Lamar University’s office of study abroad and student exchange will host its first Study Abroad Week, Sept. 22-30. The series of events are aimed to encourage students to explore international learning opportunities and to provide resources to make the experience easily accessible.
The weeklong event will include workshops, information sessions, a scholarship seminar, a passport application day and an expo featuring study abroad alumni.
Anh Phan, assistant director of study abroad and student exchange said the goal is to help students plan early and secure funding for programs abroad.
“Planning for study abroad takes time, and funding is often the biggest concern,” said Anh Phan, assistant director of Study Abroad and Student Exchange. “If students start early and take advantage of scholarships, fundraising, and financial aid, studying abroad becomes much more achievable.”
A “Study Abroad Fair”, will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Setzer Student Center Atrium. Students will have the opportunity to learn the different programs offered for summer 2026 and financial aid opportunities available.
The “Gilman Scholarship Session,” held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 23, in the 120 Neches Room in the Setzer Student Center, will help students with their application for the Gilman Scholarship, a federal program offering up to $5,000 for Pell Grant recipients. The session will be led by Lamar University career adviser Nicole Kyles-Burton, who is the university’s official Gilman adviser and a former recipient of the award.
A “Study Abroad Reception” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 24, in the Live Oak Ballroom. Faculty leaders will answer questions about upcoming programs. The event will also include a reception featuring alumni sharing their experiences through photos, research and creative projects.
“Passport Day” will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 25, in the SSC’s Live Oak Ballroom. The event is held in partnership with the Jefferson County District Clerk’s Office and students may apply for passports on site, a step Phan said is often overlooked but is essential for students considering study abroad.
Senior marketing student Samina Shaikh, who recently studied in South Korea, said having all the resources consolidated in one week is a major benefit.
“As someone who had to go through each of these steps individually, it’s really nice to see everything brought together,” she said. “You don’t have to search for the information — it’s all provided.”
A virtual information session will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 26. A link is available through a QR code available during the week’s activities.
The Office of Study Abroad will conclude the week’s activities with a “Brew and Browse” event which will allow students to meet the staff and learn more about how to make their study abroad experience possible, Phan said. The event will be held in the department’s office in 117 Wimberley Building from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kimberly Riley, senior administrative assistant for Study Abroad, said the office hopes every student has the opportunity to travel internationally at least once during their college career.
“Our message to students is, don’t think it’s unachievable,” Riley said. “With planning, support and the right resources, studying abroad is within reach.”
For more information, visit lamar.edu/studyabroad.
