Press Release

MIAMI UNIVERSITY STUDENT LANDS INTERNSHIP OF A LIFETIME WITH STA TRAVEL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Amanda Webb
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Direct Line: 972-538-8843
awebb@statravel.com

(DALLAS- May 3, 2007)  While university students across the nation are making plans for their summer school sessions, vacations or internships, one Oxford, OH student is preparing for the journey of a lifetime. 

Rachel Rudwall, Junior at Miami University was named STA Travel’s World Traveler Intern. Rudwall will travel the globe for two months this summer. She will catalog her cultural experiences through web blogs, travel journals, video and photo diaries, and interviews with fellow travelers and locals, all of which will be featured on STATravel193.com. As the World Traveler Intern, Rachel will embark on various adventures from STA Travel where she will visit:

• China for 14 days where she will be working in a Chinese conservation center that aims to preserve some of the world’s most endangered species at a Panda Bear conservation near Xi’an. 
• Europe for 24 days where she will tour 12 different countries including England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Netherlands and Italy.
• Australia for 14 days where she will explore the east coast between Sydney and Cairns.
• Thailand for 6 days where she will trek from Chang Mai to Bangkok.

“I applied to be the World Traveler Intern because I live to explore and I adore sharing my experiences with others,” said Rudwall.  “Travel is a way for us to find out more about ourselves and our place in the world, and through my writing and videos I hope to inspire others to travel abroad.” 
 
Requirements for STA Travel’s World Traveler Internship program included excellent written and communication skills, an outgoing and vibrant personality, strong passion for travel and world experiences, and enrollment in an accredited college or university.  Rudwall was selected from over 200 nation-wide applicants who learned of the opening on STATravel193.com and national job postings. These applicants submitted a resume and video essay, and ten were interviewed as finalists.  An International Studies and Spanish major, Rudwall was a perfect fit for the opportunity.

“During our interview with Rachel she exuded such a passion for travel, the yearning to share her experiences, and a level confidence and maturity that made her a clear choice for the internship,” said Christina Acuña, director of marketing for STA Travel North America.  “We are thrilled to have her represent STA Travel through this experience and can’t wait to follow her journeys throughout the summer.”

About STA Travel and ISIC

STA Travel is a full-service travel agency with over 70 retail locations in the United States and can be reached by calling (800) 505-1940. Students can also access the latest student airfares, packages and trips and other valuable information at http://www.statravel.com. The STA Travel Blue Ticket™ offers students and travelers under the age of 26 key benefits of low price, flexibility, and on-the-road service. STA Travel also has extensive resources and expertise to service group clients, with its International Programs and Group Services division. With over 400 branches in over 90 countries and serving over two and a half million students each year, STA Travel is the world expert in travel for students and young adults. STA Travel is the exclusive distributor of ISIC identification cards throughout the U.S.

North American Corporate Offices: 750 State Highway 121, Suite 250, Lewisville, Texas 75067