By Isabella Esocobar

Study Centers

Studying abroad is one of the best things you can do as a student, you get to embrace new cultures and languages all while studying towards your degree! Florida States international program has four main study centers where you could visit year-round: London, England; Florence, Italy; Panama City, Republic of Panama; and Valencia, Spain. You can live and study in these four study centers during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Not only can you go to these four centers, but you can find different programs in Brazil, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Grenada, Russia, and Switzerland. 

Picking the Right Program

If you are interested in studying abroad it is important to pick the right program for you. FSU offers different types of programs: broad curriculum programs, curriculum-focused programs, spring break programs, first year/first semester program, and internship programs. A broad curriculum program is a program where you can choose your destination in one of the four main study centers where you can take a broad range of course options that satisfy requirements for some majors, minors, and graduation/liberal studies/general education. A curriculum focused program is a program in a certain location that is typically offered during the summer term where you learn a specific area of study. These courses often count towards your associated majors, minors, or graduation/liberal studies/general education requirements. Spring break programs occur over FSU’s spring break in the spring semester and the locations vary. First year/first semester programs are offered in the four main study centers and occur during your first academic year (fall, spring, & summer) or first semester at FSU (fall). The internship program is offered in the four main study centers as well as Sydney and Hong Kong. This program can be a full semester or partial semester during the summer where you can earn academic credit by gaining international work experience. 

Application Process

Once you’ve done your research and you find the best program fit for you, you can submit an application online for the program of your choice. There is a non-refundable application fee of $100 for study abroad programs and a $250 application fee for international internship programs. It is advised that you apply to your program as early as possible due to limited enrollment. Don’t worry, this application fee does not mean you have to participate. If you are admitted to the program your participation is confirmed once you pay the commitment fee. 

The financial aspect of studying abroad can often determine when are where you study abroad. FSU offers financial aid workshops on a regular basis and will meet with you to help you create a plan. Here at FSU, you have various options to help you fund your program: bright futures, Florida prepaid, and scholarships. Yes, you read that correctly, you can use your bright futures scholarship fund to be used toward your semester abroad. Depending on the award received, and the credit you take the funding varies. Florida prepaid is also another way you can allocate some funds to go to your program fee, depending on the number of credits enrolled. There is also plenty of scholarship you can apply to! You can find a list of scholarship opportunities and deadlines in the F24U scholarship portal. There are also other scholarship opportunities as well as scholarships administered by other FSU departments. 

If you are interested in learning more about FSU International Programs you can visit their website here or contact them at (850) 644-3272.