The Paul Robeson Cultural Center's Heritage Hall became a gateway to global opportunity Wednesday afternoon as students explored options to intern, work and volunteer abroad.
About 21 organizations set up booths at the second annual International Opportunities Fair, organized by the University Office of Global Programs (UOGP) as part of International Education Week. A white screen was set up in the back right corner for students who wanted to purchase discounted passport photos, offered by FedEx.
Sandi Richter, a UOGP special events assistant, said the event was designed to help students explore opportunities to go abroad after returning from education abroad programs.
"Often when students come back from studying abroad, they want to go abroad again," Richter said. "We wanted to give students an opportunity to expand global horizons."
That's exactly what happened for Lisa Babcock (senior-sociology and Spanish), who was at the fair looking for internship opportunities.
"I'd like to go back to South America. I was there during my junior year for study abroad," she said. "I hope to get a volunteer or internship opportunity there to build up my resume."
At the event, students could vote on the best photo submitted by an education abroad student and by an international student. The international students' photos could be from their home country or the U.S. The winners will be announced at noon Friday and will win photo printers donated by the Penn State Computer Store.
Ellyn Matta (senior-media studies) was looking for a volunteer program abroad that she could do next year and was pleased with the information she found.
"I have a lot of materials. I have a lot to look at," she said. "I was abroad last semester. I really love to travel, so I'd like to do it again."
Penn State organizations such as Global Connections, Engineering Students for International Outreach (ESIO) and the School of International Affairs were represented.
Jon Crisafi (senior-civil engineering) was at the fair representing ESIO, informing students of ESIO's two main causes: building a schoolhouse in Cambodia and constructing a well in an arid region of Morocco.
"The premise of our club is to raise funds and awareness for countries with overwhelming need," Crisafi said.
Well-known volunteer organizations outside of Penn State, such as the Peace Corps and Rotary International, and lesser-known organizations, like Amizade, were also represented. Amizade is a nonprofit group focused on community service initiatives.
Andrew Hazlett (sophomore-business administration) was impressed with the volunteer programs.
"The volunteer programs really do look like a good opportunity to make a difference during a few weeks of your summer," he said.
