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

Florence 1975

 

I’ve always been fascinated with communication, so in my senior year of college, I decided to put that passion to use and go on the Florence Program. I was a music student at FSU and ended up taking basic studies throughout my four years, so I could also tend to music making. My freshman year I was shocked to learn that even instrumentalists had to sing.  Not only did we have to sing, we learned to do so in Italian. That experience made going on the Florence Program a natural choice.

Forty years later my Italian alter ego is still fun to flaunt!  The world has changed a lot and offers many virtual experiences, but there is nothing like that “we’re not in Kansas anymore” experience to give meaning to the American experience. I learned more about myself and what shapes my thoughts and attitudes in Italy than anywhere I’ve visited in the United States. 

It was intimidating to be on the program with so many art majors, but I carried my flute with me everywhere and played it in some memorable places. Some of these included inside the Ear of Dionysius, on the ruins in Agrigento, and after dinner at a Sicilian sulfur mine. 

 

Studying about Italian history gave me great insight, because I later married an Italian, took Italian citizenship, owned a home in Italy, and helped my son with his geometra (a kind of Italian high school) homework. When I want to understand what’s going on in the world, I appreciate being able to understand Italian in order to get another viewpoint not governed by the United States’ mass media.
 

Today, most young Italians understand, if not speak, English, and I heard that Florence’s famous Vivoli’s ice cream will be available at Disney's EPOC soon. So, why go on the Florence Program?  Florence is a gem that can’t be totally appreciated in a few months but one can be totally enveloped by the city and be connected with other wonderful areas in Italy while studying in Florence. Italy isn’t quite as standardized as in the United States, so one can experience interesting regional differences without going great distances.  Heck, go up in the mountains in Tuscany and see the ghiacciaie that helped to make Vivoli’s ice cream possible. 

As one understands the language and how Italians care to communicate; the Italian legal system; the Italian health care system; the Italian appreciation for historical patrimony; the Italian appreciation for the arts; the Italian love of sports; and the Italian quirky habits, one also begins to understand how Americans use English; what Americans value; along with American social systems.

Avanti Sevoia! Go for it!  Make your Italian adventure count.

Deborah Nelson

Florence, Italy, 1975 alumna

Expectations and Tips for Study Abroad Students

By: Angeles Ross

Homesickness is common and absolutely understandable, but don’t let it ruin your experience.

When you start to feel homesick, engage that energy into making new friends, going out into the city to explore or people watch. Writing journals can help organize your thoughts and memories so you have something you can use to look back on your experience. Skyping with family and friends at least once a week will provide you with a chance to catch-up on what is going on in each other’s lives. Whatever you do, don’t spend countless hours in your room watching Netflix and eating Nutella out of a jar. Whether you are studying abroad for a year or a month, enjoy every moment because eventually it will come to an end.

If there is a language barrier, be patient and give yourself time to adapt.

The locals generally understand that you are not originally from that area and it is challenging at times to communicate. Just try your hardest to learn a few basic terms and phrases that could be useful in day-to-day life. Don’t assume that everyone knows English. It always helps to ask first. Taking a language course before or during your study abroad program will enhance your experience by teaching you common phrases you can apply outside the classroom.

Step outside the typical American stereotype while abroad.

Be careful to avoid the ugly American syndrome. Even though you may feel like a local due to the fact that you are living there for a month up to a year with a study abroad program, you are still classified as a “tourist.” Don’t be someone the locals complain about. Set an example as an American study abroad student to act appropriately. If you study abroad with FSU, always remember to uphold the university’s standard of conduct.

Cultural norms abroad are different from those in the States.

Each country has its own set of cultural norms. Familiarize yourself with how to greet others - whether it’s by one or two kisses on the cheek, a firm handshake, or a hug. It may feel uncomfortable or awkward at first but learn to adapt out of respect for that country’s customs.

 

Tipping and doing laundry are a few differences you will notice right away. Do some research regarding how much you should tip waiters in your study abroad area as well as their protocol for washing clothes. Some European machines should not be used to wash delicates.

Learn the local form of transportation. 

Taken from: lonelyplanet.com

Figuring out the local bus, train, or tube system will save you time and stress. It will especially come in handy if you need to be somewhere very early in the morning or late at night. Investing in a bike – specifically in Florence – will cut down travel time to class and make you feel more at home.

The life you left back at home hasn’t stopped just because you left.

It’s sad but true: family and friends will continue on without you. You may miss an event you wish you could be home for, such as holidays, birthdays, and celebrations. But remember that you’re experiencing a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Enjoy it!

Attend all your pre-planned program trips.

You’ve already paid for it in your program frees, so why not go? All the trips – no matter what location you are studying in – are amazing. You’ll have the chance to visit places most regular tourists haven’t heard of or choose to ignore. Your professors are basically your personal tour guides with PhDs so take advantage!

Get to know your professors, program directors and assistants while abroad.

They will be great for letters of recommendation and references down the road. Plus, they may know the best places to eat in town, what local activities to take part in, and how to make the most out of your abroad experience, so it never hurts to be on their good side.

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.