Studying Abroad Stands Out to Employers

The FSU International Programs trip to Moscow was the experience I needed as a student studying Russian and International Affairs to take my learning and post-undergrad career to the next level. I was able to apply much of what I had learned in class at Florida State, which allowed me to build upon that already solid foundation. The excursions and activities provided for us gave me a glimpse into the Russian spirit, its proud, yet somber, past, and its optimistic future. We were privileged to experience things that a normal tourist visiting Russia would never be able to experience. I explored the districts of Moscow, studied at the one of the world’s most preeminent universities, saw two performances at the Bolshoi Theatre and one at the Kremlin Palace, visited countless art galleries and museums, climbed the tallest tower in Europe, rode on the train of the Communist Party Elite to St. Petersburg, stayed in luxurious hotels, saw grand and historic cities, spent hours meandering about Gorki Park, gazed at historic and awe-inspiring architecture, walked the path of Dostoevsky, visited Tolstoy’s estate, marveled at the Russian countryside, ate some of the greatest cuisine Europe has to offer. And I was treated like a welcomed guest by tour guides and civilians alike. Any student who plans on specializing in Russian studies must do themselves the favor of going on the IP trip to Moscow. I am proof that the program is a sound investment in one’s future – especially if one wants a career in American-Russian affairs.

When I returned from Moscow, I applied to the Department of State’s Student Internship Program and Virtual Student Foreign Service Program. To date, I have received a total of four offers from both programs in fields pertaining to Russian foreign affairs. I received an offer from the Embassy in Riga to intern in the Public Affairs office to engage in outreach to the country’s Russian minority. The Embassy in Moscow contacted me soon afterwards to offer me a position in the Political Section to assist the political and military affairs team. Finally, I was offered a position to work in Washington D.C. with the Department of State’s Bureau of Research and Intelligence. I ultimately decided to take the position in Moscow because of my love and knowledge of the city and the fact that the position falls perfectly in line with what I would like to do as a career. The final offer I received came from the Department of State’s Virtual Student Foreign Service Program which allows students to work on different projects through different organizations. I was offered a position from the Embassy in Moscow to perform outreach to Russian youth and to provide a cultural bridge aimed at linking our nations together through mutual understanding and respect. This internship will last the remainder of fall semester and will continue while I am in Moscow for the spring. I could never have imagined so many opportunities falling into place after having studied abroad in Moscow. I can speak with confidence when I say that going on the trip was not only the greatest decision I’ve made, but also the greatest experience I have ever had. Thank you, Dr. Efimov, for making the program what it is. Thank you for convincing me to join, and thank you for doing what you do for all of your students. We know how much you put into this program and I hope that I can repay you in some small way in the future. But until then, you should know that you have sparked a love and an interest for culture, people, and a nation, and I will continue to keep that passion burning bright until the day I die.

Written by: Nate Lanaghan
Photos by: Nate Lanaghan

 

 

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.

How to Make the Most of the Program Excursions

By Devyn Fussman

The day trips and week-long excursions are some of the best parts of FSU’s study abroad program. You get to see and do all kinds of things you normally wouldn’t, often with a tour guide providing insight information and showing you the coolest parts of the cities. I had a blast on our trip to Andalucía and all of the Friday trips, but there are a few things I wish I’d known: 

• Try not to bring too much. Instead of bringing four pairs of jeans, bring two pairs and re-wear them alternately. You’ll definitely want to buy some souvenirs and it helps to have room in your suitcase.

• You could end up doing a lot of walking and even some hiking, so always dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes! And instead of carrying a purse, try to wear something with pockets.

• Research good restaurants and shops before you go, and try to find directions online if you can. Usually the staff gives you the itinerary with the hotel information a while in advance, and you don’t want to be stuck wondering where to eat or how to get back to your hotel (not that it’s ever happened to me or anything…).

• If you’re considering staying somewhere for the weekend, be extra careful about getting back before classes and making sure the information on your booking is correct.

• You will be on the bus a for a long time so bring plenty of motion sickness medicine if you need it. Try to sleep between cities if you can; usually there’s not much to see on the interstate so you won’t be missing out. 

• Do NOT be late for the scheduled events and trips. A lot of them involve reservations so the group can’t afford to wait for you. If you miss a mandatory trip, you may end up having extra homework in your classes.

• When it comes to the week-long trips, be prepared for rain, especially in the wintertime. Carry a case for your camera and put a small umbrella in your backpack or suitcase. 

•  Do whatever homework you have BEFORE leaving for the trip. The Wi-Fi in the hotels does not always work, and even when it does it can be very slow. You also don’t want to leave all of it for the weekend after, especially if you’re not coming back to Valencia for a few days.

• Try not to schedule anything too demanding for the day after the trip ends, no matter where you end it. A lot is packed into these and there’s a very tight schedule, so even though you’ll have the time of your life, you’ll probably be exhausted when it’s over. Stick to sightseeing and shopping for a day to let yourself relax a bit.