Notre Dame International is launching Study Abroad Week from Monday, September 19 to Friday, September 23. The week will consist of panel discussions, information sessions, and social gatherings to promote study abroad’s variety of offerings to students.

The week will begin with Stories from Abroad: Language Cultural Immersion, where previous study abroad students will share their experiences with language acquisition and cultural experiences. Students can then test their skills by attending an international trivia night to win ND-themed prizes.

Tuesday through Thursday, students can visit various locations around campus from 12-1 PM for Advising on the Fly. Program directors will be available to speak to students about general study abroad questions and specific program information.

Specific information sessions for each semester-long program will take place on Tuesday. These sessions will focus on program-exclusive opportunities, financing, and which programs will work best with each major. Summer program information sessions will follow on Wednesday.

This year’s Study Abroad Week will also highlight the importance of student identity abroad. Panels focusing on the LGBTQ+ community and race and identity will be held at 5 PM on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Recent study abroad returnees, such as Matt Heilman, are excited to help out with the week’s events.

“I wanted to be involved with Study Abroad Week so that I can share some of my knowledge and experiences from my semester in Norwich with underclassmen, to help provide them with answers to the many similar questions to my own that they likely have,” he said.

Hong Zhu, senior director of global education, emphasizes this week’s importance for prospective study abroad students.

“Study abroad is an essential part of a students Notre Dame education. We encourage students to be intentional, do their research, and find a program that not only is a good academic fit but also pushes students outside their comfort zone that maximizes their personal and professional growth,” she said.

Study abroad offers over 60 semester and/or academic year programs. For the 2023-2024 cycle, two new exchanges are being added: Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya and Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris, France.

Learn more about Study Abroad Week.

Originally published by Abby Urban at studyabroad.nd.edu on September 14, 2022.