Study Abroad: An Experience Worth Sharing
An experience worth sharing.
Florida State University’s International Programs (FSUIP) is proud to have sent students abroad for over 60 years. As we have grown, so have our diverse student opportunities and possibilities for students abroad. We are strong supporters of the Generation Study Abroad campaign, which is committed to doubling the number of students who study abroad, and we are delighted to be 9th in the nation for the number of students sent abroad. We are members of The Forum on Education Abroad, which is the standard-setting organization for the study abroad field. Standards focus on all aspects of program delivery, including safety and program quality, as well as diversity and inclusion. At International Programs, we strive to provide high quality programs at the lowest possible prices, and have added new programs tailored to specific areas of study, as well as expanded spring break program offerings, designed to provide shorter, lower cost options. Our outstanding faculty, exciting excursions, high quality accommodations, and dedicated support staff provide an incomparable value to our students, who return home having had the experience of a lifetime. I encourage you to take advantage of these unique educational and cultural opportunities and truly make the world your campus. Go Noles! James E. Pitts Director, International Programs
Study abroad and you’ll...
International Programs is committed to making each student’s experience a story worth sharing. From exploring new cultures to forging lifelong friendships, study abroad creates memories to last a lifetime.
9 Top 10 in the nation for study abroad
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Learn cross-cultural communication and return home as a global citizen
Stand out from the crowd as you apply for jobs and continued education
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Have a unique academic experience with small class sizes and expert faculty
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Build community with a diverse group of friends
Over 60 years of experience
The world is within your reach. There are resources available to you to financially plan for study abroad! Bright Futures and Florida Pre-Paid apply towards your program fee as well as FAFSA grants and loans. In recent years, FSU IP typically awards over $200,000 in scholarships annually, and other departments and outside sources offer study abroad scholarships as well. Consider meeting with the International Programs financial team to create a plan specific to your financial needs.
IP TIP Check out fsu.academicworks.com to view and apply for FSU scholarships! Make sure to do this early.
“Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to follow my mom’s and aunt’s footsteps in studying in Italy for the summer. It’s an experience I’ve always wanted to do and FSU helped me get there. Studying abroad allowed me to learn a lot about different cultures and history, and make lifelong friends and memories that I hope other students take advantage of.” Taylor Perko, IP Scholarship Recipient
Safety is our top priority. International Programs has a safety & security team dedicated to monitoring world events, overseeing facility safety, reviewing security procedures, leading faculty and staff safety trainings, and more. Pre-departure and on-site orientations give students the tools they need to have a safe study abroad experience. From building security and accessible staff to comprehensive health insurance, we’ve got you covered.
DR. CHRIS CARROLL, IP Director of Emergency & Risk Management says, “The safety of our participants is at the focal point of every decision we make in International Programs. This is true from the first moments of program development all the way through until students are on their way back home.” 9
Diverse experiences worth celebrating. FSU is committed to values of diversity and inclusion at home and abroad. International Programs is making study abroad more accessible to students and promoting diversity within the study abroad experience. We have resources available on the ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ section of our website to help promote respect, foster education, encourage self-reflection, and celebrate differences.
IP TIP Check out our “Mapping Your Identities” guide on our website at international.fsu.edu/Diversity.aspx for more information.
The world is your campus when you study abroad! The city becomes the classroom as you explore its culture and history, interact with locals, and learn from expert faculty.
Exceptional Programs FSU IP offers four types of study abroad programs.
Broad Curriculum These programs give students the
Spring Break &
opportunity to pursue general
Short-Term Programs
requirements and elective courses while
While enrolled in a class on main campus or
living in and experiencing the local culture
online, students enhance their educational
of one of FSU’s four study center locations:
experience by spending their spring break
London, England; Florence, Italy; Panama
abroad with their professor and classmates.
City, Republic of Panama; Valencia, Spain.
Curriculum Focused These programs offer the opportunity to study major- and minor-specific curriculum in over 15 different locations around the globe. Mostly over the summer, these programs offer flexibility in timing and length.
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International Internships Students looking to gain real-world work experience in a one-of-a-kind setting should look no further than our international internships – offered in various locations across the globe.
Expert Faculty Our faculty members are leaders in their fields – the innovators and experts – and they bring with them a passion for their subject that cannot be matched, one that is highlighted even further by our diverse, culturally-rich locations. They serve as instructors, mentors, and guides, and they challenge students to open their minds and broaden their horizons during this life-changing experience.
“Students won’t find a more intensive or long-lasting educational experience than what they get when studying abroad. Students and their professor come together in a shared international experience with a world-class city as their classroom, which makes for a really vibrant learning environment. Bonds are quickly developed among students, and the connections made through that intensive shared experience last for years after it is over.” Dr. Jeanette Taylor Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences International Programs faculty member
FSU STUDY CENTERS
London, England Explore a variety of disciplines while using Great Britain and the city of London as your textbook while at FSU London. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the cultural richness of Great Britain through organized group excursions – which are included in your program fee – often to places overlooked by tourists. Past excursions have included trips to vibrant cities across the UK and explorations of the beautiful British countryside, such as an overnight trip to Edinburgh or Liverpool, a trip to Stonehenge, a visit to Windsor Castle, or a chance to explore the Tower of London or St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Opportunities for personal travel are provided throughout the program as well, giving you the freedom to explore on your own. FSU London offers broad curriculum programs as well as programs focused on specific majors and minors. London Study Centre
Housing
The FSU London Study Centre is housed in the
Housing for these programs is in shared
heart of the historic Bloomsbury district within
apartments, or flats, in central London. Short
walking distance of a variety of historic and
walks and easy access to city buses and the
cultural sites. The study center features a library,
London Underground allow you to safely explore
computer labs, conservatories, a student lounge,
this fascinating city. All flats are located either
a lecture theatre, classrooms, and administrative
on the top floors of the study center or in nearby
offices. Swipe card access, 24/7 reception, and
buildings. Amenities include fully equipped
on-site Program Assistants ensure student safety
kitchens, furnished living areas, Wi-Fi, cable TV,
is the top priority.
and a weekly cleaning service with a change of bed linens and towels.
Florence, Italy FSU Florence offers the opportunity to study a variety of disciplines while living in the birthplace of the Renaissance. Each semester in Florence offers the opportunity to explore the city’s art museums, rich cultural history, and delicious restaurants. Program excursions – included in the program fee – give you a chance to explore the city of Florence and neighboring areas. Past program excursions have included overnight trips to places such as Rome and Venice, a trip to a vineyard, a night at the opera, and more. In addition to program-planned excursions, free time for personal travel gives you the chance to explore. Each semester offers opportunities to volunteer and interact with local citizens. FSU Florence offers broad curriculum programs as well as programs focused on specific majors and minors. Florence Study Center
Housing
Housed in a newly restored 16th century
Housing on these programs is in shared Florentine-
Renaissance palace, the study center is located in
style apartments within a 20-minute walk of the
the heart of the historical downtown of the city. It is
study center along beautiful medieval cobblestone
a short walk away from the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi
streets. Each residence includes security, furnished
Gallery, and Piazza della Signoria. FSU Florence
living spaces, a kitchenette and shared dining
features an atrium with a café, a glass-ceiling
space, washing machines, Wi-Fi, air conditioning,
library, a courtyard, interior & exterior student
and a weekly cleaning service with a change of
lounges, classrooms, state-of-the-art fashion
bed linens and towels. Meal vouchers that can be
and media labs, as well as a Tuscan-style tasting
redeemed at dozens of local cafés and restaurants
& learning kitchen. 24/7 on-site security ensures
throughout Florence are also provided.
student safety is the top priority. 17
FSU STUDY CENTERS
Panama City, Republic of Panama Studying abroad in Panama gives you the opportunity to study
Panama City Study Center
a variety of disciplines while experiencing modern Panama City,
Situated within the City of Knowledge, FSU Panama offers the amenities of
historic districts, nearby beaches, and lush tropical regions. The
a full campus. With students studying from all over Latin America and the
historic sites, dynamic business environment, and unspoiled terrain yield a wide variety of specialized excursions – which are
Caribbean, there is a unique opportunity to meet students from a variety of diverse backgrounds. The City of Knowledge offers amenities such as a food court, swimming pool, basketball court, gym, and more. FSU Panama
included in the program fee – extending learning far beyond
features classrooms, study spaces, science labs, as well as a library and a
the classroom. Past excursions have included exploring the
bookstore. The student lounge & terrace on the top floor provide views of
engineering marvels of the Panama Canal, touring Panama City’s colonial, old, and cosmopolitan areas, and visiting indigenous communities and their freshwater rapids. Learn about culture, dances, food, handicrafts, and customs of Panama while living in Panama City. Opportunities for personal travel are provided throughout the program, giving you the freedom to explore on your own. FSU Panama offers broad curriculum programs as well as a fall program with a more focused curriculum.
the Panama Canal and offer the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends while enjoying an empanada from the small café. On-site security ensures student safety is the top priority.
Housing The housing on these programs is in a dormitory-style residence within the City of Knowledge complex. Located just a short walk or shuttle ride away from FSU Panama, each room is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a TV, a mini-fridge, study-space, and balcony. On their floor, students have access to a kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator. Fingerprint entry grants students access to a fully equipped kitchen, coin-operated laundry room, vending machines, and student lounge on the main floor.
Valencia, Spain FSU Valencia offers the opportunity to study a variety of disciplines while experiencing Valencia and its surrounding areas. Included cultural excursions allow you to explore Spain’s historic and modern areas through travel opportunities tied to your study. Past excursions have included trips to cities such as Madrid and Barcelona to explore Spanish culture, as well as to other various locations around the country. Free time for personal travel gives you the chance to explore on your own as well. FSU Valencia offers broad curriculum programs as well as programs focused on specific majors and minors. Valencia Study Center
Housing
Positioned behind the iconic Torres de Serranos,
Program housing is in shared apartments in
FSU Valencia is located in the heart of the city’s
the historic district of the city. Apartments are
historic district. The study center brings history
located either on the top floors of the study
to life with exposed 10th century Moorish walls
center or in nearby buildings. Amenities include
and glass floors that showcase 14th century
fully-equipped kitchens, lounge space, cable TV,
leather tanning tanks. Modern comforts, including
laundry facilities, weekly cleaning service with
classrooms, a computer lab, study spaces, and
a change of bed linens and towels, and secure
administrative offices blend in seamlessly with
access to the study center’s library, computer
the historic learning environment. A beautiful
lab, and study spaces. Meal vouchers that can
river-bed park is just steps away from the study
be redeemed at restaurants across Spain are
center and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences
also provided.
is within walking distance. 24/7 reception and swipe card access ensure student safety is the top priority. 19
MORE STUDY ABROAD LOCATIONS
Outside of the four main study center locations, you also have the choice to study on one of our curriculum-focused programs in places all around the globe. From Asia to Europe, these programs are a great way to work on coursework for your major or minor while experiencing a culture unlike your own. These programs are offered mostly during the summer and vary in length and price, offering flexibility so you can find something that works for you. Program offerings are always expanding, so be sure to check out the IP website for the most up-to-date information. Tianjin, China Summer
Oxford, England Summer
Paris, France Summer
Dresden, Germany Summer
Heredia, Costa Rica Summer
Dubrovnik, Croatia Summer
Prague, Czech Republic Summer
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MORE STUDY ABROAD LOCATIONS
St. George’s, Grenada Spring Break
Moscow, Russia Summer
Cetamura, Italy Summer
Seoul, South Korea Spring Break
Bergen, Norway Spring Break
Leysin, Switzerland Summer
Studying abroad is more than the classes you will take and the places you will visit – it’s the lifelong friends you will make along the way.
“Interning [abroad] has been the single most defining moment of my education at Florida State University. Working and living in a foreign country has challenged me in ways that have helped me grow not only as a working professional but also as an adult.” Courtney Dean, FSU IP Intern
Stand out from the crowd. Today’s employers are looking for candidates who have established themselves as hardworking professionals with a global outlook – which is exactly what an internship abroad can provide. International internships offer real-world work experience and a chance to enrich your academic study with practical application. Hone your professional skills while living in another culture and expanding your professional network. From internships with Parliament in the UK to fashion merchandising internships in Florence, IP partners with a wide variety of employers to find you the perfect placement. Internships are offered in locations around the globe for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Locations include: London, England; Florence, Italy; Panama City, Republic of Panama; Valencia, Spain.
IP TIP For specific internship information and placement areas, visit international.fsu.edu/Internships.aspx or set up an appointment with our internship coordinator by emailing IP-Intern@fsu.edu. 27
We’re here to get you there. Many study abroad locations require US citizens to have a visa. International Programs has a team of immigration specialists to provide guidance from start to finish. More information about immigration requirements for each location can be found at international.fsu.edu. If you need a passport, you can make an appointment with the FSU Passport Acceptance Facility. Be sure to check out international.fsu.edu/Passports.aspx for a list of what you’ll need to bring with you.
IP TIP Most countries require at least six months validity on your passport beyond the return of your travels. Make sure to check your passport validity now!
“The one thing I will say is that if you have the means and abilities to travel abroad and don’t, I just have to […] say that you’re definitely missing out on the best experience of your life, so please do that. And even if it’s gonna be something hard for you to do, I say figure out every mean possible to get yourself abroad because it […] absolutely will change your life.” Isabella Aragao Student
“[Study abroad] gives [students] the opportunity to learn so much. But it’s not just that they are learning academically – I think students learn more about themselves than anything else in the process.” Whitney Bendeck IP Faculty Member
“If you are considering study abroad and something is giving you pause about it, take some time to reflect on what that is and then don’t be afraid to ask questions. Our office is there to […] help alleviate whatever is giving you cause for hesitation. Study abroad definitely does require some degree of independence and openness to growth but when you have IP here for you, you’re supported along the way.” Lauren Romanzak IP Staff Member
“Say yes. I say it’s an experience that everybody should do [...] Find a place, go abroad, learn something new, learn a different perspective, practice another language. It really does shape the way in which we view the world. It really does shape the way in which you can open your mind.” Casey Daley Alumni
THE PODCAST
The Noles Abroad podcast discusses study abroad from the perspective of the students, faculty, staff, and alumni who make it an experience worth sharing. On every episode we ask the interviewee, “what is your advice for students who are considering studying abroad?” Here are some of those answers.
I’m in. What’s next? Talk with IP’s financial team to start planning financially for study abroad.
Start planning as early as possible! Choose the perfect program for you by browsing the program listings on the IP website and by speaking with IP’s academic advisor.
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Apply for or renew your passport if needed. Keep in mind processing times.
Apply for the program and pay the application fee. Programs are firstcome, first-served so we recommend doing this early.
Stay in touch!
Follow @fsuip on social media for announcements, videos, student quotes, and more! Once admitted, be sure to check your student portal and email for important updates and due dates.
Every day is an adventure when you’re abroad. @fsuip | #NolesAbroad
#NolesAbroad
(850) 644-3272 FSU International Programs A5500 University Center 282 Champions Way Tallahassee, FL 32306-2420
international.fsu.edu | @fsuip
