Education Abroad Fairs

The Office of International Education & Global Initiative is always excited to connect with students at our education abroad fairs twice a year! Students can meet with our program advisors, faculty, and student education abroad alumni to learn more about our programs and scholarship opportunities, and to receive assistance with their current applications. If you have any questions, please contact us at iegi@binghamton.edu.

Fall Fair

The Fall 2023 Education Abroad Fair was held Thursday, September 14 from 1:00-4:00 in Old Union Hall. 

Spring Fair

The Spring 2024 Education Abroad Fair will be held Wednesday, January 24 from 2:00-5:00.  Pre-register in B-Engaged to receive updates and reminders.

Fair FAQs

Getting started with the study abroad program research and application process can be both exciting and challenging. The most common fair questions are provided below. If you have additional questions, please check out our main FAQ page or email us at iegi@binghamton.edu. 

• What can I do at the education abroad fair? 
  • Learn about the different ways programs are sponsored (as a Binghamton program, other-SUNY program, or a non-SUNY program) and how they work.
  • Understand how to prepare for study abroad, and research programs.
  • If you already know which program you are interested in, get more details from the program advisor. 
  • Find out about the scholarships specifically available for education abroad opportunities. 
  • Talk with IEGI staff, program advisors, faculty leaders, and students who have studied abroad before.
• Why should I consider studying abroad? 

  Everyone will have different motivations and goals for their education abroad program. Some of the key benefits of studying abroad are: 

  • • Academic: Students have the option to obtain credit towards their major, minor, general education, and/or elective requirements
    • Personal: Participants experience an increase of their cultural awareness and expand their understanding of self and others
    • Professional: Students can enhance their resume and fine tune skills employers are looking for, such as flexibility and problem solving. Some programs offer internship, experiential, and research opportunities
• What is the difference between an exchange program and a study abroad program? 

  The term 'exchange program' means that a university has an agreement with an overseas partner to exchange students in both directions. A Binghamton University exchange program typically covers SUNY tuition and Binghamton University's standard semester fees to cover the costs for an inbound student; the student at the overseas partner has covered these same costs at the overseas school for our outbound student. 

  An exchange option is typically only available during the fall or spring semester (not during the winter or summer terms). Participating as an exchange student often allows one to save a significant amount of money, since our overseas partners' international student tuition tends to be higher than SUNY tuition. 

• What should I know about completing a Binghamton University education abroad program? 
  •  Each Binghamton University program has an assigned IEGI Education Abroad Advisor who can discuss the academic, lodging, costs, and other details with you
  • You apply online at abroad.binghamton.edu
  • Financial aid may be applicable, depending on your eligibility
  • Your credits are Binghamton University residential credit, and apply towards your GPA
  • Your official study abroad record is on your Binghamton University transcript
• What should I know about completing an education abroad program sponsored by another SUNY campus? 
  • The SUNY campus sponsoring your program is the expert about the program; and you will apply for the program directly with the SUNY campus sponsoring your program.
  • You can research programs at suny.edu/studyabroad, or at each SUNY campus’s education abroad website.
  • Notify the IEGI that you are going. The Binghamton University IEGI will register you during the term you are abroad, and you still pay SUNY tuition to Binghamton University.
  • Financial aid may be applicable, depending on your eligibility.
  • Your credits are transfer credit, and will not apply towards your GPA.
  • Your study abroad record will be provided on a transcript supplement that comes with your Binghamton University transcript.
• What should I know about completing an education abroad program through a non-SUNY program provider?
  • There are thousands of non-SUNY program options out there, and we may not be familiar with your program option. You will need to consider the academic quality, the safety record, and the overall reputation of the provider.
  • Financial aid cannot apply to most non-SUNY providers. Email iegi@binghamton.edu to check if the provider is eligible.
  • You are not registered at Binghamton University for the term that you are abroad.
  • Notify the IEGI that you are going, so we are aware of where you are and may be able to assist in an emergency.
  • Your credits are transfer credit, and must be pre-approved by your school’s academic advising office.
  • You will need to contact the program provider for a transcript each time it is needed.
• Can I use financial aid for education abroad programs?

  Your aid may be applicable for Binghamton and SUNY programs completed during the fall semester, spring semester, summer term; aid is not available for winter session programs. Meet with your Academic Advisor to review your course requirements, and with the Financial Aid Office to review your eligibility.

• What should I know about education abroad scholarships?
  • Binghamton-based scholarships support students to participate in any in-person, non-domestic SUNY education abroad program.
  • Scholarship deadlines are typically at the same time as program application deadlines; start your research early so you can complete the scholarship application pieces on time.
  • If a scholarship requires references, consider individuals who know you well and can provide specific details about why you are a qualified applicant.
  • Be sure you read the details about what each scholarship is looking for. Personalize your essays for each scholarship and have others proofread it so your application is a strong match for the funding goals.
• Where can I find information about education abroad scholarships? 
  • Visit the IEGI Scholarship website.
  • Learn more about scholarships provided by academic departments, and check with your department if you don’t see information here.
  • Research national scholarship opportunities.
  • Check the information available with the Binghamton University External Scholarships and Undergraduate Research Center.
• Where can I receive assistance with writing essays for program and scholarship applications?

  We recommend that you contact the Binghamton University Writing Center for assistance. 

• Where can I learn more about upcoming events and information sessions with the office of International Education and Global Initiatives? 

  Visit our B-Engaged website to learn more about our upcoming events and information sessions! You can also subscribe to our newsletter, sent at the beginning of each semester.  

• Where can I find information regarding COVID-19 and education abroad programs? 

  The IEGI COVID-19 FAQ page provides current details regarding the pandemic and education abroad operations. If you have additional questions that aren't addressed in the FAQ, you may email iegi@binghamton.edu for assistance.