Sanjay, Rabi, and Dr. Joshi
Although it may seem like a modern idea, studying abroad has been around since the medieval ages. During this time, scholars would travel from one university to another to gain knowledge. The first study abroad program in the United States was at the University of Delaware in 1923. With the advancement of accessibility in the 20th century, studying abroad has become a popular experience for those seeking cultural immersion during their education.
Can you tell me when Fairmont began expanding its operations abroad? Back in 1985, Sigma Tau Delta sponsored an English honorary tour of Great Britain that lasted for nearly three weeks. Additionally, for several years during the spring semester, West Virginia University offered exchange programs to FSU students, which turned out to be quite successful.
In 1989, numerous students traveled abroad with their respective education departments. For instance, the English department journeyed to Europe to gain insights about English literature.
Fairmont State University initiated its independent exchange program, which incorporated the Russian Exchange program in 1996, with substantial aid from the Aerospace Scholars program.
In 2006, FSU joined the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), along with WVU and Marshall.
In 2007, Dr. Surendran, a marketing and management professor, introduced the idea of a study abroad program due to the lack of opportunities for students to travel outside the United States. He not only recommended that students travel abroad, but also integrated it into his course. To help students comprehend foreign marketing, he organized a nine-day tour of Holland, Belgium, and England.
The Folklife Center organized the Roads to Appalachia to take students to the European countries where the immigrants who settled in West Virginia came from. From 2004 to 2011, the program visited fourteen different countries, providing students with a unique opportunity to explore and learn about their heritage. As of now, there are no new trips currently planned.
TimeLine
2004- Portugal & Spain
2005- Ireland & Scotland
2007- Italy
2008- England & Whales
2010- Romania (Transylvania), Hungary, Slovakia, & Poland
2011- Germany, Switzerland, & Belgium
On June 24, 2011, a significant agreement was reached between Fairmont State University (FSU) and Namseoul University. Dr. Maria Rose and Dr. Yoon Hyeon Lee signed a memorandum of understanding. This agreement served as an official confirmation of their mutual commitment to collaborate on future endeavors.
Since the fall semester of 2008, Calabria University in Cosenza has been offering opportunities for students to study abroad. However, before embarking on this journey, students had to enroll in Italian language classes to prepare for their studies
On April 19, 2010, officials from FSU and the University of Babylon in Iraq signed an agreement to formalize their relationship. This agreement allowed for student exchanges, joint educational training, joint ventures, and various other collaborations between the two schools.