Enhancing your Study Abroad Experience After you’ve Returned

By: Michelle Campbell

As all study abroad alumni know, the thirst for adventure and new experiences continues to thrive long after the return flight to the U.S. has ended.  No matter where you call home, there are always opportunities to participate in activities to quench that thirst and enhance your study abroad experience. Whether you enjoyed meeting new people, going to cultural events, or dinning on delicious foreign food while abroad, there is always something you can find in the States to expand your global perspective even further.

Participate in Academic Programs with an International Component

If you are an enrolled student at a college or university, there may be one or two academic  
programs your study abroad experience can apply toward. At Florida State, there are two programs that include an ‘international experience’ portion: The Garnet and Gold Scholars Society and Global Pathways. Whether you studied, interned, or volunteered abroad, you’re experience can count as one of the components for each of these programs as a Florida State student. If you are interested in similar opportunities at your school, speak to your advisor to see what is available.

Participate in Cultural Exchange Organizations

This is another option for those still in school. Due to the high amount of students that come to the U.S. to study abroad, there are some universities and colleges that have established organizations to encourage foreign and American students to interact with one another. InternatioNole at Florida State is one of them. InternatioNole encourages students to “learn from, interact with, and have fun with one another through cultural, social, educational, and services activities on and off campus.” Don’t have an organization like this at your school? Consider starting one yourself! It’s a great way to get to know students from all over the world and participate in various cultural activities.

 

Become an English Tutor or Conversation Partner

Foreigners that move to the States without knowing much English or wish to brush up on their language skills seek out programs to learn or practice English with native speakers. Many of these programs look for volunteers to be tutors and conversation partners. You don’t have to be an English language guru in order to participate. Trainings are usually held to prepare tutors or conversation partners for what they will be doing. By volunteering for one of these programs, you’re able to assist individuals with a useful skill while establishing a new relationship with someone of a different culture and background. If you are a Florida State student or Tallahassee resident interested in one of these programs, Florida State’s Center for Intensive English Studies has a great conversation partner program and the Leroy Collins Library has an English tutor program (contact the library for more information).

Get your TEFL Certification
Interested in going back abroad? Consider checking off more places on your bucket list while gaining professional work experience abroad with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. With a TEFL certification, you can teach English in almost any country. There are different levels of the TEFL certification available, so do your research regarding what is required or recommended for the country in which you wish to teach. During your certification process, some programs provide hands on experience with teaching individuals whose primary language is not English. Students at Florida State can enroll in a TEFL program through The Center for Intensive English Studies.

The Two Best Methods of Learning Spanish Without Getting Bored

By Devyn Fussman
After getting accepted into the Valencia program, I realized I needed to learn Spanish quick, and three hours a week in class wasn’t going to be enough. After hunting around the Internet for ways to practice that wouldn’t feel like extra homework, I discovered two methods that have proven to be invaluable in helping to fill the practice void between Spanish classes.

The first was to watch the Spanish version of Disney movies. It’s easy if you have a Netflix account; just play a movie and switch the language to Spanish with English subtitles. There’s an impressive selection, ranging from animated classics to live action to Muppets and Mickey Mouse. The vocabulary is simple enough that it’s not too overwhelming for a beginner, and since most of us have seen Disney classics often enough to quote them verbatim, following the Spanish dialogue is fairly easy. In my experience, this was the best way to get used to hearing Spanish spoken by native speakers, rather than by an automated voice on a computer.   

The other, even better method I discovered for learning Spanish is Duolingo. Duolingo is an amazing language-learning app that you can download on any device for free. It provides lessons that include exercises in speaking, listening*, and translating both ways. You get four lives per lesson, and if you make it through without losing all of them, you can unlock more lessons. If you don’t lose any lives, you earn a “lingot,” which is Duolingo’s currency. Lingots can be used to purchase lessons that are more fun, like idioms or Spanish pick-up lines. Of course, the app doesn’t replace conversing with native speakers, but for me it did something no other method had done before: it made learning Spanish fun. It brought out my competitive side, and for the first time in years of learning Spanish, I didn’t want to stop.

The advantage to practicing on Duolingo instead of Centro is that, put simply, Duolingo is smarter. It doesn’t count off for typos or misplaced accents, though it will correct you and make a note of where the accent is supposed to go. It will also recognize what you’re trying to say even if you might be slightly off. For example, it asked me what the Spanish word for “road” was, and I put the Spanish word for “street.” Centro would mark that wrong because it only recognizes the answer that it’s been programmed to think is right. Duolingo allows for more wiggle room; as long as you’re in the general ballpark, it will allow you to continue without losing a life.

*Note that the speaking and listening exercises can be turned off if you don’t have audio capabilities.

Packing for a Spring Semester Abroad in Europe

By Femke Lang

What to wear, what to wear... that is the crucial question that all students struggle with when it comes time to pack for a semester abroad. Don't fret quite yet; I am here to deliver some sound advice to help ease your packing stress.




Pack Light
First things first, whether you're a fashionista and your outfit will determine the quality of your pictures, or you're the kind of person that believes a shirt is a shirt and you could care less, the rule applies to all: pack light, pack light, pack light. I cannot stress that enough!

Dress for the Climate
The main goal when it comes to getting the most bang for your buck is to bring clothes you can layer (and unlayer) to cater to the changing climates. When you first arrive at your destination you’re going to be in the midst of that country’s winter. Whether you will be in sunny Spain near the beach or in chilly England, don't discredit the time of year you will arrive and the potentially colder climates you may end up visiting. You have to pack for the changing of seasons. During the colder months, layer clothes to keep you warm. The cold days tent to outnumber the warm ones so you will still need to dress warm when the sun isn't out. As your study abroad experience comes to an end (unfortunately, it does not last forever) you will be able to head to the beach and dress a bit lighter. Just layer up and you will be able to conquer whatever weather is thrown at you!  

Keep it Simple
Another important thing to remember is to pack as many plain and solid pieces as you can. I am the first to pick out a fun and upbeat patterned shirt, but I promise, something plain will go a long way. Cheap flight companies are VERY strict and only allow one TINY bag. They will try to nickel and dime you if you go even the slightest bit over the allowance, so you want to avoid this at all costs. There will also be days (hopefully not weeks) that you will have to wear the same pants, shirts, outfits in a row. Fortunately, no one will be able to notice if you wear the same solid prints day in and day out (they may start to smell you though).  To be the most cost effective travelers, you will want to stick with the bare basics and pack the minimal amount. After all, the places you will be visiting are much cooler than any patterned Tee, so you won't even care!

Leave Valuables at Home
One last key note, make sure to leave all your nice and treasured pieces at home. A word of advice to you girls, I picked up some cheap clothes at my local Forever21 and packed items that I would not mind ripping, smelling, or having to leave behind if they didn't fit. Not only will it leave more room in your suitcase to bring things back home (wink, wink), but you will never have to worry about things getting damaged or dirtied. In general, you should leave anything valuable at home to lessen your anxiety of loss, damage, or theft from pick-pocketers. You really will adapt and be okay without these items and there are plenty of cheap and affordable places to buy any necessary clothing or other items that you may need!

Taken from SodaHead.com

I found this great website, here, to help give you some guidelines to follow and give you an idea on what to bring and not to bring to some countries you may visit!
MOST OF ALL, ENJOY AND CHERISH YOUR TIME ABROAD; IT GOES BY FASTER THAN YOU CAN BLINK!

** P.S. If you find that you have some extra room in your suitcase, feel free to pack me!**

'We Are Happy' in Valencia

Check out this awesome video from the Valencia Spring 2014 group!
 

 

Click here to see the video on Youtube

London: How to Avoid Breaking the Bank

By Kristen Kemp

While you’re thrilled to be able to live in the most amazing city on earth, what many students traveling to London for the first time don’t realize is just how expensive London is. You’re in one of the most visited international cities in the world, and given the dollar to pound conversion the past few years, you are pretty much paying double for anything and everything you buy in the UK. Below are a few tips & tricks to avoid overspending, and the feeling of “I can’t do that because it’s too expensive.” 
 
Grocery Stores/Markets
You’ll hear it a million times, but the absolute #1 way to save money in London is to eat in. In London's top 5 places to eat I touched on the best places to eat out. But, I also made myself a lot of good, inexpensive meals in. I would usually hit Morrison’s (2 minute walk from study center) and stock up on cheap cereal, milk, eggs, bread, the basics. Then I would visit Torrington Market (10 minute walk) every Thursday to stock up on fresh berries for cheap. One of my personal favorite “brunch” items I would make before a long day of class was a scrambled egg and cheese croissant. I bought my croissants day of at Pret, they were always fresh, and only a 3 minute walk away. Sainsbury’s is by far the cheapest supermarket in London, Morrison’s following in closely behind. The price of groceries compared to the price of a meal in London is substantially cheaper. Also, buying beer and cider at grocery stores will save you a lot of money instead of drinking at the pub. A liter of cider will cost you less than £4, versus a pint of the same thing at a pub for £5. 
 
Museums
They’re ALL free. All of the best museums in London have free admission, but usually have a suggested donation area when you first walk in. I can’t tell you how many times I visited The British Museum, The National Gallery and The Victoria & Albert Museum. It’s hard to believe you can actually sit and look at a Van Gogh painting every day, for as long as you’d like, for free. Even if you are not a big history nerd like me, remember that the museums in London are the absolute best in the world. People travel from all over Europe to visit London’s museum scene. FSU is very lucky to be able to be located only a 5 minute walk away from The British Museum, home of the Rosetta Stone and some of the most      incredible collections from Ancient Egypt and The Enlightenment era. 

Walking
A tube ride will cost you on average about £2.60, and riding the bus is slightly cheaper. However, the cheapest (and FREE) way to get around London is to walk. The main part of Central London is pretty much less than 6 miles in length, which seems like a lot, but really isn’t when you put it into perspective. By walking, you’re not only saving on average about $6 US dollars a day, but you’re also walking off the endless amounts of Fish and Chips! 

Punch Cards
Yes, the UK has them! If you’re going to be in London for more than 4 weeks I would definitely recommend getting as many punch cards as possible, especially for coffee lovers. A few places that offer them, Cafe Nero (many locations around London) and Nando’s. Don’t be afraid to ask a place if they offer a punch, or loyalty card. Eventually, your purchases will build up and you’ll get a few free meals or drinks. Don’t forget to utilize your International Student ID! Never be afraid to ask a place if they take a student discount, many do.
 
Bargaining 
No doubt, a Harrods shopping spree is an absolute must before you leave London, and you certainly can’t bargain there. However, for those cheesy big ben shirts and keychains, you can easily bargain with the clerks to save a few extra pounds. If you go to a big London gift store like Cool Britannia (in Piccadilly Circus) you won’t be able to bargain. But, if you come across the smaller, off the beaten path souvenir shops, usually you can get a good deal on shirts and other goods. Just talk to the clerk and ask if they can give you a better price on the items your buying, most of the time they will accommodate, and you’ve just saved yourself a few pounds. 

London's Top 5 Places to Eat

 By Kristen Kemp

You’re going to hear of lot of people advising you to “eat in” if you want to save money. While I agree that eating in is extremely cost efficient in the world’s most expensive city, I tried to eat out A LOT in London, and I’m so glad I did. 

It’s common knowledge that the English have never been necessarily known for their “world class cuisine.” However, London is very demographically diverse, which is reflected in the cuisines seen throughout the city. It is a common sight to see an authentic Indian restaurant right next-door to a 200 year old pub. Below, I have ranked a few of my absolute favorite places to eat around Central London (trying to hit a variety of palettes) all of which are less than a 20 minute walk from the FSU Study Center. 
 
#5 Scoop 
In the states, to satisfy the American sweet tooth we usually go for the classic pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. In London, locals head to Scoop…not for ice cream, but for gelato. My first trip (out of so many I lost count) to Scoop I got a small cup of Pistachio gelato and I was instantly hooked. After that my standard order became a triple scoop in a large cone, or nothing at all. Some of my favorite flavors were Nocciola (hazelnut), Tiramisu (with fresh Italian Mascarpone cheese), and of course, Pistachio. So make, one, two, three trips to Scoop. They have multiple locations around the city, but I loved the Scoop on 40 Short’s Garden the best. 


#4 The Sherlock Holmes 
No, unfortunately the real Sherlock Holmes never hung out here. However, the pub features a replica of Holme’s and Watson’s sitting room and study. If you’re looking for the perfect place to escape the London rain (what happened to us) and have a delicious, authentic fish and chips, this is your place. The Fish and Chips here are the best,  especially paired with a Kopparberg Cider. The Sherlock Holmes is located very close to the River Thames and Big Ben area. 




#3 Kiku Kiku Sushi 
This goes out to all my fellow sushi lovers. You will notice in London a lot of grab and go sushi joints, like Itsu (which has really good Miso soup), and Wasabi. These places aren’t bad, but if you want freshly made, top grade sushi, head to Kiku Kiku. I went there a few times, and usually got the Prawn Tempura & Avocado Roll and the Sake Avocado Maki (salmon avocado roll). Note, that they do sell sushi by the piece, but prices are reasonable. I loved Kiku also because of its close proximity. Head toward Shaftesbury Avenue and at the big intersection, go down Endell Street, it's 5 minutes down on the left, tucked away. 

#2 Nando’s 
Nando’s has a very big place in my heart, and on my travel debit card. It’s hard to compare Nando’s to anything we have in the states, because it truly is one of the only chains of its kind. Nando’s in three words would be fresh, zesty and saucy. With multiple locations around London, drop into Nando’s for a hot, seasoned to perfection meal. I usually got the wings with fries and peri peri salt. Don’t forget to go crazy with the Nando's sauces, they are all good. If you will be in London for more than 4 weeks I would recommend getting a loyalty card, it also makes a fun scrapbook souvenir. 



#1 VQ 24-Hour Restaurant

Sometimes the BEST places are the ones that are right out your door. In this case, I mean that literally. VQ is located on the same street as the study center, just take a right out the door and you’re there in 45 seconds. VQ became my favorite place to eat very quickly into my program. Their menu offers everything, from 24 hour delicious full english breakfasts to the most amazing Salmon I have ever had. It’s also one of the best places to grab a book or school work and go chill and have a meal. The waiters are very used to students and business professionals coming in and dining/working. The wait staff is extremely nice and inviting, and after about my 4th visit, eventually started noticing how much I liked their food. Right when you get to London, make VQ one of your first stops. 

 

 

What makes Valencia so Unique

By Parker Gordon

Before partaking in FSU’s study abroad program, I had no firsthand accounts of any European cities. I was so anxious to get off the plane and see for myself what architecture and atmosphere these places would consist of. Two months in Valencia provided me with all I needed to know to understand the uniqueness of the Valencian capital. Madrid and Barcelona are the two gems that people put on their lists of places to visit in Spain. However, they are melting pots of tourists and camera flashes that can sometimes overtake the extraordinary environment of the Spanish people, architecture, and culture.

The uniqueness of Valencia starts with an authentic environment of Spanish culture and everyday life. Siestas are a daily custom that will catch your eye as you walk through downtown Valencia in the afternoon. Cafes, shops, and other business close till the early evening. This displays the individuality of Spanish society compared to the United States and even other countries within the European Union. The absence of large tourists groups and commercialism throughout the city provides a perfect learning environment for students learning Spanish and studying abroad.

Valencia provides many flavors of culture that are unique to the city compared to other places. This city is littered with street art that you won’t find in bigger metropolises throughout Spain. The street art is a true expression of Spanish artwork and provides a positive essence for streetwalkers. Besides street art and authentic Spanish culture, Valencia contains a dried river-bed called Jardines de Turia. The river-bed is comprised of ponds, bridges, sculptures, sunbathers and talented street performers. There is also something to partake in this city without the hustle and bustle of vacationers overflowing the streets and sights.

Valencia is extremely unique and provides the perfect learning environment for FSU students. The uniqueness of FSU’s study center stands in the shadows of the Torres Del Serranos hugging the Jardines de Turia. There is no better location to fulfill your study abroad experience in all of Spain.

 

London: A Walk in My Shoes

By: Kristen Kemp

Sometimes it's hard to make a big city seem small. Depending on how you "see" London, this could be the case. Or, you find the places and spaces all throughout central London that makes one of the biggest and oldest cities in the world seem so small, intimate, and relaxing. But where do you start? It's simple: just start walking. 

I spent most of my school days off or weekends just going out in the city. Most of the time I would go exploring with a group of friends. But to be honest, some of my favorite days in London were those I spent walking around the city by myself, stopping in at shops or landmarks that interested me, taking my time, and taking it all in. One of my absolute favorite walks was from the FSU Study Center to Buckingham Palace. I had the turn by turn directions down by about my 5th week in London, no map required. Pass Tottenham Court Road, head toward Leicester Square, hang a right on Piccadilly and keep on going straight until you seen the beautiful Green Park on your left. On this walk, I would often stop into to Fortnum & Mason (Harrod's is amazing, but this department store gem is a must see). Fortnum & Mason is known for their world-class tea's and outstanding chocolates, the perfect gifts to bring home to your family. 

While cabs, and the tube and bus system are very time efficient, the BEST way to see this magnificent city is to just go outside and get walking. You will see things you wouldn't be able to see Underground (although I do love the Tube). When exploring, especially if alone, just be smart and avoid what Londoners call "dodgy," or sketchy, areas. When walking, open your eyes a little wider, listen a little harder, and take in the continuous fast pace and culture that is London.

Cell Phone Use when Studying Abroad

By Michelle Campbell

Image source: deemable.com

It’s hard to image a day without texting, calling, Instagramming or tweeting. Mobile phones have become a crucial part of everyday life. Students, especially, have fully embraced the mobile lifestyle. Based on research, there are three primary methods for using a mobile device while abroad: signing up for an international plan with a major U.S. carrier, purchasing a SIM card, or using Wi-Fi to communicate through mobile applications. These methods will help students stay connected during their study abroad adventure.

International Plans
Most major U.S. carriers, such as AT&T and T-Mobile, offer users an international plan they can use when traveling outside of the country. Most plans will work with the phone you currently own. Forbes.com has more information about international data plans along with comparisons between AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. 

SIM Cards 
Using a prepaid or international SIM card tends to be more cost effective than using an international plan through a U.S. carrier. You are able to choose from two SIM cards: a local SIM card and an International roaming SIM card. 

Local SIM Card

Purchasing a local SIM card is a popular choice for students who spend most of their time in the country their program is primarily held. These SIM cards can be purchased online or in-person from your study abroad location.  When making an online purchase, it is important to select a SIM for the country you will be studying in. 

International Roaming SIM Card 

An international roaming SIM card will allow you to call from almost any country. OneSimCard and TravelSIM are examples of international roaming SIM cards. This type of SIM card is beneficial if you have plans to frequently traveling outside of the primary study abroad country. 

General Information about SIM Cards 
Typically, when using a prepaid SIM card, you will receive a new phone number that is local to the purchase country. SIM cards do not work for every phone. You must have an unlocked GSM phone in order to use a SIM card. You want to unlock any mobile devices before boarding your international flight. Doing it abroad tends to be more difficult. 

If you don’t own GSM phone, you can buy an unlocked phone while abroad. Students generally choose to purchase inexpensive prepaid or pay-as-you-go phones upon arrival.
Carriers abroad often offer free texting or calling between phones they provide. Therefore, friends frequently purchase their phones from the same carrier to take advantage of those deals.

There are ways to add money to prepaid SIM cards when needed. Prepaid cards are available at the carrier’s retail store. Some carriers offer 2 or 3G worth of web data for smartphones. If interested in this option, you should speak with the carrier that provided the SIM card. 

Using Applications and Wi-Fi

Any phone with built-in Wi-Fi is able to use it when in a Wi-Fi hot spot. Most hotels/hostels, shops, and heavily populated locations, such as train stations, should have Wi-Fi. A little research can help determine if there is Wi-Fi in a specific location.

There are many phone applications you can use to communicate while using Wi-Fi.  Google Voice, Skype, and Talkatone are just a few among the long list of CBS News' top 6 picks. App Crawlr provides a more extensive list of applications. Students generally use these types of applications to communication with family and friends in the U.S. while abroad.  

Additional Tips
When taking a phone from the U.S. to a study abroad location the cellular data and data roaming must be turned off to avoid high data costs.

If you plan on purchasing a new phone and SIM card abroad, most U.S. carriers will let you deactivate your original phone plan for the length of the program. This is especially useful for those participating in a semester or yearlong program.

Speak with your U.S. carrier before unlocking a phone. If a device is on contract, the carrier may not allow it to be unlocked. If you decide to unlock it anyways through other means and the phone is damaged somehow, there is no guarantee that the carrier will be able to fix or replace the phone since the contract was breached. For example, there is a very strict policy for those that want to unlock an iPhone 6 that is still under a 2-year contract through AT&T.

References:

• Reardon, M. (2009). FAQ: Swapping SIMs to save big on calls abroad. Retrieved from Cnet: http://www.cnet.com/news/faq-swapping-sims-to-save-big-on-calls-abroad/
• Tobias, M. W. (2013). How to choose the best international cellular data plan. Retrieved from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/marcwebertobias/2013/11/25/how-to-choose-the-best-international-cellular-data-plan/

Have advice or experience with using a cell phone abroad? Feel free to leave a comment!  

Getting to Know the Locals in Valencia

By Parker Gordon

Valencia is an extremely authentic city, which separates itself from the metropolises of Madrid and Barcelona. Flocks of tourists are nonexistent which are common sightings in the Catalonian capital as well as Madrid. Meeting locals is something I wanted to experience on a personal basis.  Everyone who engages in the FSU-Valencia program has his or her own passions and desires that brought them there in the first place. Some students choose to solely study within the FSU study center and partake in the nightlife Valencia offers. I, on the other hand had a thirst to absorb the language and the native Valencian’s values that separate them from us Americans.

If you are extremely passionate about the Spanish language and have the desire to really sense what a Valencian thinks, please take advantage of the Intercambio sessions that usually occur nightly at the beginning of the week. Intercambios are when you meet native Valencians or Spaniards in a real-life social setting to help improve each other’s language skills. These sessions provide a relaxed and comforting environment to meet locals on a first name basis while speaking a foreign language. Everyone present at these sessions is extremely open to meeting new people as well as critiquing your language skills in a respectful manner. Each day, I would apply something I learned in class into the real-life conversations that are provided in an intercambio session. In addition, if something puzzles you regarding Spanish, feel free to try and clear up any confusion you are having with a native Spanish speaker. These were truly the most rewarding part of my weeks in Valencia and were the best way to truly interact with the locals.

Meeting locals does require knowing some Spanish to help converse and navigate your way around the city. The best word to describe meeting locals is certainly, “proactive”. Besides intercambio sessions, you can head to the local soccer pitch or basketball courts and really experience the adolescent flavor of what Valencians are truly like. The intercambio session offers a mostly older crowd who are looking to improve their English speaking skills, while engaging in athletic activities shows what the younger people are like. In addition, the beach is always a tremendous hotspot to interact with the locals. Volleyball and soccer games are the norm when strolling up and down the Mediterranean coast in Valencia. Aside from the beach and the athletics aspect, cafes offer a vibrant atmosphere for some flowing conversation over a café con leche.


Please be proactive regarding your experiences in Valencia. Time flies and you really want to make the most of it. No one should ever feel unsafe or unwelcomed by the natives of Valencia or Spain in general. This is a truly amazing country with so much to offer and the FSU-Valencia program is among the best in the country!

Going the Distance

 

Created and Written by: Zack Welsh

Click here to see the full video on Vimeo!

 

When I decided I was going to FSU, I knew I wanted to study abroad at some point. By the time fall of 2013 rolled around, I also knew I needed to get some professional experience under my belt before graduation. After some great talks with IP, I realized that interning abroad over the summer would be the perfect blend of those two aspirations.

With an experience like studying abroad, you feel an overwhelming urge to capture everything around you and save it somehow. Most people quickly realize it’ll be a long time before they’ll have a shot to come back and they want to have something to remember their time by. For most of my peers, that urge manifested itself in a journal, scrapbook, or a blog. I made a sincere effort to journal and blog but I found myself constantly frustrated trying to find the right words and doubly frustrated when I realized I could be out there doing things rather than scribbling in my book for an hour. For me, a video was just natural. My camera was always on me and all it required was pointing, shooting, and worrying about the finished product later. I could capture what I was seeing without worrying about finding the right words.

Over the summer I had an idea of what I wanted to do and the running idea was a branch of that original idea. I can’t claim total creative credit for the movie I made since I was heavily inspired by this video Casey Neistat made for Nike a few years ago. He uses the running-through-the-frame shot quite a bit. However that video, and the message behind it, heavily fueled my ambitions for travel that summer. I wanted to see, do, and experience as much as possible and I thought the image of me running through those locations captured that ambition.

In total, I took over 50 of those running videos in eight different countries and 25 different cities. I think I used around thirty in the final cut. The shots were not always easy to get and I CANNOT thank my friends who helped hold the camera enough. The only reason I don’t have credits for them rolling at the end is because it would have been longer than the video itself. At any rate, I owe them all big time. 

There were plenty of tough situations where filming wasn’t exactly encouraged (Parliament), crowds made running nearly impossible (Times Square), and the weather didn’t cooperate (Paris). In one instance, I was running along a beach in Barcelona only to be reminded later while editing that it was a topless beach. I had to cut that one out to avoid the R rating. Occasionally, people would ask what I was doing and after I told them my idea, it was a toss up between them giving me encouragement or them rolling their eyes at me.

I learned a lot this summer but my main takeaway came from an Irish bartender from Boston I ran across in London during the first week. At the end of our conversation, he nonchalantly tossed out ‘the more things change, the more they’re the same.’ (I’m pretty sure it’s a French proverb but who cares. I’m giving this guy credit.) Originally, I took it as a pessimistic statement that belittled the value of traveling and reduced the value of experiencing new things. However, at the end of the summer, those words took on a new flavor to me. It instead meant that no matter how far you travel on this planet, you’ll always have something or someone you can identify with in that place. I tried to weave that into the video a little bit by making sure the clips were from as diverse locations as possible and it’s why I included NYC at the end.

Feel free to watch the video here and I hope it motivates you to travel with FSU IP. The song is ‘Get Found’ by Bass Drum of Death and I shot everything on a Canon S110 and edited in iMovie.

Thanks for reading! Go Noles!

Student Spotlight: Lauren Stuart

Lauren Discusses the Academic Benefits Associated with Studying Abroad

 

When Lauren decided she wanted to spend her entire freshman year abroad at the age of 18, she never anticipated how much of an impact the experience would have on her future. Living and studying in Panama, Republic of Panama and Valencia, Spain with FSU exposed her to a life of adventure, new friendships, and a different outlook on her field of study. “I always knew I wanted to do something in Meteorology, but never had a specific branch in mind.”

 

While in Panama, Lauren decided to enroll in International Affairs and Environmental Problems and Economic Development. The International Affairs course prompted Lauren to take scientific concepts and look at them from different perspectives. Her final project entailed analyzing climate change using various international perspectives. The Environmental Problems and Economic Development course focused primarily on current environmental problems Panama faced. “The knowledge gained through those classes helped me discover a hidden desire to study the societal impacts of weather and climate in developing countries,” she says.

 

Now, as a junior, Lauren continues to see the benefits of studying abroad. As a Meteorology and Geography major, she recently won a scholarship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She credits the selection to her essay about her abroad experience. “I believe my time abroad helped me stand out as an applicant. It helped me grow as a student, global citizen, and future researcher. I contribute the nine months I spent in Panama and three months I spent in Valencia to the numerous opportunities I have received while back in the states.” One of those opportunities includes joining the International Programs Student Recruiter team at FSU. She looks forward to working on academic research and completing a Honors in the Major Thesis while sharing her passion for international travel with fellow students during her remaining years at Florida State.

This photo was taken of Lauren while she was studying in Panama

2014 FSUIP Video Contest Winners

      Click on the Images Below to be Directed to the Video
Click here to view all submissions

 

Grand Prize Winner: Kiara Talancha
London Program

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       Finalist: Samantha Sicard
                Israel Program                                                      Finalist: April Blackwill 

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6 Tips to Prepare Future Study Abroad Students

By: Olivia Bibilonia

The following is a list of things to keep in mind before studying abroad based on my study abroad experience in Paris, France.

 

Pack light

I can not stress this enough. When you get to your study abroad site you will probably have to take the luggage with you from the airport to where you have to be and this can be very uncomfortable with lots of suitcases. Especially in Paris where many metro stops do not have escalators nor elevators.

Check the weather

This sounds like such an obvious thing but checking the weather is important for packing. In my program, many people forgot to bring an umbrella to Paris and it rained for a week. Umbrellas and raincoats are something I recommend for Europe's ever changing weather.

Realize you are no longer in the United States
Culture shock is something that is bond to happen. Europeans are very different from Americans and when studying abroad we should appreciate how other people live instead of focusing on the negatives.

Traveling within Europe is not as cheap as you might think

Before studying abroad I had plans to travel a lot more than I was realistically able to. Traveling within Europe during the summer by train or plane can become very expensive especially since the Euro is worth more than the dollar. Plan and book in advance to save some money.

Get a Bank of America debit card and ask for a traveler's card

When studying abroad in Paris I was able to take out money from a bank affiliated with Bank of America. When doing that I was only charged a 3% conversion fee and did not have to pay to withdraw my money from that bank. This can only be done if you have a Bank of America debit card. Bank of America also has a traveler's card that gives you points for spending abroad which can be beneficial since one is sure to spend abroad but you're getting rewarded to do so.

Have fun and enjoy

Studying abroad for me was an amazing experience that I will never forget. Although I had school 5 times a week and had to wake up very early, I had so much fun every single day. I enjoyed having French breakfast everyday and submersing myself in the French culture.

I hope this list helps you out before setting out on your amazing studying abroad experiences!

GO NOLES!

Why I Love This City

By Jasmine Crane

The summer that changed my life involved a week-long trip to the one and only City of Lights that included an extensive tour of all that is Paris that left me obsessed and begging for more.  When the week was up, I remember leaving with such a heavy heart, thinking that I might never get to venture back to this side of the world again and be with my city.  But, as life would have it, two years later I finally got another opportunity to visit Paris again!  After some hard work and serious planning, I found myself on a plane headed for Charles de Gaulle airport for my now month-long stay in the summer where I would be soaking up every bit of French culture that was possible.  And you better believe I was ready to take on that city one baguette at a time. 

So, you’re probably wondering, as most people I know do, why I was so unbelievably excited to be in Paris!  I mean, once you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, eaten some bread, and ridden the metro, you’ve seen it all, right?  Well my friends, that is simply not true.  There is so much more to Paris than just what you see on the postcards.  While the famous monuments and idea of glamour are what draw most people into the city, the rich culture, decadent foods, and simple beauty are usually what make people to want to stay. 



I know this might sound crazy, but I would honestly go back to Paris simply for the food itself.  And I’m not talking about the cuisine that you might find in those tourist cafes on Rue de Rivoli or by La Tour Eiffel.  I’m talking about the unknown gems that lie all around the city, the ones that house the best meals and drinks you’ll only hope to find.  Taking a chance on a cafe, restaurant, brasserie, or boulangerie that you have never heard of while in Paris will be one of the best decisions you make.  You will always be able to find food that is uniquely French in places where the French themselves go to eat!

 

To me, Paris remains so enticing because it is home to some important small parts of its culture. For example, on the way to the Latin Quarter, you might find the old apartment where Ernest Hemingway used to live or the building that Sigmund Freud had once inhabited in the 1800s.  If you find yourself in Montmartre on your way up to see the breathtaking Sacré Cœur, you could wander through the streets behind the church and learn about the famous artists that used to work there, marvel at the beautifully handcrafted buildings, or even visit the Musée de Montmartre and walk through the Jardins Renoir.  And afterwards, if you are lucky, you might find a wonderful fondue place down and around the corner that has a special way of serving you wine!            

                                                

   

Whatever you decide to do while in Paris, I guarantee that you will always be able to find little gems hidden around the city that you can call “mine.”  I still believe the fun part lies in being able to find them all.  Guess you’ll just have to keep visiting this wonderful city until you do!