Many people know about the Greek god Atlas with the world on his shoulders, but on Nov. 17 Missouri Southern students had the world at their fingertips.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., students had the opportunity to go to the 2004 Study Abroad Fair.

The event, which was sponsored by the Institute of International Studies, was held in the second floor lounge of the Billingsly Student Center where the faculty in charge of the study abroad opportunities gathered.

Through different fields of study, students had the chance to check out opportunities to go to France, Mexico, Italy, the Czech Republic or China, just to name a few.

Tracy Roach, senior criminal justice major, has not studied abroad before. She was just one of the many students glancing at a few of the displays.

“Australia is where my area of study is going, and it’s my last chance to go,” Roach said. “I think that any student that has the chance to go should, young or old.”

When students study abroad they typically earn college credit as well. Although some prerequisites might be required many people said they tend to think it is worth it just to be able to encounter another culture they may or may not have the opportunity to here.

“It’s an amazing experience,” said Iulia Nastasa, freshman international business major, “You get to see something completely different than what you’re used to.”

Nastasa is studying abroad at Southern. She is from Romania and will be here for four years.

Students don’t always have to worry about being able to speak the language of the country they wish to attend. Some of the international opportunities, such as one to Costa Rica, teach a course in English.

Studying abroad was made easier for students this time around. A representative from the Joplin Post Office was also on hand to register passport applications for the students.

If students are interested in studying abroad, they may contact Dr. Chad Stebbins, director of the Institute of International Studies, at 625-9736.