More than 500 people visited the Union on Wednesday to find out how they can intern with the U.S. Department of State, volunteer at a local refugee center and set up sport and recreational programs in economically disadvantaged areas of the world.
There were about 40 other programs included at the annual MSU International Opportunities Fair.
The fair began two years ago after members of MSU's Office of Study Abroad organized it with the help of faculty at the University of Michigan, said Cindy Chalou, assistant director of the Office of Study Abroad.
"By doing that collaborative effort, we've been able to draw in people from as far away as the (United Kingdom)," Chalou said.
Last year's event featured more exhibitors because it included graduate schools with an international focus, but Chalou said this year's is more directed toward undergraduates.
Yvonne Wood and Andrew Hewitt said they went to the fair to find something to do in their time between graduating from MSU and starting graduate school.
"You don't have to rush into a cubicle job," said Hewitt, an international relations senior. "You can go enjoy the world and understand your place in the world."
A Latin American volunteer program exhibit, Wood, an environmental studies and applications senior, spoke with the volunteer in Spanish.
Wood and Hewitt said they would like to go to a Spanish-speaking country.
Despite the focus on undergraduate opportunities, graduate student Delanie Kellon said she attended the event to learn more about international programs so she can better prepare herself for a job once she graduates.
Kellon left a job in Costa Rica to go to graduate school and said she plans to go back to Central America when she finishes.
Many of the programs involved going abroad to volunteer or work, but Vincent Delgado presented an opportunity for those who wish to stay close to home.
Delgado, who coordinates the Refugee Development Center, 122 S. Pennsylvania Ave. in Lansing, said most students didn't know the center existed.
"(Volunteering at the center) is a great way to get prepared to go abroad, to get your feet wet," he said. "It's hard to work abroad and it's important for students to know what they're getting into."
Jack Welker came from Britain to talk about Greenforce, a volunteer program that works for economic and environmental sustainability.
The program is based in Britain and was just launched in the United States in July, said Welker, a volunteer coordinator for Greenforce.
"More students are realizing that having overseas experience on your résumé is a good thing to have," he said. "MSU students have a very broad awareness of the world out there. They're very open to overseas opportunities."
