The Fisher College of Business brought in animals from the Columbus Zoo to give students a more tangible feel for life abroad as part of a Fisher information fair Wednesday.
The fair, which took place on the college’s courtyard, was for undergraduates and graduates to learn about opportunities for international study.
From noon to 1 p.m., students visited different displays promoting exchange programs in countries such as Costa Rica, France and Australia.
“We have short-term programs that range from a week to a month or so in a country, and then we have long term programs that last for an entire quarter or semester,” said Miranda Gerberding, assistant director for international curriculum and international programs. “So we are just trying to get information to the students about what options they have available to them.”
The fair also included visitors from the Columbus Zoo, which showcased a penguin, an aardvark, a clouded leopard and a fox.
“There’s nothing like seeing animals and nature when you are traveling,” said Keith Hornsby, animal program specialist at the zoo. “It’s therapeutic for you, and when you’re in business, it’s a great stress reducer to be in nature. It helps you stay centered and lowers your stress. It gives you optimum output, I think.”
Hornsby described each animal’s habitat and form of communication. Students were allowed to get close and take pictures
The information fair also promoted student organizations related to the Fisher College of Business like the Undergraduate Business Women’s Association,
Human Resources Association, and the Professional Development Program. Representatives from each association talked about their club to prospective members.
“We are a competitive organization, and we do interviews at the beginning of every year,” said Adam Windnagel, a third-year in finance and German and president of Students Consulting for Non-Profit Organizations. “It’s events like these where we can come talk to people and really sell our organization.”
Some students said they came to find out more about Fisher, but the opportunity to interact with animals didn’t hurt.
“I just came from my survey class, and they said there was this fair,” said Morgan Jones, a first-year in international business. “I came to get information about the Fisher School, and there are animals.”
