For some University students, there will never be a better time to travel and study abroad than during the college years. According to the staff at the International Study and Travel Center, their office is the best place to start trip plans.
“It will never be easier, cheaper or as much fun as it is now,” said James R. Dukart, the center’s director.
The center, which was previously located in Nicholson Hall, offers a broad range of information on studying, working or traveling abroad. In its new location in Room 48 of Coffman Memorial Union, the office staff is hoping to draw in passers-by who are interested in traveling.
Dukart said the office is committed to helping students explore international opportunities. Students may schedule a 30-minute advising appointment during the center’s peer advising office hours. Staff members or students may browse the library’s historical information, maps, guide books and employment information.
To put travel plans together on a student budget, the office offers an online scholarship search, travel discounts and information on low-cost housing. Students can buy rail passes, international identification cards and hostel memberships in the center.
There are three full-time employees and more than ten student staff members in the center. The student staff members have traveled and studied abroad and advise from experience.
College of Liberal Arts senior Sara Iverson has worked in the office for more than three years. She said she loves working with the students and helping them with their travel plans.
Iverson, who is a member of the center’s board of directors, studied in France for three months and spent a year working and studying in Senegal.
Taylor Kratt, a CLA sophomore, has worked in the office for about six months. Kratt traveled to Germany and plans to leave in January for a study program in Spain. She used the center to prepare for her trip.
“If someone is interested in traveling and expanding their horizons, there are so many opportunities, and the first step is to see what is available,” Kratt said.
Many of the office’s brochures, information on upcoming events and other information is also available on their World Wide Web home page. It also provides links to hundreds of other useful sites. Through the website, students can access an online scholarship search and find a program that fits their needs. The site is frequently updated and is easy to use, Dukart said.