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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University's International Programs is celebrating 2006 as the "Year of Study Abroad" on Thursday, Feb. 23, with an open house from 3-5 p.m. in Snell Hall Room 448.

Free and open to the public, the event will feature information about the university's study abroad programs as well as student stories from abroad.

More than 100 formal study abroad programs are offered to students at Oregon State, with more than 400 students involved in foreign study this year, said Joseph Hoff, OSU coordinator for International Education.

"The number of opportunities for study abroad increases every year," he said.

By unanimous vote late last year, the U.S. Senate declared 2006 as the "Year of Study Abroad." The Senate resolution recognizes the role that study abroad plays in shaping American education and global leadership as well as encourages all citizens, higher education institutions, secondary schools, businesses, and government programs to promote and expand study abroad opportunities, Hoff said.

"This resolution boosts the visibility of study abroad in the United States and sets the stage for further action on the national level to expand study abroad opportunities." A drawing for an application fee waiver for students applying to study abroad will also be held.

International Programs at OSU is composed of five units that work to provide programs and services to enable students to acquire skills relevant to borderless careers and encourages students to develop an enriched awareness of themselves and their global environment, Hoff said. The office also works directly with international and domestic faculty on the international dimensions of teaching, research, and extended education.