Many students feel that they don't have the resources to study abroad, but William Dennis is looking to change that.

In the first of a three-part program called "Missing Pieces Series," Phi Beta Sigma targeted the "underrepresented" community at Penn State. The first part, Study Abroad, was held at 6 p.m. Tuesday night in the Henderson building, with an audience of about 30 students.

"A lot of students have doubts about studying abroad and dealing with getting their degree. This way they can get a head start," said Dennis (senior-energy, business, and finance), who is vice president of Phi Beta Sigma and program chair of the series.

Dennis added that the program was held to encourage students of color -- or anyone interested in studying abroad -- to engage in the experience of learning in other countries.

The College of Education, College of Agriculture, and Office of Graduate Equity also collaborated to help organize the event, making it the first time three university offices and a greek organization have worked together in a program.

With speakers from Outreach and the Student Teaching Abroad program, the event also included a student panel where those who attended could ask questions to students who have previously studied abroad.

"The Study Abroad Fair doesn't have students telling you their lifestyle. It's just a bunch of pamphlets and posters," Dennis said. "With students who have actually been through the experience, this can really sway a student's opinion."

Kristin Thomas, promotion and outreach coordinator, introduced the event and explained to students the importance of seeing another country's point of view.

"This is a message that is the same for all populations," Thomas told students. "The whole goal is to help you interact with a very diverse other."

Panel member Sabrina Campbell (senior-civil and environmental engineering) urged students to start outlining their trips as soon as they can.

"Start planning something, and everything else will fall into place," said Campbell, who studied in Singapore. "You have to do it. I can't even explain the experience you'll have."

Tyrelle Farris (freshman-international relations) said the opportunity to ask students about their experience made his study abroad plans to South America optimistic.

"Hearing students who experienced it was the key aspect," Farris said. "I haven't heard from anyone who has studied abroad before."

The series will continue on Oct. 27 at the Memorial Lounge in Pasquerilla Spiritual Center with the program "Undergraduate Research, Internships, and Preparing for Graduate School." Dennis said all are welcome to attend.