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
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