Students took time out of their schedules Thursday to explore study abroad options.

The study abroad fair lasted from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Downing University Center.

Highlights of the fair included a photo contest and a new study abroad option in Egypt and Turkey.

Students talked about their study abroad plans.

Bowling Green freshman Amanda Hughes

Where do you want to study?

“Not sure where yet, but maybe Africa or Italy.”

Why?

“Because my husband and I really want to study abroad somewhere. We want to see the things you’re not going to see here except in photos.”

London freshman Sydney Combs

Where do you want to study?

“I want to study in Australia because I always figured that I would go there someday.”

Why?

“Because I was named after Sydney, Australia by my dad. He thought the name was cool.”

Louisville freshman Rachael Magruder

Where do you want to study?

“I really want to go to Morocco. I’m also considering Prague, but it honestly depends on what is the cheapest.”

Why?

“I know it’s silly, but when I was young I saw the movie ‘Almost Famous,’ where Kate Hudson’s character wants to move to Morocco, and I want to do that with art somehow. Plus, my favorite movie, ‘Casablanca,’ was filmed there. It’s also a melting pot of culture.”

Nashville freshman Andrew Mullis

Where do you want to study?

“I want to go study in Morocco.”

Why?

“I just want to go anywhere besides the U.S. because I think you stay in a box if you don’t. You should see how other people think and learn about their beliefs and customs.”

Owensboro freshman Taylor Phillips

Where do you want to study?

“I’m not sure where yet — possibly Italy or Australia.”

Why?

“I’m a poli sci major, and I think it’s important to know how other people view us. There’s a whole world out there, not just us. We need to see things from the perspective other than just the Bowling Green perspective or the Kentucky perspective.”