“I loved it because it was a challenge. Not only did we have to learn the material, but we had to learn everything in Spanish. It also was very personalized and they treated us very well.”

Simon was representing her study abroad program at the annual study abroad fair held Thursday at the Union. The fair presented the opportunity for interested students to hears about others’ experiences overseas.

Simon traveled to Mexico on a seven-week program that allowed her and other preveterinary students to do things they normally wouldn’t do in the U.S.

“You can get out there in the world as opposed to staying on campus and going to your everyday classes. It’s your one opportunity to see how other countries learn. It’s a priceless experience,” Simon said.

Film studies freshman Marisa Tacoma attended the fair, taking interest in a film studies program located in Great Britain.

“By hearing peoples’ first-hand accounts it lets you know what you are really getting into more than just knowing what the program brochure says,” Tacoma said.

For political science senior Melissa McQueen, study abroad offered a new outlook on life.

McQueen spent four weeks in Dublin, Ireland with the Disability in a Diverse Society program. As a visually-disabled student, McQueen worked with other students in the program, which aimed to promote disabilities awareness.

Kathleen Fairfax, director of the Office of Study Abroad, said it’s the hands-on experience that makes the programs different.

“You can study your major here, but to actually see what you’ve been studying makes a big difference,” Fairfax said.

Advertising junior Eric Palmer traveled to Germany and Austria, and said the experience gave him new perspectives.

“Even if you are just studying with other American students at a university somewhere, you’re still going to get a different aspect of life,” Palmer said.