Because of opportunities offered by Purdue's Study Abroad program, Jen Ramos is now studying in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

"I studied abroad two years ago in Mazatlan, right on the West Coast of Mexico," said Ramos, a graduating senior in the College of Consumer and Family Sciences. "It was a great experience and it opened my eyes to other parts of the world."

Ramos still keeps in contact with her host, her "Mexican mom," who she said became a good friend. She also spoke well of the Mexican hospitality in general.

"The best reason to go is to help your language skills and to learn more about yourself," she said. "I learned so much about myself. You can go anytime, as long as you plan ahead and don't forget you can always go after you graduate."

To study abroad, students must have a sophomore standing, but that doesn't mean new students shouldn't start planning ahead.

Michael Bittinger, a coordinator for the program, said his main goal when talking to freshmen is to provide them with information so they know their options.

"Once students are eligible, they already have the seeds planted in their heads," he said. "After that, they can meet with an adviser who can help them pick the right programs. The change brought on by an international experience equals a differing and broader perspective of our world that a typical classroom cannot provide."

Bittinger said one thing people always ask him is why he thinks a student should study abroad.

"Traveling gives students an unparalleled opportunity to test and hone many skills and to acquire new ones," he said. "It stimulates and strengthens the spirit of open-mindedness, of interest and appreciation for the art, history and culture of other peoples."

He said interested students should take part in the Study Abroad Fair, Aug. 30 in Memorial Mall. There students can pick up program information, talk to students who have studied abroad, set up meetings with study abroad advisers and get a free lunch.

"Study abroad is extremely important to today's student, and is rapidly becoming an essential part of a college education."

The Study Abroad Program offers over 200 programs, which range in length from one week to one year and they are located in more than 45 countries. For exchange or Purdue programs, the tuition and fees are the same as Purdue and for a co-sponsored program it could be more or less expensive than Purdue's tuition. The cost of living while studying abroad is comparable to the cost of living in West Lafayette. Financial aid and scholarships are applicable for all programs. For more information, students can visit the study abroad Web site,

www.studyabroad.purdue.edu.