By Aaron Williams

Imagine strolling through the Promenade du Peyrou in Montpellier, France; experiencing the Romanesque grandeur of St Martin’s Cathedral in Mainz, Germany; or visiting the exotic Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan in Osaka, Japan. For most, the three scenarios described above sound like expensive dream vacations. However, when studying abroad, these activities can be part of a typical college semester overseas.
According to the University of Louisville study abroad Web site, U of L offers students the opportunity to live and study in over 30 different countries. In addition, the Office of International Affairs offers three year-long exchange programs in the cities of Montpellier, Mainz and Osaka.
On Wednesday, Jan. 13, U of L hosted a Study Abroad Fair at the Red Barn. According to representatives from study abroad companies, many benefits come from the decision to travel.
“Students who study abroad are more independent, self-aware and definitely more employable,” said Melissa Galvagni, regional director of GlobaLinks Learning Abroad.
Krissy Oetken, a senior education major, shares this sentiment. Oetken spent over four and a half months in London during the 2008 spring semester. During this time, she traveled to Wales, Scotland and France. She spent her time in London working with primary school students, experience that she feels could significantly help her in her future career.
“I feel a lot more diverse,” said Oetken. “For any program you’re studying you can learn something.”
However, studying abroad may not be for everyone. Galvagni estimated that the average cost to study overseas is about $15,000 a semester, though scholarships and financial aid are available.
For Allison Jones, a sophomore humanities major, the challenge is more than just monetary.
“It’s getting up the nerve that is the problem,” said Jones, who wants to travel to an English-speaking country or Japan. “I just love the Japanese culture.”
Blake Cotton, a senior communication major, wants to travel to a Spanish-speaking country, preferably Spain.
“I want to experience another culture,” said Cotton. “But it depends on what classes I could take that would apply to my major, and the cost.”
Despite the cost, many students, such as Oetken, find studying abroad to be an invaluable experience. For more information, visit louisville.edu/internationalcenter/study-abroad.