28 questions to ask at an education abroad fair

You can take advantage of attending a study abroad fair more effectively if you’ve thought of a few questions. Make a list and bring it with you. It helps you maximize your time and gain a deeper understanding of the programs.

Brainstorm some places you want to go and courses you want to study beforehand. However, try to be open. You may have never considered studying in Egypt, for example, but later discover that it aligns perfectly with your goals. Also, try to focus your questions on things you can’t easily look up on their website.

To get you started, here’s a list of 28 questions to ask at an education abroad fair:

Experience

1. How will this college/program fit into my interests, major, and goals? Be specific.

2. Is this the country/city where I want to go?

3. Which candidates thrive best in your program?

4. What does a typical day/week look like in this program?

5. Do I need to know the language?

6. Describe your language programs.

7. Why do students leave your program?

8. Describe a typical day/week.

9. Describe the accommodations.

10. What student life/international student support is available?

11. What about alumni? What kind of jobs or achievements have they reached?

12. What is the biggest complaint?

Academic

12. Describe the style of learning. Is it lecture-based or seminar-style?

13. How will my credit transfer?

14. How could a student best prepare for your program?

15. Are classes taught in English or a foreign language?

16. How competitive is your program?

17. How do I stand out in my application?

18. Is my major offered?

19. What classes are available? Can I see a syllabus and curriculum? Who are the professors?

20. What are the application requirements?

21. What’s the application process?

Financial

22. What is the application fee?

23. What is the program cost?

24. Are there any loans, financial aid, or payment plan options?

25. Are there any scholarships? If so, am I eligible?

Logistical

26. How easy is it to travel to and from classes?

27. What are the common transportation types around the host city or town?

28. Am I able to travel to other cities or countries?

The next education abroad fair could change your future!

Why not check out the next study abroad fair? You have nothing to lose!

Maybe you always dreamed of sipping a cappuccino in Rome while studying architecture but never thought it was possible. By attending a study abroad fair, your dream could actually become a reality.

Or, if you’re more career-oriented, who knows how it will influence your future? You could one day land a job at that competitive design company because you were the only one who studied European art abroad.

An education abroad fair has the power to change your entire life for the better and open doors you never knew existed. How exciting is that!

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