In today’s world, it is hard to avoid the need for intercultural relations, said Thomas Saville.

Saville, associate director of international programs and services, said it is important to understand other cultures in order to be successful both personally and socially.

The Office of International Programs and Services hosted a study abroad fair Wednesday at the Student Center to give students options to learn beyond academics. Students who wanted additional information on the university’s study abroad programs spoke to representatives from different nations, students who had previously studied abroad and staff members from each college on their own cultural experiences.

“Everyone is affected by international affairs; it’s the reason for politics, peace and economic flow,” Saville said.

Stephanie Schreieck, a senior foreign exchange student from Austria studying social work, informs students at the Student Center about studying abroad. The Study Abroad Fair set up many booths to represent different countries around the world. Schreieck said she was very nervous when she first came to America, but after a week she became used to American teachings and found it very helpful and informative. Schreieck will head to California after the semester’s end to continue her studies. – Tony Jou | Daily Egyptian

Stephanie Schreieck, a foreign exchange student senior from Tyrol, Austria studying social work, said studying abroad is not only about what is learned in class, but also the experience from being exposed to another way of life.

She said studying in America has changed her life and she has become more culturally aware.

Malcolm Turner, a freshman from Bellwood studying journalism, said he wanted to study abroad to see how different people function in different places.

He said he wants to be able to use the trip as a personal learning experiences.

His main concern was finding the resources to make his travels a possibility.

Emma Will, a junior from Marion studying English education, said there are several options available when it comes to financial situations.

“Don’t be intimidated by the costs …  people out there want to help you get abroad,” she said.