IP Brochure

Study Abroad – An Experience Worth Sharing

An experience worth sharing.

Florida State University’s International Programs (FSUIP) is proud to have sent students abroad for over 65 years. As we have grown, so have our diverse student opportunities and possibilities for students abroad. We are delighted to be consistently top-ranked in the nation for the number of students sent abroad and we are committed to continuing our efforts to serve students from all segments of our university. We are members of The Forum on Education Abroad, which is the standardsetting organization for the study abroad field. Standards focus on all aspects of program delivery, from safety to program quality.

At International Programs, we strive to provide high quality programs at the lowest possible prices, and have added new programs tailored to specific areas of study, as well as expanded spring break program offerings, designed to provide shorter, lower cost options. Our outstanding faculty, exciting excursions, high quality accommodations, and dedicated support staff provide an incomparable value to our students, who return home having had the experience of a lifetime.

I encourage you to take advantage of these unique educational and cultural opportunities and truly make the world your campus.

Go Noles!

James E. Pitts Director, International Programs

Study abroad and you’ll...

International Programs is committed to making each student’s experience a story worth sharing. From exploring new cultures to forging lifelong friendships, study abroad creates memories to last a lifetime.

Build community and make lifelong friends.

Have a unique academic experience with small class sizes and expert faculty

Consistently ranked among the top study abroad programs in the nation

Learn

Stand out from the crowd as you apply for jobs and further education

Over

Plan your adventure.

Planning is key to a successful study abroad experience. Here are some of the top factors to consider when searching for the right program.

Scan the QR code for step-by-step instructions on how to apply for the perfect program for you, and for advising resources.

PROGRAM TYPE DESTINATION ACADEMICS

Take FSU courses abroad to satisfy your major, minor, or graduation requirements. We also offer international internships where you can build your resume and gain crosscultural work experience.

FSU has four study center locations where classes are offered every semester.

In addition to those four study centers, program offerings in other locations are always expanding. Consider a location’s language, cuisine, culture, and more when choosing a destination.

Build your own class schedule as part of a broad curriculum program or take pre-selected courses on a faculty-led, curriculum focused program. No matter which option you choose, always review the courses listed on the IP website before you apply.

IP TIP Research programs ahead of time and apply early since applications are accepted on a rolling, space-available basis. Check IP’s website & social media for application opening dates.

TIMING & LENGTH FINANCES

Deciding when & how long to study abroad can help narrow your search. FSU IP offers a variety of lengths to fit your schedule—from a full semester to one week.

Consider that you may have more flexibility and study abroad options earlier in your college career.

Many expenses abroad are included in the program fee, such as courses, housing, excursions, and health insurance. Most financial aid sources can be applied toward the program fee. When considering a budget for your study abroad experience, note the expenses that are not included in the program fee, as listed on the IP website.

Exceptional Programs

FSU IP offers four types of study abroad programs.

Broad Curriculum

These programs give students the opportunity to pursue general requirements and elective courses while living in and experiencing the local culture of one of FSU’s four study center locations: London, England; Florence, Italy; Panama City, Republic of Panama; Valencia, Spain.

Spring Break & Short-Term Programs

While enrolled in a class on main campus or online, students enhance their educational experience by spending time abroad with their professor and classmates.

Curriculum Focused

These programs offer the opportunity to study major- and minor-specific curriculum in a variety of locations around the globe. Mostly over the summer, these programs offer flexibility in timing and length.

International Internships

Students looking to gain real-world work experience in a one-of-a-kind setting should look no further than our international internships – offered in various locations across the globe.

The world is your campus.

Our faculty members are leaders in their fields – innovators and experts – and they bring with them a passion for their subject that cannot be matched, one that is highlighted even further by our diverse, culturally-rich locations. They serve as instructors, mentors, and guides, and they challenge students to open their minds and broaden their horizons during this life-changing experience.

Small class sizes allow more individual attention between professors and students. Explore the city with your class for an immersive learning experience.

All classes are taught in English, except for language-intensive courses.

Earn FSU credit while experiencing the culture of your host country.

STUDY CENTERS

London, England

Explore a variety of disciplines while using Great Britain and the city of London as your textbook while at FSU London. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the cultural richness of Great Britain through organized group excursions –which are included in your program fee – often to places overlooked by tourists. Opportunities for personal travel are provided throughout the program as well, giving you the freedom to explore on your own. FSU London offers broad curriculum programs as well as programs focused on specific majors and minors.

London Study Centre

The FSU London Study Centre lies in the heart of central London, only steps away from a variety of historic and cultural sites. The study center features a library, computer labs, conservatories, a student lounge, a lecture theatre, classrooms, and administrative offices. Swipe card access, 24/7 reception, and on-site Program Assistants ensure student safety is the top priority.

Housing

Housing for these programs is in shared apartments, or flats, in central London. Short walks and easy access to city buses and the London Underground allow you to safely explore this fascinating city. All flats are located either on the top floors of the study center or in nearby buildings. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens, furnished living areas, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a cleaning service with a change of bed linens and towels. Meal vouchers are also provided.

Excursions

Past excursions have included trips to vibrant cities across the UK and explorations of the beautiful British countryside, such as an overnight trip to Edinburgh or Liverpool, a trip to Stonehenge, a visit to Windsor Castle, or a chance to locally explore the Tower of London or St. Paul’s Cathedral.

LONDON QUICK FACTS

Scan the QR code to learn more about FSU London and get to know the study center’s neighborhood with an interactive map.

FSU London was established in 1971

Warm summers and cool winters, frequent rain

Official language: English London has an area of 607 mi2

Foods to try: fish & chips, afternoon tea

Official currency: the pound sterling

STUDY CENTERS

Florence, Italy

FSU Florence offers the opportunity to study a variety of disciplines while living in the birthplace of the Renaissance. Each semester in Florence offers the opportunity to explore the city’s art museums, rich cultural history, and delicious restaurants. Program excursions – included in the program fee – give you a chance to explore the city of Florence and neighboring areas. In addition to program-planned excursions, free time for personal travel gives you the chance to explore. Each semester offers opportunities to volunteer and interact with local citizens. FSU Florence offers broad curriculum programs as well as programs focused on specific majors and minors.

Florence Study Center

Housed in a restored 16th century Renaissance palace, the study center is located in the heart of the historical downtown of the city. It is a short walk away from the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, and Piazza della Signoria. FSU

Florence features an atrium with a café, a glassceiling library, a courtyard, interior & exterior student lounges, classrooms, state-of-the-art fashion and media labs, as well as a Tuscan-style tasting & learning kitchen. 24/7 on-site security ensures student safety is the top priority.

Housing

Housing on these programs is in shared Florentine-style student residences within a 25-minute walk of the study center along beautiful medieval cobblestone streets. Each residence includes shared, furnished living, kitchen, and dining spaces, as well as washing machines, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a cleaning service with a change of bed linens and towels. Meal vouchers that can be redeemed at dozens of local cafés and restaurants throughout Florence are provided.

Excursions

Past program excursions have included overnight trips to places such as Rome and Venice, a trip to a vineyard, a night at the opera, and more.

FLORENCE QUICK FACTS

Scan the QR code to learn more about FSU Florence and get to know the study center’s neighborhood with an interactive map.

FSU Florence was established in 1966

Hot, sunny summers and cold winters

Official language: Italian Florence has an area of 39.54 mi2

Foods to try: gelato, Florentine steak

Official currency: the euro

Panama City, Republic of Panama

Studying abroad in Panama gives you the opportunity to study a variety of disciplines while experiencing modern Panama City, historic districts, nearby beaches, and lush tropical regions. The historic sites, dynamic business environment, and unspoiled terrain yield a wide variety of specialized excursions – which are included in the program fee – extending learning far beyond the classroom. Learn about culture, dances, food, handicrafts, and customs of Panama while living in Panama City. Opportunities for personal travel are provided throughout the program, giving you the freedom to explore on your own. FSU Panama offers broad curriculum programs throughout the year.

Panama City Study Center

Situated within the City of Knowledge, FSU Panama offers the amenities of a full campus. The City of Knowledge offers amenities such as a food court, swimming pool, basketball court, gym, and more. FSU Panama features classrooms, study spaces, science labs, a library, and a bookstore. The student lounge & terrace on the top floor provide views of the Panama Canal and offer the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends at the small café. On-site security ensures student safety is the top priority.

Housing

The housing on these programs is in a dormitorystyle residence within the City of Knowledge complex. Located just a short walk or shuttle ride away from FSU Panama, each room is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a TV, a mini-fridge, study-space, and balcony. On their floor, students have access to a kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator. Fingerprint entry grants students access to a fully equipped kitchen, coin-operated laundry room, vending machines, and student lounge on the main floor.

Excursions

Past excursions have included exploring the engineering marvels of the Panama Canal, touring Panama City’s colonial, old, and cosmopolitan areas, and visiting indigenous communities and their freshwater rapids.

PANAMA CITY QUICK FACTS

Scan the QR code to learn more about FSU Florence and get to know the study center’s neighborhood with an interactive map.

FSU Panama was established in 1957

Hot & humid with rainy winters

Official language: Spanish Panama City has an area of 106.2 mi2

Foods to try: ceviche, empanadas

Official currencies: the balboa & the US dollar

Valencia, Spain

FSU Valencia offers the opportunity to study a variety of disciplines while experiencing Valencia and its surrounding areas. A beautiful river-bed park is just steps away from the study center and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences is within walking distance. Included cultural excursions allow you to explore Spain’s historic and modern areas through travel opportunities tied to your study. Free time for personal travel gives you the chance to explore on your own as well. FSU Valencia offers broad curriculum programs as well as programs focused on specific majors and minors.

Valencia Study Center

Positioned behind the iconic Torres de Serranos, FSU Valencia is located in the heart of the city’s historic district. The study center brings history to life with exposed 10th century Moorish walls and glass floors that showcase 14th century leather tanning tanks. Modern comforts, including classrooms, a computer lab, study spaces, and administrative offices blend in seamlessly with the historic learning environment. 24/7 reception and swipe card access ensure student safety is the top priority.

Housing

Program housing is in shared apartments in the historic district of the city. Apartments are located either on the top floors of the study center or in nearby buildings. Amenities include fully-equipped kitchens, lounge space, cable TV, laundry facilities, cleaning service with a change of bed linens and towels, and secure access to the study center’s library, computer lab, and study spaces. Meal vouchers that can be redeemed at restaurants across Spain are also provided.

VALENCIA QUICK FACTS

Scan the QR code to learn more about FSU Valencia and get to know the study center’s neighborhood with an interactive map.

FSU Valencia was established in 1997

Excursions

Past excursions have included trips to cities such as Madrid and Barcelona to explore Spanish culture, as well as to other various locations around the country.

Warm to hot summers with mild winters

Official languages: Spanish & Valencian

Foods to try: paella, tapas

Valencia has an area of 51.99 mi2

Official currency: the euro

More Study Abroad Locations

Outside of the four main study center locations, you also have the choice to study on one of our curriculum-focused programs in places all around the globe. From Latin America to Europe, these programs are a great way to work on coursework for your major or minor while experiencing a culture unlike your own. These programs are offered during the summer or spring break, and vary in length and price, offering flexibility so you can find something that works for you. Program offerings are always expanding, so be sure to scan the QR code below to check out the IP website for the most up-to-date information.

QUICK FACTS

Scan the QR code to browse our programs. Find the right program for you based on location, term, and curriculum.

Offered in summer or spring break

Specific curriculum, including intensive-language

Typically 1-8 weeks

Varying prices offer flexibility

Locations around the globe

12:1

Average ratio of students to teachers

“Interning [abroad] has been the single most defining moment of my education at Florida State University. Working and living in a foreign country has challenged me in ways that have helped me grow not only as a working professional but also as an adult.”

Courtney Dean, FSU IP Intern

Stand out from the crowd.

Today’s employers are looking for candidates who have established themselves as hardworking professionals with a global outlook – which is exactly what an internship abroad can provide. International internships offer real-world work experience and a chance to enrich your academic study with practical application. Hone your professional skills while living in another culture and expanding your professional network. From internships with Parliament in the UK to fashion merchandising internships in Florence, IP partners with a wide variety of employers to find you the perfect placement.

Internships are offered in locations around the globe for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Locations include: London, England; Florence, Italy; Panama City, Republic of Panama; Valencia, Spain.

IP TIP For specific internship information and placement areas, visit international.fsu.edu/Internships.aspx or set up an appointment with our internship coordinator by emailing IP-Intern@fsu.edu.

“By being submerged in a different culture, I acquired knowledge about the traditions, beliefs, and customs of another country. Studying abroad helped me realize the vastness of the world, and enabled me to develop a profound sense of cultural awareness.”

Chelsea Payne, FSU IP Student

The world is your campus when you study abroad! The city becomes the classroom as you explore its culture and history, interact with locals, and learn from expert faculty.

The world is within your reach.

There are resources available to you to financially plan for study abroad! Bright Futures and Florida Pre-Paid apply towards your program fee as well as FAFSA grants and loans. FSU IP also awards scholarships annually, and other departments and outside sources offer study abroad scholarships as well. Consider meeting with the International Programs financial team to create a plan specific to your financial needs.

“Without the scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to follow my mom’s and aunt’s footsteps in studying in Italy for the summer. It’s an experience I’ve always wanted to do and FSU helped me get there. Studying abroad allowed me to learn a lot about different cultures and history, and make lifelong friends and memories that I hope other students take advantage of.”

Taylor Perko, IP Scholarship Recipient

Safety is our top priority.

International Programs has a safety & security team dedicated to monitoring world events, overseeing facility safety, reviewing security procedures, leading faculty and staff safety trainings, and more. Pre-departure and on-site orientations give students the tools they need to have a safe study abroad experience. From building security and accessible staff to comprehensive health insurance, we’ve got you covered.

DR. CHRIS CARROLL, Program Director of Quality & Assessment says, “The safety of our participants is at the focal point of every decision we make in International Programs. This is true from the first moments of program development all the way through until students are on their way back home.”

We’re here to get you there.

Many study abroad locations require US citizens to have a visa. International Programs has a team of immigration specialists to provide guidance from start to finish. More information about immigration requirements for each location can be found at international.fsu.edu.

If you need a passport, you can make an appointment with the FSU Passport Acceptance Facility. Be sure to check out international.fsu.edu/Passports.aspx for a list of what you’ll need to bring with you.

IP TIP Most countries require at least six months validity on your passport beyond the return of your travels. Make sure to check your passport validity now!

“The one thing I will say is that if you have the means and abilities to travel abroad and don’t, I just have to […] say that you’re definitely missing out on the best experience of your life, so please do that. And even if it’s gonna be something hard for you to do, I say figure out every means possible to get yourself abroad because it […] absolutely will change your life.”

Isabella Aragao Student

“[Study abroad] gives [students] the opportunity to learn so much. But it’s not just that they are learning academically – I think students learn more about themselves than anything else in the process.”

Whitney Bendeck IP Faculty Member

“Soak in everything you can; really make an effort to explore your new home, understand cultural differences, and learn the language – try different foods and form those new friendships with other students on your program. Document your experience somehow, either through writing, or photography, or videos. No matter how long you’re abroad, it’s not going to seem like enough time […] you’re going to want to remember every second of the experience.”

Dustin Lynch IP Staff Member

“Say yes. I say it’s an experience that everybody should do [...] Find a place, go abroad, learn something new, learn a different perspective, practice another language. It really does shape the way in which we view the world. It really does shape the way in which you can open your mind.”

THE PODCAST

The Noles Abroad podcast discusses study abroad from the perspective of the students, faculty, staff, and alumni who make it an experience worth sharing. On every episode we ask the interviewee, “what is your advice for students who are considering studying abroad?” Here are some of those answers.

Casey Daley Alumni

I’m in. What’s next?

Talk with IP’s financial team to start planning financially for study abroad.

Apply for or renew your passport if needed. Keep in mind processing times.

Start planning as early as possible! Choose the perfect program for you by browsing the program listings on the IP website and by speaking with IP’s academic advisor.

Apply for the program and pay the application fee. Programs are firstcome, first-served so we recommend doing this early.

Stay in touch!

Follow @fsuip on social media for announcements, videos, student quotes, and more! Once admitted, be sure to check your student portal and email for important updates and due dates.

Every day is an adventure when you’re abroad.