By Michela Gritti
Wednesday marked another strong day for International Education Week at UNCP, starting with the Study Abroad Fair at Belk Hall.
The Office of Global Engagement hosted the event beginning at 10 a.m., offering brochures, flyers, and one on one help for students curious about studying abroad. Rosa Ball, Assistant Director of Global Engagement, explained that students need at least a 2.7 GPA to apply.
“Studying abroad gives you a wide range of opportunities between networking, branching out of your comfort zone, developing adaptability skills, commitment and persistence,” Ball said. “It gives you a unique chance to explore the world, while also continuing on your intended path and goals”.
The OGE table also had flyers with recommended programs for students who are first generation, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander, Black and African heritage seeking, and Native and Indigenous heritage seeking.
Philippine student Adrian Roque said studying abroad is more than academics. “It is a good opportunity and idea for integration, different cultures, food and people and developing adaptation skills,” Roque said.
Students Christian Lillard and Genesis Benavides supported the OGE team during the event. Lillard studied in the United Kingdom through ISEP during fall 2024, while Benavides is preparing for a faculty led program in Spain in spring 2025.
Another table featured Michael Baxley from Auxiliary and Business Services, who shared information about applying for a United States passport. Baxley showed students how easy it is to apply directly from campus. The office is in Jacobs Hall, where staff help students complete the application and prepare documents.
A representative from UNC Greensboro also attended to promote the Baden Wurttemberg North Carolina Exchange Program. Derek Holmgren, international programs coordinator, explained that students can study at universities in southwest Germany, including the University of Heidelberg.
“You do not necessarily need to speak German. It depends on your area of study,” Holmgren said. He also noted that masters programs in Germany are often only one year and usually cost far less than in the United States. For United States citizens, many programs have no tuition cost.
Later in the day, from noon to 1 p.m., UNC system attorney Bridget Bishop held a virtual session for F and J visa holders focused on H1B immigration regulations. The webinar explained the H1B process, requirements, and updates important for international students planning long term careers in the United States.The morning and afternoon programming helped connect students with global opportunities and practical information, continuing the campus commitment to international learning