Each year, the Center of Global Education holds a Study Abroad Fair to showcase more than 70 study abroad programs that Wheaton and its partner programs have to offer. On Sept. 18, in the Balfour Hood Center, prospective study abroad students had the opportunity to speak with Wheaton-affiliated program representatives and also with peers who went abroad in the spring semester.
Administrative Assistant at the Center of Global Education, Alyssa MacNeill, said “More and more students are going abroad. I’ve already had a bunch of students coming in to schedule appointments to go abroad in the spring.”
The Global Education office also emphasizes communication with Peer Advisors, who are students that have returned from studying abroad to share their first-hand experiences and make the process for studying abroad easier.
Conner Bourgoin ’16 is a peer advisor for the University of Edinburgh program in Scotland, where he spent the spring of his junior year. Bourgoin said, “While your actual advisors and Deans can provide logistical information, like prices and program dates, peer advisors can answer questions like, ‘how did you meet people?’ and ‘how did you budget your money for day-to-day living?” Peer advisors can answer questions about “things you don’t think about until you’re there”.
Kathy Muehlberger ’16 also spent the spring of her junior year in Europe through the UMN Montpellier program. In France, Kathy was immersed in the French culture and language. Before making her final decision to go to France, she spoke with Peer Advisors, French professors, and peers who had also gone abroad. Kathy said, “It was a really good experience. My French really improved. The staff were very helpful and supportive and you never felt like a burden.”
Those interested in exploring study abroad options are encouraged to visit The Center for Global Education online at or visit the office on Howard Street in order to make an appointment in person.