A Guide to Getting the Most Out of a Study Abroad Fair

By attending study abroad fairs, you can quickly find the best schools where you can study abroad and the countries best suited to you. You can make the healthiest decision for your future by meeting and talking one-on-one with school representatives.

At study abroad fairs, where you can find schools from all over the world, you can find options across a wide range of levels and programs, from high school to university to language school. You can access many different programs, from departments, programs, language schools and summer schools to certificate and Co-op diploma programs, along with scholarship opportunities. Study abroad fairs can be held in person as well as in a hybrid format, allowing online participation too. In this content, we've answered important questions like: how can you get the most out of a study abroad fair you're attending? and what kind of preparation would be to your benefit? We've listed what you need to do, as a study abroad fair guide.

Set Up Meetings With Schools

Before the fair, do your research on the participating universities, and after receiving your invitation to the study abroad fair, book appointments with the participating institutions you want to meet. Be sure to book an appointment to meet one-on-one with school representatives at your preferred time on the day of the fair, to get all the detailed information about the school and learn about the departments suited to you. This way, you can make the most effective and correct choices in your study-abroad decision. Create the chance for a private meeting with representatives from the relevant school in the relevant country, covering the whole process — school, department, accommodation and work opportunities.

Prepare the Questions You Want to Ask the School

Before the fair, do your research and prepare the questions you'll ask the school you've booked a meeting with. Note down all the questions that come to mind about the programs offered by the schools, the campus, accommodation, and so on. Study abroad fairs are important events that will help you decide on schools and programs suited to your abilities and budget. Since you'll have the chance to meet one-on-one, representatives will present you with options entirely tailored to you.

Check Out Sample Questions to Ask Representatives at the Fair

Besides what you're curious about, be sure to check out sample questions whose answers will be useful when you ask the schools. If there's a detail you missed, sample questions will help you. Some sample questions you can ask schools at education fairs:

• What up-to-date department and program information is there beyond the school's website?
• If any, what are the newly added departments and programs?
• What work opportunities are available during the course of study?
• What are the post-graduation career and employment rates like?
• What is the campus location like, does it offer a social life?
• What qualities does the university or school look for in prospective students?

Have Information About Your Education and Interests Ready

Talk about yourself in the best way to the schools you'll meet at the fair. Don't hesitate to share information about yourself so school representatives can guide you correctly. Prepare information such as your educational background, your interests and your career goals before going to the fair. With this information in hand, school representatives will more easily be able to offer you programs suited to you and countries you can adapt to living in.

If You'll Attend Fairs Online, Set Up Your Technical Setup

In recent years, study abroad fairs have taken place in a hybrid model that offers the opportunity to hold an event both virtually and in person at the same time. Wherever you are, you can attend the event virtually and hold meetings with schools. That's why you should check your technical setup before attending the fair online. These steps are:

• You need to use Safari or Google Chrome as your browser to access the virtual or hybrid fair.
• Since study abroad fairs are interactive, enable JavaScript. If you already have it enabled, check for updates.
• Check your internet connection and eliminate anything that could cause internet interruptions during the meeting.
• Check that the computer, tablet or phone you'll attend with can play video.
• Check your audio settings before attending the fair online and get help from a headset. This way you can block out outside noise and communicate more clearly.

Follow the VEF Study Abroad Days Calendar

We've talked about how you can get the most out of study abroad fairs. Our final point is to follow VEF's study abroad days. Every year, VEF holds study abroad days with a wide range of schools from all over the world, from high schools to universities to language schools. At fairs held with thousands of attendees, there are scholarships, gifts and many fair-exclusive discounts. By following the VEF event calendar, you can learn about the latest study abroad days and attend.