Through the study abroad program, students have the opportunity to travel and study in 60 countries throughout the globe, covering each of the seven continents — including Antarctica.

At least 3,000 to 4,000 students attend the fair every year, said Cheryl Benner, the communications manager for the Office of Study Abroad. Six months of planning goes into the operation.

Benner said studying abroad can teach students outside of the classroom and give them a new perspective. The experience also can look good on a résumé.

“It really can make you a well-rounded person,” she said. “It’s that cultural impact were you learn to work with other people. That’s undoubtedly something you will do after graduation.”

Emma Ferrera, a kinesiology junior, said she is interested in studying abroad this summer and is considering signing up for a program in Australia.

Ferrera said her major is influencing her decision on where she wants to go, instead of the specific country. She said several of her friends participated in study abroad programs and loved their experiences, so she’s interested in seizing the opportunity.

“Michigan State is number one in study abroad programs,” she said. “I want to take advantage of that. … Why not go?”

Peter Glendinning, professor of art history, teaches a photography class that crosses all study abroad programs teaching students how to make the most of the photogenic opportunities study abroad presents.

“Today, students learn about photography on the screen… it’s crazy for us to think that we can send students out to shoot a museum or gallery without ever having seen real artwork.

“That is one the unique aspects of study abroad,” he said. “Going to places to see things that you can’t experience in this virtual world.”

Daniel Hayes, a professor of fisheries and wildlife, has been the lead professor on the university’s Antarctica study abroad trip every year since 2004. He and another faculty member brave the icy chill of the bottom of the world with 15 other students between fall and spring semesters each year.

“When we go, it’s their summer,” he said. “I tell people, we can only go where the ice isn’t.”

Hayes said the adventure of visiting a place that so few get to see is an attraction to the university’s study abroad programs for some people.

“If you don’t understand, it’s hard to convey why,” he said. “You’ll see things that you won’t see anywhere else.”