A study abroad fair will take place on Wednesday in the Colvard Student Union  for those interested in participating in future study abroad paths and exploring new ways of learning in foreign lands.
According to the BBC, the world’s international student population, or study abroad students, numbers more than 3.7 million, and is increasing by about 12 percent each year.
Mississippi State University’s office of study abroad has three different pathways for those interested. 
MSU faculty-led programs are lead by an MSU faculty member, who teaches the programs during a short-term, which usually takes place during a break in the academic schedule.
Exchange programs usually last a semester and take place at another university.
Affiliated provider company programs are facilitated by a third-party separate from the university.
The Office of Study Abroad is responsible for coordinating Study Abroad programs with faculty, staff and students, along with advising and assisting students through the Study Abroad process.
The Office of Study Abroad was formed in the Fall of 2008 and is within the Department of International Education.
Claire Hilton, a junior who studied in Salamanca, Spain, said studying abroad was the best experience of her life.
“I learned more about myself and about others than I ever thought possible,” Hilton said. “Not only did I gain more independence and confidence, but I also feel so much more open to people who come from different backgrounds than me, and can see the beauty in multiple different cultures.”
This spring break, the study abroad programs include trips to Belize, Guatemala and Columbia.
The Study Abroad Fair is held twice a year by the Office of Study Abroad to inform MSU students of all the study abroad opportunities available.
Representatives from the tuition exchange programs, faculty-led programs and provider company programs will be at the fair. 
For those who cannot go, the Office of Study Abroad offers bi-weekly general information sessions at 11 a.m. Mondays and 2 p.m. Tuesdays in Allen 611. 
They also offer bi-weekly walk-in advising from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesdays in McCool Hall room 129 and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays in Allen Hall, room 116. 
“Study Abroad is an incredible opportunity students have to learn about another country and culture while taking courses that will transfer back to MSU and towards their CAPP,” said Annie Carr, study abroad coordinator. “It gives students the ability to come back to Starkville with an open mind, and better understanding about other cultures.”
According to studies, 97 percent of study abroad students find employment within a year of graduation, while those who do no do study abroad programs have a 49 percent chance of finding employment within the same time.
Rebecca Wright, who studied in Alcala, Spain, last summer, said studying abroad helped her grow as a person.
“Not only did I gain more independence and confidence, but I also feel so much more open to people who come from different backgrounds than me, and can see the beauty in multiple different cultures,” Wright said.