Switzerland, a Program for the True Traveler

By Bridget O'Toole

Looking to feed your wanderlust? FSU’s study abroad program in Leysin, Switzerland may be just what you need. The Switzerland program’s area of study is Hospitality. So, yes, preference is given to Hospitality majors, but the program is also open to all interested students. If you’re a non-Hospitality and are worried about your chances of being accepted, don’t be! It worked out for me, and I firmly believe that the Switzerland program is one of the best programs for students with a desire to travel but without a major-specific program.

As a student in the Switzerland program, you can take a European Travel and Tourism course. Your homework? Traveling all around Europe and sharing your trip experiences when you get back! Not too shabby, right? Classes are conducted Sunday evening through Tuesday morning. Often times, you will go on a field trip to a gorgeous five star hotel in Switzerland, and from there, you may leave to travel anywhere you want in Europe as long as you are back by Saturday night. The last train up the mountain ends early so you have to be time conscious! But you will be surprised how many places you can see over the course of three days. One week, my little group and I spent a day in Paris, France, a day in Nice, France, and a day at the beach in Monte Carlo—all in one week! I was able to visit more than ten incredible European cities over the course of four weeks. But of course, there are benefits to remaining in one city the whole week, such as having the time to visit all of the famous hot spots. The scope of traveling one does is really up to the individual. 

The mountain life in Leysin, Switzerland is also something to take into consideration. Let me

tell you, having a view of the snow capped mountains while eating a delicious French breakfast will probably be the most relaxing moment of your life. Nothing can beat the view in Switzerland, but don’t worry, just because the mountains are snow capped does not mean you’re going to freeze! The sun will be out every now and then. There will be days when you despise mountain life because of what the students like to call “the stairs from hell.” While walking down them isn’t a problem, you will be challenged walking up them in the high altitude. Just remember that the view at the top is worth it.

In general, the Hospitality program is so much fun—especially when you’re a guest at a hospitality business as opposed to a stressed out employee. As a student in this program, you have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals when you visit five star hotels with classic architecture, restaurants with five course meals, and spas with amazing jacuzzis. To be able to visit these high quality destinations is a huge bonus for anyone living on a college budget. One of the best trips is the trip to Balmers Hostel in Interlacken, Switzerland. Here you will learn about the hostel business. This trip is also a great initial experience where you can get to know your group members better and where you can meet people from around the world.

So if you’re feeling like a Nolemad*, visit FSU International Programs offices (UCA 5th floor) to find out more information on the Switzerland program!

*A Florida State University Seminole (Nole) that likes to travel a lot. 

2014 FSUIP Video Contest Winners

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Grand Prize Winner: Kiara Talancha
London Program

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       Finalist: Samantha Sicard
                Israel Program                                                      Finalist: April Blackwill 

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                                   Panama Program


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Why I Love This City

By Jasmine Crane

The summer that changed my life involved a week-long trip to the one and only City of Lights that included an extensive tour of all that is Paris that left me obsessed and begging for more.  When the week was up, I remember leaving with such a heavy heart, thinking that I might never get to venture back to this side of the world again and be with my city.  But, as life would have it, two years later I finally got another opportunity to visit Paris again!  After some hard work and serious planning, I found myself on a plane headed for Charles de Gaulle airport for my now month-long stay in the summer where I would be soaking up every bit of French culture that was possible.  And you better believe I was ready to take on that city one baguette at a time. 

So, you’re probably wondering, as most people I know do, why I was so unbelievably excited to be in Paris!  I mean, once you’ve seen the Eiffel Tower, eaten some bread, and ridden the metro, you’ve seen it all, right?  Well my friends, that is simply not true.  There is so much more to Paris than just what you see on the postcards.  While the famous monuments and idea of glamour are what draw most people into the city, the rich culture, decadent foods, and simple beauty are usually what make people to want to stay. 



I know this might sound crazy, but I would honestly go back to Paris simply for the food itself.  And I’m not talking about the cuisine that you might find in those tourist cafes on Rue de Rivoli or by La Tour Eiffel.  I’m talking about the unknown gems that lie all around the city, the ones that house the best meals and drinks you’ll only hope to find.  Taking a chance on a cafe, restaurant, brasserie, or boulangerie that you have never heard of while in Paris will be one of the best decisions you make.  You will always be able to find food that is uniquely French in places where the French themselves go to eat!

 

To me, Paris remains so enticing because it is home to some important small parts of its culture. For example, on the way to the Latin Quarter, you might find the old apartment where Ernest Hemingway used to live or the building that Sigmund Freud had once inhabited in the 1800s.  If you find yourself in Montmartre on your way up to see the breathtaking Sacré Cœur, you could wander through the streets behind the church and learn about the famous artists that used to work there, marvel at the beautifully handcrafted buildings, or even visit the Musée de Montmartre and walk through the Jardins Renoir.  And afterwards, if you are lucky, you might find a wonderful fondue place down and around the corner that has a special way of serving you wine!            

                                                

   

Whatever you decide to do while in Paris, I guarantee that you will always be able to find little gems hidden around the city that you can call “mine.”  I still believe the fun part lies in being able to find them all.  Guess you’ll just have to keep visiting this wonderful city until you do! 

 

 

 

Throwback Thursday #1

Yesterday was Throwback Thursday! Here are the amazing pictures our students sent in:

If you want to participate in the next Throwback Thursday (10/11), follow us on Instagram and send us your favorite pictures from your time abroad using #NolesAbroad.

Next week's theme is "Foreign Fare". Send us pictures of your favorite meal you had, you and your friends chowing down on some gelato, sitting at your favorite cafe, and anything having to do with the delicious grub you had while abroad!

Freetime in France

By Allyce Smith


There is no uniform opinion about studying abroad. Granted, if one chooses to study in a foreign country then it is likely you have a strong desire to travel and experience new cultures. However, each experience is unique and it is up to you to make the absolute most of it. Sure, one could simply attend class and all the fabulous excursions FSU has planned, but on the weekend and afternoons you have the freedom to design your ideal study abroad experience. The opportunities offered to you are vastly different from studying within your home country. The sense of independence which accompanies each decision you make is liberating and at times daunting, but the type of experience you have is entirely up to the individual. Because France, and Paris alone, is so vast it can be overwhelming to decide which places you wish to visit. Trust me, one month flies by in the blink of an eye.  I therefore urge students to start thinking about weekend trips and personal excursions before arriving in Paris. Look online and familiarize yourself with the train schedules and nearby locations. Because you only have one month, you will be tempted to hit the ground running upon arrival. 

A walking path through Monet's garden

Detail of some of the buildings

I personally knew before arriving in France that I wanted to visit Normandy. Paris is lovely, Paris is huge and Paris is busy, it is because of these things I wanted to have a weekend trip outside of the city, to see another side of France.  I therefore chose to explore the town of Giverny. Besides having a lovely name which can make you feel French simply by saying it, the town is only about an hour train ride from the Gare du Nord train station and loads of fun! I was able to experience a more traditional village atmosphere (think Belle's hometown in Beauty in the Beast!), with horses, fields of flowers and adorable old houses complete with rose gardens. The experience was surreal and well worth the 12.80 Euros. People could rent bikes, ride down dirt roads and eat traditional Norman cuisine. Probably the most popular site was Monet's house which included his famous water lilies. Although there were tourists, they did not overrun the town, for the most part it was quiet, calm and breathtaking.

We ran into some friendly horses while walking back to the train station!

Because I took the initiative to branch outside of the traditional curriculum (with my trusty friend Kat of course) I was able to personalize the study abroad experience to my taste. Of course, even if I had chosen to only participate in FSU excursions and class I would have still had a fantastic time, but by using my free time to explore places which were near to my heart and interests, I feel that my study abroad experience truly reflected me as a person.  It is difficult to understand just how much a study abroad experience can change you as a person but it honestly does.  So take advantage of your trip and use your free time wisely, this is an experience which you will cherish forever and hopefully change your world perspective! Studying abroad influenced my decision to pursue a graduate degree in French history and cultivated my love for the French language. This is your study abroad experience, use your free time to make it unique. 

Me and one of the numerous flower fields in Giverny

Paris

By Kristen Wharton

Where to begin with Paris? Paris leaves you breathless.

It has captivated the young and the old, been the catalyst for countless creative endeavors, and inspired dreams by the thousands. The allure of this city is truly undeniable.

A view of the Eiffel Tower

There was one day in particular that I set out to spend the whole day meandering around the city. I had hit all the main attractions at this point and just wanted to wander. With school and other time sensitive events, the busyness of my schedule did not allow for unrestricted frolicking, as I’ve since coined it. My day began near Notre Dame and consisted of dipping down side streets, dropping into secondhand bookstores (there are a plethora here and they are one of my favorite things about Paris…in fact they are another reason for my lack of comprehensive exploration…I drop in these and stay for hours), but mostly today revolved around observing and trying to become more familiar with the city’s layout since I have relied so much on the metro.

Walking along the Seine is a spectacle in itself. This river is Paris’ life source. You can get to any main juncture from its banks while being provided with a scenic route along the way.  It is overwhelming! Walking along the river, Notre Dame and the spire of Sainte Chapelle behind me, the Invalides coming in on the left, and just a bit further I have Pont Alexandre to my right. The Eiffel Tower, towering over it all in the distance.  Ok Paris, let’s be real, this is a constant visual stimulation is almost cruel. -- buildings and monuments, each representing a crucial time period in history of the city, all coming together in unity along the Seine. It is a feast you can never digest in entirety.


You leave these cities yearning for more. Knowing you’ve barely scratched the surface. 

The Seine