Common Study Abroad FAQs

When will students have time to visit home?
For First Year Abroad(FYA) students, the best time to visit home would be in December, during winter break. Visit our FYA page to see exact program dates and breaks.

 

How can I contact my student during his/her time abroad?
Michelle Futo, a Student Recruiter, wrote a great article on this earlier this summer so check out her post at this link (nolereservations.blogspot.com/2015/06/how-to-alleviate-your-parents-worries.html). When I was abroad I chose to FaceTime from my sister’s iPod with my whole family in the room. Check out your options and consider whichever is best for your situation before you go abroad.

 

What about money?
In our three Europe locations, students will need to take out local currency (Euro for Valencia and Florence and the British pound for London). Paying in cash is highly recommended since many banks and credit card companies will charge a fee for using a credit card outside of the U.S. Speaking from personal experience, I would say to go to your local bank and buy $300-400 worth of currency before you go abroad. It’s good to have some money when you arrive, so you’re not scrambling around looking for an ATM the first couple of hours in your new home.

Throughout your trip you will want to make withdrawals of currency. Make sure you do this in larger increments to make it worth the convenience fee. Keep money you won’t be using in your safe in the residence hall room and be sure not to carry more than $50 worth of money with you around town.  

I would also recommend making a budget before you go and to discuss this with your parents about money before you leave so no one is taken by surprise. Use Google Docs to write your budget written down and share it with your parents.This organization will help you keep track of spending.

Contact your bank as well so you don’t have to worry about any denied transactions while you’re abroad.

 

How many hours will I have to take abroad?
Program fees cover up to 16 hours in the Fall and Spring and 3 to 16 hours in the Summer semesters. In order to receive Bright Futures or Florida Pre Paid, you will need to enroll in a minimum of 12 hours for Fall and Spring and 6 hours for Summer. FYA student's program fees cover up to 49 credit hours. FYA students must complete minimum of 36 FSU credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA in those classes in order to receive in-state tuition upon return to FSU. Please note, credit hours vary based on programs and length of stay. Please refer to our website for the specific amount of credits included.

Closer to your program date, you will receive an email telling you to register for classes as well as specific instructions on how to find the classes offered in your abroad location on the my.fsu.edu page.

 

Is English spoken in the program locations?
All classes (except language classes) will be taught in English. Although, there is no guarantee that the citizens around you will be proficient in English. Make sure you buy a phrasebook or download an app like Duolingo to help learn some of the language. I can’t stress how important it is to learn some basic phrases (and possible responses to those phrases) in case you get lost. Most taxi drivers will not speak English so be sure you know how to get to your destination and back in the local language (including cities you visit outside of your study location); also have the address written down in case you can’t pronounce the address. Knowing those key phrases goes a long way to making a good impression on the people of your host country.

 

What can I expect in my classes when I study abroad?
When you study abroad, many of your classes will be taught by FSU professors or local faculty. These people are experts in their particular course subject . Therefore, you can expect classes to be very similar to the ones you are taking at the Tallahassee campus. Classes abroad, however, are much smaller than in Tallahassee. So small, that your absence or tardiness will be noticed and may negatively impact your grade. Textbooks are also very important when you go abroad. The best idea is to purchase them before you leave and bring your textbooks overseas. Shipping textbooks from the US is not advisable since the package will have to go through customs where you may be charged more than you paid for the textbook. Also, the book may not arrive until several weeks after your program starts (for this same reason we recommend that parents do not send their students care packages while abroad).

Since class sizes are very small and you are most likely in a city full of things to do, you will be walking around the city for a lot of your classes. Professors like take advantage of the opportunity to show students city highlights and how they apply to the course content. Bring clothes and shoes that are comfortable for walking!

 

Will I be picked up and dropped off at the airport at the beginning and end of my program?
Your program fees will include airport pickup for most locations. If, for some reason, your flight will not arrive in time for pickup, you will need to find transportation to the study center on your own. A few months before you leave, you will be emailed a pre departure information packet. In this packet there will be specific airport pickup times. The packet will also include instructions on how to get to the airport pickup location and how to get to the study center. The FSU International Programs department suggests printing out this packet and keeping it in your carry-on in case something happens to your luggage.

Since everyone will have different travel plans, there is no group drop-off at the airport at the end of the program. However, when you check out of the study center, the program assistants will call you a taxi to get you safely to the airport.  

 

What travel documents will I need to travel Europe?
To enter the country for your program, you will need a passport. When traveling outside of your host country, you will need to bring your passport as a form of identification. Before you leave, make a photocopy of your passport for your parents or guardians to keep in case of an emergency. When you get to the study center, they will also make a copy of your passport for their record. When traveling, keep your passport in a carry-on bag but not in a front pocket for maximum accident protection.

 

What do I pack?
The main thing you need to pack for your time abroad is a rain jacket (or umbrella) and a couple pairs of comfortable walking shoes (you will be walking A LOT). Do some research on what type of converter you need for electronics and bring the appropriate one. If you’re traveling in the summer, you may want to bring sunscreen and/or bug spray. You will also want to bring a laptop, many assignments need to be done online; our study centers all have wifi available for students.

Electric appliances like hair dryers, straighteners, etc. should not be brought over.

Written by: Kevin Smith, 2015-2016 Student Recruiter

FSU International Programs Valencia 2005

 

 

The style in 2005 might be different, but Valencia, Spain is the same now as it was then- incredible! Check out this video to learn about some of the excursions from 2005 that this program continues today. This is a great blast-from-the-past video that shows so much of what Valencia has to offer. For more information about the Valencia program visit http://fla.st/1G0h54Z.

Florida State University Panama

Although this video is a few years old, the FSU International Program in Panama is the same life-changing experience. Students are fully emerged in the Panamanian lifestyle and encounter many academic, professional, and cultural experiences while studying here. Check out the video to see the beautiful scenery of Panama City, Panama!

Study Abroad Application FAQs

Studying abroad is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make during your college experience; it can also be one of the most confusing. I am a Student Recruiter for the International Programs office at FSU, and I studied abroad in Costa Rica. This essay is a list of the most frequently asked questions. Many of these questions are commonly asked during the application process, and if you need any information not included in this article, please call the FSU IP department (850.644.3272).

When should I study abroad?You can study abroad your first semester, your last semester, or any time in between. Some majors are more difficult to align required classes with study abroad classes, so as soon as you’re curious, talk to your academic advisor about opportunities. For most people, it is easier to go earlier rather than later. However, every program ranges in ages from freshman to senior.   

Do I have to be an FSU or Florida resident student to go on a program?

No. There are many students who come from other universities and other states to study abroad with us. Program fees are the same for both FSU students and non-FSU students.

What program should I pick?

Each of our programs has very unique offerings. If you want to study abroad in the Fall or Spring semesters check out our study center locations in Florence, Italy; Valencia, Spain; London, England; and Panama City, Republic of Panama. If you’re looking to study in the summer, you can find more programs that are specialized to a specific degrees. Look on campus for our brochure or check our website (international.fsu.edu) for the most up to date information. Our website also has a listing of classes that was offered the previous year of a particular program. This list gives an idea of what classes you can expect to be offered during your semester.* Liberal Studies and foreign language requirements are oftentimes fulfilled at one of our four study center locations.

*Please note that these classes can and do vary from year to year.

How does the application process work?

Once you decide on a program, go on our website and select your destination. From the main program page click “Apply” where you will be directed to the application. Once you submit the application, you will need to pay the $100 application fee. This can be paid online through my.fsu.edu or you can call our office, and we will process your payment over the phone. If you apply before the Early Application Deadline, this $100 will be applied to your program fees.

Once your application is submitted, our admissions coordinator will look at factors such as GPA and your disciplinary record. If there is any issue, you may be asked to email the office to explain an incident before admission to the program. Some limited access programs (such as Communication Disorders in London) are decided by the program directors, not the FSU office administration. If there are no issues, within about three weeks you will get an acceptance email to the program including more information as well as deadlines. It is extremely important to check your email regularly; International Programs will send you emails regarding updates to your program, deadlines, as well as important information about your trip.

For summer programs (especially Valencia), applying early is key. These programs fill up the quickest so be sure to apply before Thanksgiving, so you don’t end up on a waiting list.

How does the cost of a semester abroad compare to a semester on campus?

The FSU Admissions website estimates the cost for a semester at FSU for in-state students to be about $9,774 including tuition, housing, a meal plan, and insurance (http://admissions.fsu.edu/freshman/finances/costs.cfm, this link’s estimate is for two semesters, so I divided the approximations by two). All of our programs are priced differently. Exact prices are listed on our website, international.fsu.edu.

What do the program fees include?

Program fees include tuition (up to 17 hours in Fall and Spring and up to 10 hours in the Summer), housing, insurance, program excursions, program group activities, and full-time academic support. Some programs include more such as meal vouchers, pizza nights, or transport passes. Program fees are the same for all participants regardless of their state of residence.

What scholarships are offered?

Our office offers a few scholarships both need and merit based. These are very competitive, so be diligent when filling out the applications. You can also find a number of scholarships online and through other FSU departments. Check with your department to see if they have any kind of aid offered for students studying abroad.

Our Financial Aid advisor Rod Mack offers workshops throughout the semester to help students who are wondering how they are going to pay for a study abroad experience. Check our website for details on those workshops.

Do you accept Florida Prepaid and Bright Futures?

Yes! Bright Futures is accepted for the Fall and Spring only (just like on campus). Florida Prepaid is accepted year-round. We also accept Florida Prepaid housing plans for our programs.

Financial aid doesn’t come in until after my program starts, what do I do?

Financial aid is usually dispersed at the start of the semester, long after program fees are due. If you are expecting financial aid, fill out a deferment form (found on our website under “Money Matters”) and fax, mail, or bring it to our office. This form tells us how much aid you are expected to receive from loans, scholarships, etc. Also, the document says you acknowledge you are responsible for paying your fees if you do not receive the expected amount.

If something changes in your financial aid status (new scholarship or taking more classes) you can let us know by filling out a new deferment form with the updated information.

By: Kevin Smith, 2015-2016 Student Recruiter

Students Reflect on their Amazonian Experience

“My time in Iquitos is one of the most significant periods in my life. I was not only challenged every day in Spanish conversation with my host family and locals (which allowed me to rapidly improve my skills), but also I encountered a variety of learning experiences, interactions, and activities that helped me solidify a new way of looking at the world. After my time in Iquitos, I feel like a citizen of the world and know I am competent enough to travel by myself for the rest of my life. I have to applaud the authenticity of the program. There was nothing fake or Americanized about this program. I stayed with a Peruvian family, worked with locals in a hospital and NGO, and visited several Amazonian communities. All of these opportunities allowed me to embrace the culture in its entirety while learning a great deal about my own. I certainly gained an awareness of many perspectives that cannot be found anywhere else and incorporated them into my own life. I can no longer view reality or humanity’s relationship with nature the same because of everything I learned. The combination of a traditional college class focused on the Amazon and its people followed by time in the basin itself allowed me to appreciate the trip as a whole because I could better grasp the processes behind the many things I saw. The trip was so influential that I am still not completely adjusted to being back in the States, and I wish I could spend more time in Latin America.”    David DeStephano (Summer 2015)

“The journey into Amazonia was breathtaking.  Everywhere I turned, I learned something new: a new perspective, a new language, and by the end of the trip, a new outlook.  My internship was working in a very poor community with the Organization Infant.  Infant’s main goal was to show the importance of the rights of children.  Every day I talked, read, did arts and crafts, and taught gymnastics to the children.  These children taught me more about life than any other experience I have ever had.  I left this trip knowing in my heart that I had made a difference, and that’s truly what matters to me.”   Angela Stein   (Summer 2015)

 

 “Going on this trip was the most rewarding experience of my life. I became more self-assured, confident and decisive. I learned about what I wanted and didn't want in my life; I matured significantly; and I took on responsibilities I previously thought I was incapable of handling. I learned a lot of my own value and developed strong ties with locals. My host family was warm and inviting. They said that I their house was also my as soon as I arrived. I felt embraced by a warm culture from the moment I got there, and personal challenges aside, I would do it all over again.” Stephanie Strickland  (Summer 2015)

“This cultural immersion program was a major stepping stone for my personal growth. I was looking for a program where I could experience something to remember for a life time and something completely extraordinary, and Journey into Amazonia was definitely it. I had the unique experience of living with a wonderful family, working for a program that highly impacted the community, and traveling into the Amazon rainforest with amazing people while studying the culture and language of the Amazon. My internship taught me so much by working hand in hand with communities in need and by giving me an opportunity to offer my help. The excursions were greatly structured and offered the students so much exposure of the genuine culture of the Amazon. Studying the beautiful plants and animals helped me gain a stronger connection to the Earth and gave me a stronger drive to protect it. I was honored to be able to have these experiences. They are ones that cannot be found elsewhere. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this program; this experience was one of a kind and has had a strong positive impact on my view of life.”  (Dora Fish, Summer 2015)

                       

"The Service and Learning Journey to Amazonia was an unforgettable experience. I learned so much about the culture and the indigenous cosmovisions. Camping in the primary forest and learning about the importance of the medicinal plants was extremely fascinating.  Living with a host family was fantastic. They were very kind and accommodating. The food they prepared was always delicious. I was always comfortable and I felt at home. It was also great for constantly improving my Spanish. I'm positive I will return to the amazon to learn more and to visit the life-long friends that I met there.  It's difficult to encompass all of the feelings I have about my time in Iquitos. It was overwhelmingly different but beautiful. I am so thankful for this experience!" Shannon Morris (Summer 2015)

"My time in Amazonia was the most influential experience I could have hoped for. From the first day I arrived in Iquitos till the very last day of the program, I was always enriched by the culture. Amazonia allowed me to open my eyes to real world problems that are occurring not only in Peru, but all around the world. Amazonia also allowed me to open my heart; it taught me how to help others in the most effective way possible. From this program, I truly felt as though I was a part of positive change. Not only did I gain knowledge of people and our environment, I also learned a lot about myself. My time in Amazonia made me more confident and caring. It also allowed me to narrow what I would like to focus on in my academic future.” Malia Byrtus (Summer 2015)

 

    

“I always knew that there was a different way of life out there, but after experiencing it first hand, my views are forever changed. Being in Peru taught me to not take for granted any of the things we have in the US, especially my car; although, the motokars there are most fun transportation ever! Also, the family bonds run so deep in the Amazonian culture that it made me reconsider my family relationships/values and make changes. Even teaching English at UNAP has made me become a better student this semester at FSU. The people of Amazonia have very few possessions, but the love and wisdom they give you makes you feel like the richest person in the world. And even though I am not fluent in Spanish and that was the most difficult aspect of my trip, I would go back to Iquitos in a heartbeat.”  Jennifer Law (Summer 2015)

“My time in Iquitos was nothing short of life-changing. During my month there, through intensive cultural immersion, I was shown a vastly different reality than my own- which resulted in me gaining an entirely new perspective. This program gives you the tools you need to make the most of your experience, to truly immerse yourself in the culture and interact with the locals, who are incredibly warm-hearted and generous people. I made life-long friendships and connections while I was in Peru, and I would go back in an instant.”  Shauna N. Gillooly   (Summer 2015)

Please visit http://fla.st/20CaZy7 for more information.

Peter Jones Joins the Valencia Faculty in Summer 2016

Peter Jones

 

President

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.

            Peter Jones graduated from FSU in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is a trustee of the Florida State University Foundation and serves as chairman of the investment committee.  Mr. Jones joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 1989 and was promoted to President of Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc., on January 1, 2000.  His previous roles included Director of Sales and National Accounts Manager. Prior to joining Franklin Templeton Investments, Mr. Jones was President of IDEX Distributors from 1984 to 1988 (now part of Transamerica Funds).  He also was a tax manager and CPA for Price Waterhouse from 1977 to 1984. Peter Jones will be teaching the Financial Management of the Firm and Personal Finance courses in Valencia, Spain this summer.