Take part in this unique global experience!
First Year Abroad
Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Summer 2023 London • Florence • Panama City • Valencia
Welcome to the Seminole family! The FYA program is an invaluable global experience offering exceptional student support while affording students the opportunity to participate in exciting cultural and educational excursions and create lasting friendships with peers, faculty, and staff.
An experience of a lifetime First Year Abroad (FYA) is a specialized freshman program offered by Florida State University International Programs. It allows students to complete the first twelve months of their college careers abroad at an FSU study center.
What will I gain? Besides cultural immersion and greater independence, one of the most rewarding perks is the out-of-state tuition waiver, which grants students in-state tuition for the remainder of their first undergraduate degree at FSU when they complete the program successfully.
“You will grow a lot, you will learn a lot, you will have a lot of fun, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!” • Bridget, Valencia/Florence FYA
FYA Quick Facts 1
FYA is designed for seamless continuation toward graduation
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FYA fulfills the summer residency required for most students
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Students can take up to 49 credit hours over 12 months
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FSU academic advisors ensure students stay on track with majors
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Classes are taught in English, except for foreign language courses
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Admission to FYA is guaranteed to most majors. For details about how FYA works with your major, visit our website or email us
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Living among native speakers immeasurably aids Italian or Spanish skills for students choosing to study in Italy, Panama, or Spain
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Classes satisfy requirements for the Liberal Studies program, many minors, and first-year prerequisites for most majors (science and engineering majors must choose England, Panama, or Spain)
Where can I go?
How do I get started?
London, England Florence, Italy Panama City, Republic of Panama Valencia, Spain
First, you must be accepted to FSU as a degree-seeking, firsttime-in-college student. Then, upon admittance*, you will submit a separate application for the FYA program.
You can also opt to change your location for the summer term, spending it at another study center. Visa or travel restrictions may apply.
DON’T MISS IT! Flip through to the end of this booklet for each location’s details.
*Students admitted by FSU for the summer term or the Seminole Pathways Program must enroll in an online course, Global Foundations, offered by International Programs during the summer prior to starting their First Year Abroad.
WHAT SETS US APART “It is a life changing experience that employers are going to like, and you will remember it for the rest of your life!” • Quentin, London FYA
FSU’s four study centers offer residential and academic resources including classrooms, libraries, computer labs, and comfortable living accommodations. Each is exquisite and unique – reflecting the culture of the location – and led by directors who live in the country, know their students, and are supported by staff members whose top priority is to provide a nurturing and safe learning atmosphere.
“In essence, FYA is learning, exploring yourself, and making your best friends. By spending my first year abroad, I did just that, only I got to do it traveling the world.” • Marc, Valencia FYA
Our Locations
Our Faculty
Each area’s unique local resources – historical sites, art galleries, libraries, museums, artisans, government officials, and business professionals – are fully integrated into our courses.
Our faculty members are globally conscious, energetic, and inspiring intellectuals. They have a passion for teaching their subjects as well as for international cities.
Our Classes
Our Security
Students find the rewards of our programs include greater confidence, independence, and self-awareness. Small classes and personal attention create an intimate liberal arts college atmosphere. More one-onone instruction provides the opportunity to grow and mature.
We strive to promote a safe, secure environment with oncall response available at all times. Additionally, study center directors maintain continuous contact with our Tallahassee office, local authorities, and United State officials – at home and abroad.
Spring & Summer
Scholarships! Study hard. Earn scholarships. After earning 14 credits during a semester abroad, Florida residents* with a cumulative FYA GPA of 3.0 or better receive a $1,500 scholarship toward their next semester of the program. (A savings of $3,000 if earned for both the spring and summer semesters!) *determined by the FSU Office of Admissions
More Opportunities After successful completion of the FYA program, students have the opportunity to be recognized under FSU’s Global Citizenship Certificate and become a member of the Garnet & Gold Scholar Society. For more information, visit cge.fsu.edu and garnetandgoldscholar.fsu.edu. Students interested in one of FSU’s Interdisciplinary Minors offered at the London, Florence, or Valencia study centers may earn credits abroad and then finish the minor on main campus. Each minor requires 15 credits, 9 of which must be completed at the corresponding study center.
FOUR UNIQUE DESTINATIONS. THREE SEMESTERS. ONE SET PRICE.
44,090
$
So, what does it include? Up to 49 credit hours abroad* International health insurance Full-time administrative & academic support Study center social activities
3 online IP credits for Pathway students
Some meals (varies by location)
Summer location change (optional)
Housing
24/7 emergency support Cultural excursions IPre-Depart FYA-specific summer orientation
Visas (varies by location)
IP Welcome Pack
*includes classroom instruction, labs, tours, lectures, and field trips
We accept financial aid! Financial aid is applicable toward program fees, and our financial aid team can assist you. Visit fla.st/KW9QCB6K to learn more.
LONDON, ENGLAND History FSU London is located in a row of 17th century buildings and is a comprehensive educational and living facility.
About the Area Students are based in the heart of the Bloomsbury district in central London near the British Museum and countless other landmarks and events in the world capital. Short walks and easy access to city buses and the London Underground enable students to safely explore the fascinating city as well as enjoy off-site lectures and program-organized trips.
Facilities The study center features a library, computer lab, conservatory & student lounge, classrooms, and administrative offices. All flats are located either on floors above the study center or in nearby buildings. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens, furnished living areas, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a weekly cleaning service with a change of bed linens and towels.
Academics This location gives students the opportunity to pursue general graduation requirements and elective courses while using London and the greater United Kingdom as their textbook.
“Being able to live in the heart of London is an experience like no other. Why spend time in a classroom when you can learn so much from this spectacular city?” • Scott, London/Valencia FYA
FLORENCE, ITALY History Located in the heart of the city, FSU Florence is one of the oldest US study abroad programs in Italy. The study center is located in the 16th century Bagnesi Palace, just a short walk away from the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Galileo Museum.
About the Area The local neighborhood features a variety of shops, cuisine, marketplaces, and cafés for students to explore and mingle. These places provide students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in Italian culture.
Facilities The study center, library, computer lab, and student lounges all feature modern comforts of technology. Students are housed in shared Florentine-style apartments within a 20-minute walk of the study center along beautiful cobblestone streets. Each residence includes furnished living spaces, a kitchenette and shared kitchen space, washing machines, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and more.
Academics This program gives students the opportunity to earn credits in both general graduation requirements and elective courses allowing most majors to continue their academic careers while living abroad in Florence.
“It’s a big step no doubt, but [...] it’s something you’re really going to be proud of yourself for and really be grateful that you have this experience.” • Christina, Panama FYA
PANAMA CITY, REPUBLIC OF PANAMA History
Facilities
Established in 1957, FSU Panama originally served as a small study center for US military personnel stationed in the Canal Zone. Since then, it has evolved into a multicultural, degree-granting campus and is the second oldest university in the region.
FSU Panama features classrooms, science labs, a library, and more. The student lounge and café on the top floor provides views of the Panama Canal and is the perfect place to spend time with friends.
About the Area Situated within the City of Knowledge, FSU Panama offers the amenities of a full campus. With students studying from all over Latin America and the 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.
Students live in a dorm-style residence within the City of Knowledge. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and more. Students have access to a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry room, and student lounge.
Academics This location gives students the opportunity to pursue general graduation requirements and elective courses while experiencing modern Panama and its historical areas, beaches, and lush tropical regions.
VALENCIA, SPAIN History FSU Valencia is housed in historic buildings in the center of the city, near the landmark Serrano Towers. The study center brings history to life with exposed 10th century Moorish walls and glass floors that showcase 14th century leather tanning tanks.
About the Area The local neighborhood provides a host of opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and traditional Spanish dining while interacting with members of the community on a daily basis. A beautiful river-bed park is just steps away from the study center and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences is within walking distance.
Facilities Modern comforts, including classrooms, a computer lab, study spaces, and administrative offices blend in seamlessly with the historic learning environment. Students are housed in shared apartments that are located either above the study center or in nearby buildings. Shared rooms include fully-equipped kitchens, lounge space, cable TV, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and more.
Academics This location gives students the opportunity to earn credits in both general graduation requirements and elective courses while experiencing Valencia and surrounding areas of Spain. Students have the opportunity to take math and science courses at the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia.
Opportunity to earn in-state tuition at Florida State! London • Florence • Panama City • Valencia
Florida State University International Programs A5500 University Center 282 Champions Way Tallahassee, FL, 32306 ip-freshmen@fsu.edu international.fsu.edu (850) 644 - 3272
