Abby | Study Abroad Express

The very idea of studying abroad can be scary. Most students determine that being in a foreign country and away from home for an extended period is not for them. But in my experience, studying abroad is a total blast. Of course I felt home sick, but when family is just a quick phone call away, the feeling disappears. Back in 2016, I studied abroad in Seville, Spain. The Engineering Program at Texas Tech University required a study abroad experience. For me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I don't regret it one bit. I traveled Europe during the holidays and long weekends. And now my younger sister is interested in studying abroad. She’s also thinking of attending a college in Florida, so I want to share some facts about Florida colleges that offer study abroad opportunities. So, what colleges in Florida have a study abroad Program? All of the larger public universities in Florida offer study abroad, most of the private colleges offer less robust programs, and several community colleges provide a taste of study abroad to their students. So, what exactly are the best schools in Florida that offer a study abroad program? The University of Florida has an impressive study abroad program, including places to study all over the world. Florida State University, Rollins College, Eckerd College, and Hillsborough Community College also offer some wonderful study abroad programs. Each of these schools offer their own unique study abroad programs, allowing students to travel all over the world to different places for different studies. Some offer a wider variety of places to visit, while others offer more programs. If you're interested, more information about the colleges mentioned above follows. Florida’s Major Universities Offer Study Abroad Programs University of Florida The University of Florida offers an outstanding selection of 1,100 programs worldwide. Students can choose from programs in Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and Latin America, making University of Florida one of the schools with the widest selection of places to go. With so many places to choose from and programs to take part in, anyone who chooses the University of Florida is ensured to have an amazing experience. I love the “Go Global, Gators!”theme promoted by UFs Study Abroad Program. For example, students interested in studying Spanish can take part in a short summer program in Spain. The opportunity to improve advanced Spanish language skills over the course of a six week program is possible with their immersion experience. The classes are held at the Universidad Internacional Menendez Pelayo in Seville, Spain, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. Students also interact with Spanish families and other students studying at the university. Another example is UFs experience in Rome. The business, language, and culture program offers students an opportunity to enjoy Rome, Italy, with its museums, cathedrals, art, culture and food. The Surround yourself in all that Rome and Italy have to offer: antiquity, museums, art, food, and culture. The semester-long study abroad program, located in one of the oldest cities in Europe, allows students to earn 14 hours of college credit that applies to the UF business degree. The program is held on the campus of St. John's University and students live in dormitories located above the classrooms of the Collegio Leoniano. The UF’s Maymester in Australia and New Zealand in something my sister would love. This program allows students to study the natural history of the South Pacific. This program is offered in conjunction with the University of Georgia. This program focuses on “sustainable development” in Australia and New Zealand. Travel includes visiting Sydney, snorkeling and diving at the Great Barrier Reef, encountering the Outback, and swimming at various beaches down under. In New Zealand, be prepared to climb 14,000 foot mountains, exploring the largest fiords in the world, and visiting rainforests, massive glaciers, thermal hot springs, and volcanoes. In addition, a visit to a traditional sheep farm in the high country and swimming with wild dolphins in Kaikoura top off the experience. Students stay in a variety of eco resorts and condos, as well as permanent tents in the Outback. The Program Costs an extraordinarily low $2,995, but the total does not include your airfare, tuition and fees. The University of Florida is a great option for students looking to attend a top quality school and get the best out of a study abroad experience. Florida State University FSU's selection of study abroad programs spans from England and France, all the way to Russia, Croatia, and the Czech Republic. A total of 16 countries are available to visit. Students can study hospitality in Switzerland, learn the Russian language in Russia, study tropical behavior in Panama, or learn about the culture and language in China. Following is a brief list of locations and topics offered: AUSTRALIAPublic PolicyCHINAExploring ChinaCOSTA RICASpanish Immersion ExperienceCZECH REPUBLICSocial Work & International Affairs:ENGLANDIntroduction to Documentary FilmmakingGraduate Theatre (Asolo)Graduate Writing for Screen & StageInternational Affairs in LondonOxford Law ProgramFRANCEDance in ParisIntensive FrenchGERMANYExperiencing GermanyGRENADAAlternative Spring BreakINDONESIASocial Innovation & EntrepreneurshipITALYArchaeology in TuscanyTextiles in ItalyPANAMAIntelligence Studies ImmersionTropical Behavioral EcologySPAINGlobal Sport Management (Valencia + London)SWITZERLANDHospitalityTHAILANDEnterprise and Social Media Florida’s Private Colleges Offer Study Abroad Programs Rollins College While Rollins College doesn't offer nearly as many programs as the University of Florida, this private college’s programs are carefully selected. Founded in 1885 by New England Congregationalists, Rollins claims to be the first recognized college in the state of Florida. Rollins College offers opportunities at 25 different colleges in Europe, Asia, and Australia. One example includes the opportunity to study in Athens, Greece. Not only is Athens a beautiful place that I'd love to visit, but I would love to participate in this program. The courses are taught in English and they offer the chance to engage in daily conversations with people and visit the historical monuments and gorgeous landscapes of Greece. You'll be able to take part in both local and regional excursions, live in quaint apartments in quiet local neighborhoods, and even have the chance to volunteer with the local organizations. Another program offered that I know my sister would love is the study abroad program in Ireland and Maynooth University. The University is in a small town just outside of Dublin, making travel into the busy town simple enough. Maynooth offers so many different courses to take, making it versatile for anyone who wishes to travel to Ireland to study and experience the Irish heritage. Students live on campus in residential halls and participate in over 150 different study groups offered all while attending one of Ireland's top universities. Eckerd College Eckerd College gives students the opportunity to choose from over three hundred different destinations to travel for their study abroad experience. Locations across Africa, Europe, and Asia offer amazing opportunities to see a part of the world one only reads about in books or sees on television or in the movies. The college offers a chance for you to explore the world. One example is the course titled, “Natural History of the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador.” This faculty-led course takes students to Ecuador, one of the “most geologically and biologically diverse regions in the world.” This experience offers exploration of the Andes Mountains and the Galapagos Islands, and the unbelievable opportunity to camp in the tropical Amazon Rain Forest. The course highlights require students to be in excellent health. Florida’s Community Colleges Offer Study Abroad Programs Hillsborough Community College HCC offers programs for a semester, a summer, or an entire year. HCC's innovative international educational programs are affordable opportunities to earn college credit while studying your specific field of interest. The college offers three program types: Faculty-led Participate in a program administered by HCC and taught by HCC Faculty Members. Direct EnrollmentExplore colleges and universities in other countries, and directly enroll in a program that allows “transient” or “international” studentsAffiliate Program ProviderParticipate in a program administered by a professional non-college administered organization offering study abroad support services. HCC offers a map of the various geographical regions that programs are offered: South America (88 Programs) Africa (41 programs) Europe (552 programs) Asia (108 programs) Australia/New Zealand (60 programs) Some specific examples include an 8 day trip to Belize to study Environmental Issues; a 14 day trip to Thailand to study Global Citizenship, 14 days; an adventure in Ecuador to study Global Health and Transcultural Nursing, and an opportunity to explore Intercultural Relations to Business in England. Conclusion I truly hope that this article has helped you on the path to studying abroad and convinced you of some amazing opportunities available to you at a college in Florida. It just takes an ability to visualize the potential and to begin planning for the adventure of a lifetime. As Nike encourages all athlete, so I encourage you: “Just Do It.” Related Questions How much money should I save up for studying abroad? The cost of each type of study abroad opportunity varies based on length of time, location, and local economy. The costs can range from a few thousand dollars, up to over $10,000, which may or may not include travel costs, tuition and fees. What should I pack with me for going away? - Pack the basic clothes necessary for the region of the world you plan to live. Do not over pack. - Purchase most of your toiletries while abroad but be sure to carry a small supply to get you acclimated. - Bring extra copies of all your documents Are there qualifications needed to study abroad? Each college posts their specific qualifications, but the three most often cited include: Age 18 or olderAttend the college during the semester prior to your study abroad programA GPA of 2.5 or higher