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 

Image source: tourist-destinations.com

                                   Panama Program


Image source: totalassetmanagement.net
 

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!