Study Abroad officials at The University of Southern Mississippi recently collaborated with other organizations, including the Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement, the Southern Miss Activities Council (SMAC), the Office of International Admissions, and the School of Global Social Science, to celebrate International Education Week on the institution’s Hattiesburg campus.

The festivities included an International Festival that featured a Study Abroad Fair, Cultural and Diversity Fair, and an International Food Day celebration. The week-long event also showcased a display of international, inclusive, and linguistic programs and offices at The University of Southern Mississippi

Jenna Dittmann, a first-year graduate assistant for International Student’s Scholar Services and a third-year anthropology master’s student, expressed that the student organization wanted students to know that they just exist. So they aimed to spread awareness about international programs, the lives, and the struggles of international students.

“Today we are displaying some of our organizations’ tables,” Dittman said. “For example, we have the Nepalese Student Associations, Pakistani Student Organizations, Latin X Student Organizations, Nigerian Student Associations, and Indian Student Association.”

The event was held in the Thad Cochran Center and the Union lobby. And the goal of the Study Abroad Fair was to try to reach students and to get students to be informed about international education.

“We just want students to be represented and to feel community and celebrate the international community and Hattiesburg,” Dittman said. “And we want to say hey, even if you’re a domestic student, come study abroad, we have scholarships. We have incentives and you get class credit.”

Additional events held included a How to get a Passport Workshop in the Cook library, a SMAC hosting of the movie in the Joe Paul Theater, an International Coffee Hour, a game of a Stickball Match for Native American Heritage Month in the Intramural Fields, and much more.

As International Education Week concluded in the Thad Cochran Ballroom, there was an International Dance Party sponsored by the Center for International Education and the Office of the Provost.

Study Abroad aims to develop and administer a wide range of educational programs abroad that will enhance students’ academic, professional, and personal development. It supplies a variety of credit-bearing programs that are accessible to students from diverse academic and personal backgrounds. It also offers short and long-term options through faculty-led programs, international exchanges, student teaching placements, internships, and affiliated partner programs.

Students can start an advice form to explore options and want to get their questions answered and book appointments with the study abroad office as well.

If you would like to be a part of Study Abroad, check out their website studyabroad.usm.edu to learn more about the different program options for USM or Non – USM students, different events, discuss financial aid options, and going with a passport to travel across the world.