“I enjoy advising prospective study abroad students, because I want them to feel heard, related to, comfortable and happy with their start and continuation of the study abroad experience.” – Alexandria Willis, Milan
Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange offers a variety of resources to help students explore and select the program that is right for them. One of those many resources include our student staff, called Program Assistants, that have recently returned from studying abroad. These are students who have spent a semester or more abroad and have insightful experiences to share with students thinking about studying abroad. Because they have spent time abroad, Program Assistants are able to offer students real life experiences that can help them get a better idea of what studying abroad is like.
The role of our thirteen Program Assistants that staff the Advising & Resource Center is to assist potential study abroad students in their search for the program that fits their personal, professional and academic goals. Program Assistants are available to answer questions that range from information about the application process to questions about their own experiences abroad. They are also available to give students advice that draws on the first-hand experience they’ve had about living and traveling abroad.
Each Program Assistant is different and has a distinct perspective to offer based on the unique places they each studied. Each of our Program Assistants also have different majors so students have the opportunity to talk with a Program Assistant that has a similar academic discipline. This helps students get a better idea of how study abroad fits into their academic schedule.
Wondering where to talk to one of our Program Assistants? Drop by during our walk-in hours from 12PM-4PM Monday through Friday in 112 International Studies Building. Make sure to read more about our awesome Program Assistants’ experiences abroad by visiting our Program Assistant page or reading some of their stories on our Student Stories blog.