Education Away Fair: a chance for travel and exploration – The Cauldron
The plane touches down on foreign soil as a nervous student looks out the window. What awaits outside will differ for every student who studies abroad, but each will encounter unique opportunities ahead.
On Oct. 2 2025 The Center for International Services and Programs hosted their annual Education Away Fair that allows students to learn and explore a wide range of international education programs.
The Education Away Fair hosted an array of organizations and different study abroad opportunities for students to explore.
“Studying abroad or Education Away as we call it, is much more accessible than most students think,” said Graduate Assistant Ruby Suthsasso at the Education Away office.
The Center for International Services and Programs prefers the term Education Away instead of study abroad because the center also helps students to study at different Universities all across the United States as well at international universities.
“We say Education Away because we help students go to another U.S. state if that is something they’re interested in as well,” Suthsasso said.
National Student Exchange (NSE)
NSE was one of the CSU representatives, it is a national exchange program where students can attend universities across the United States, Canada and any U.S. territories.
NSE is perfect for anyone who aspires to travel but does not want to go across seas. Students are able to deepen their historical as well as cultural makeup of Canada and the United States. The national design of the program also makes it a cheaper alternative to international study abroad programs.
CSU in Paris
CSU in Paris is another good alternative for students who want to study abroad but are on a tight financial or time budget.
CSU in Paris is a two-credit course consisting of five on-campus classes and a week-long excursion to Paris. The program costs $3,500 and covers all flights, hotels, museum tickets, metro passes as well as breakfasts and dinners.
Students are recommended to bring another $400 to $500 for food and souvenir expenses.
CSU in Paris is targeted towards French and Arts and Science majors but any student is encouraged and welcome to apply to the program.
USAC
USAC is one of the CSU approved third-party study abroad organizations. Their programs are curated to be more affordable and flexible compared to other study abroad programs.
All the programs take place in small to mid-size towns instead of large cities, so the programs can be more affordable. Studying in smaller cities is also more immersive and culturally centered. With over 50 affordable programs in 26 different countries there is a plethora of options and locations for students to choose from.
World Strides
World Strides is one of the more popular and well-known study abroad organizations and is another CSU approved third-party organization.
World Strides has a vast network of programs spanning over 120 countries across all continents. This large network of regions makes World Strides one of the leading international exchange programs.
World Strides also offers students around the clock support with doctors and advisors available on-call 24/7.
All Photos Captured by Olivia Stein
All Photos Captured by Olivia Stein
All Photos Captured by Olivia Stein
All Photos Captured by Olivia Stein
Things to consider before studying abroad
When deciding if studying abroad is the right choice there are a few things students should take into consideration:
- What are your academic goals? There are many programs to choose from, some are basic level 100 courses to specialized internship opportunities that are more rigorous and academically challenged.
- How long do you want to study abroad? Many study abroad programs are a full semester, but there are also shorter programs such as month long summer classes or week long excursions to foreign cities.
- What is your budget? One of the major cons of studying abroad is the cost. It can cost tens of thousands of dollars to study abroad. Shorter programs that only last a week to a month can be a good option for students on a tight budget.
- Are you prepared to miss home? For some students studying abroad may be their first time away from home and it can be difficult to assimilate to life in a different country. However, studying abroad helps students become comfortable being outside their comfort zone and allows them to explore and experience different cultures.
Studying abroad is not a small decision but it is an unforgettable experience. Being immersed in different cultures helps broaden students’ mindset of the world around them.
“That is why we encourage students to study abroad now while they have support and one thing I tell students is if not now then when,” Suthsasso said.
For any student wanting to learn more about the opportunities offered at CSU visit The Center for International Services and Programs located in Berkman Hall room 412. The center has drop-in office hours 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.