Travel Tip: Spend a Weekend in a Lesser-Known City

Most travelers are familiar with Italian cities such as Milan, Rome, and Naples. These are the cities with miraculous views, endless activities, and waves of interesting people. These are the “must see” cities, but they are not the only places to find adventure. After studying abroad in Italy, I would suggest visiting small, discrete places. Whether you visit for a day or a weekend, you never know what you may find. My friends and I spent a weekend in Padua, Italy, which (despite its many attractions) often goes unnoticed by the majority. After three train rides and a lot of confusion, we started to regret our decision to travel to this city. Upon our arrival, we were worried that Padua would be a disappointment, but despite our concerns, we ended up discovering the Arena Chapel, the Botanical Garden of Padova, and streets filled with restaurants and boutiques. I think going somewhere different offers a unique experience, something you'll never forget. As much as I loved Florence, Venice, and Milan, these cities tend to be overcrowded. With the tourist menus and English signs everywhere, you can sometimes miss the more authentic side of the country. The best advice is to go explore somewhere new. The risk is worth it.

 

By: Courtney Merolle, FSUIP Alumna

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

 

 

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

Retrospective Realizations

As I sit in the airport waiting to head home, I keep thinking about some of the things I learned while I was on my study abroad program, some of which may be helpful to others. One suggestion I have for those traveling is to keep a journal. I have a terrible memory, so I invested in a leather journal my first day in Florence, Italy and recorded all of my adventures. Without this journal, in just a few years I would forget many memories of Italy. With the same idea in mind, I also relied on the app Day One. This app is a photo journal that records the date, location and time a picture was taken, as

well as allowing you type a comment about the picture. Little things like this will help you keep track of all the experiences you have traveling. Another important tip is to make the most of your time abroad. I know that sounds obvious, but after a few days you may think taking a long nap is no big deal or skipping a museum is fine. However, it’s important to remember that your time abroad is going to come to an end, and it usually comes much faster than expected. Don't try to pack everything in at the end of your stay. I advise you to spread it out and plan accordingly. If you're not a museum person, find other activities. I love coffee and found a class that taught you how to create coffee art. I wanted to see a performance, so my friends and I attended a ballet in Fiesole, a beautiful city only 20 minutes outside of Florence. There is always something to do in a foreign city, so don't spend too much time on homework or catching up on sleep. You'll regret not doing more in the end. 

 

Author: Courtney Merolle

My Everything-But-Typical Day

By Leen Doumet

As cliché as this might sound, I can’t really say I have a typical day here in Valencia. Every day here is so atypical to what I’m used to that it’s hard to generalize all my days into one. But, here’s a typical Tuesday!

On Tuesdays I have my Spanish grammar and composition class at 9am. After class, a group of friends and I partake in our Tuesday/ Thursday breakfast tradition where we go to Serranos restaurant, which is literally a 25 second walk from the study center. At breakfast, we chat and simply enjoy each other’s company for over an hour. If we have a test that day, we study and quiz each other. After breakfast I go to my second class, which is Spanish reading and conversation. At 4:00, I volunteer at the school near the study center and assist fourth graders in learning English. After volunteering, I come back to the study center to study or relax. Later in the evening, I either make dinner or go out to dinner. By the time we come back, which is often times around 11 it is time to wind down and prepare for the next day!

I say my days here in Valencia are far from typical because often times, instead of being in the classroom for my class, I find myself all over Valencia. With my classes I have taken excursions to places like Sagunto, a town that was formerly a Moorish fortress, La Lonja, a beautiful building originally used for silk trading, and the Bellas Artes Museum in Valencia. I have even made Valencian paella for a paella competition in my Food and Society class.

Walking through the Ruins of Sagunto

Finished Paella for Class!

From walking through the ruins of old castles to admiring the architecture in various plazas around the city, I have been extremely lucky to have everything but typical days for the past four months.

Florentine Memories

By Kristen Wharton

My time abroad began in Florence, Italy. As an Art History major, this city captured my heart, mind, and soul. The quintessential Florentine streets lined with facades of rusticated stone were a constant thrill to meander through. In the winter especially, this city maintains much of its 16^th century charm. If the architecture itself wasn’t enough, the general ambiance of this city has the ability to transcend you to the time when the Medici family, Brunelleschi, Donatello, and Michelangelo roamed these very streets.

But Art History nerd in me aside, this city is truly breathtaking. I remember at the end of my first week in Florence I went for a run from our home on Via Romana down to the Ponte Vecchio and along the Arno, then up the hill to the stunning Romanesque basilica, San Minato al Monte. The road that sits right below the church, ropes around the hill to reveal the most wonderful panorama of the city. I was running along this road, literally watching this city reveal itself step by step under the “pre-sunset” sky. So captivated and entranced by the beauty of this city, I wanted to capture it and hold on to this moment forever. 

I decided to run home to grab my camera, hoping to make it back up to this spot to catch the sunset. Sprinting down the narrow streets, Italians staring at this clearly crazed foreigner, I quickly grabbed my camera and took back off towards my spot. So excited that I made it in time, I went to take my first shot…..only to find I had drained my battery while uploading pictures the night before. I just kind of gave an accepting smile, a bit humored by the fact that life always has a funny way of making the most memorable moments at a time when it is impossible to capture them in any other form but in your mind.I should know by now that putting a camera up to your face separates your eyes from your memory. Maybe it is best that instead of taking the picture with a machine, I captured it entirely naturally. A raw memory only for me.  

Here, I had found my sanctuary, a place of peace and clarity, of pure, uninhibited beauty. I had also just experienced something quite remarkable, almost like a physical burden being lifted off my shoulders, for it was at this moment that I allowed myself to let go.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome