Embark on a Global Journey: Florida State University's First Semester Abroad (FSA) and First Year Abroad (FYA) Programs

Florida State University (FSU) recognizes the importance of preparing students to be successful citizens in the global society of the 21st century and supports international study and intercultural experiences as an integral part of the academic, social, and cultural development process of university education. Studying in another country transforms students’ educational and personal perspectives and enhances their future development in profound ways. For nearly 20 years, FSU International Programs has provided incoming first-year students with the opportunity to spend their first semester or year of college abroad at one of FSU’s study centers. These programs, the First Semester Abroad (FSA) and First Year Abroad (FYA), offer a unique pathway to begin your academic career while immersing yourself in a new culture.

What are the FSA and FYA Programs?

The First Semester Abroad (FSA) and First Year Abroad (FYA) programs offer incoming freshmen the chance to begin their college experience at one of FSU’s international study centers. This means to be a global citizen. Students can choose from four incredible study abroad centers. All four FSU study abroad centers offer the FYA & FSA programs. These programs allow students to earn college credit while experiencing life in a new country. For almost two decades, participants have enjoyed the unique benefits of an immersive multicultural experience balanced by an academically flexible year taking FSU courses from on-site expert faculty.

Key Differences Between FYA and FSA

The FYA and FSA programs provide similar opportunities, but cater to different durations of study abroad. If there is any chance you will want to remain abroad for a second semester, you should choose the FYA program.

First Year Abroad (FYA): Students spend their entire first academic year (fall and spring semesters) studying abroad before beginning courses in Tallahassee.
First Semester Abroad (FSA): Students study abroad for one semester (fall) and then transition to the Tallahassee campus in January.

Why Choose to Study Abroad as a First-Year Student?

Encountering new cultures, cuisines, and situations while studying abroad builds confidence & resourcefulness and enhances self-discovery. There are numerous benefits to starting your college career with an international experience:

Personal Growth: Studying abroad fosters independence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
Cultural Awareness: Immersing yourself in a new culture broadens your perspective and enhances your understanding of the world.
Academic Enrichment: International Programs wants you to have an enriching experience during your program. You'll gain a global perspective and learn how local historical resources into the fabric of student learning.
Career Advantages: Employers value candidates with international experience, as it demonstrates adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and a global mindset.
Building a Global Network: You'll have the opportunity to meet students from a variety of different backgrounds and make new friends!

FSU's Study Abroad Centers

FSU offers four distinct study abroad centers, each with its unique academic and cultural offerings:

Read also: PIC: Your Path to Higher Education

FSU Florence, Italy

The FSU Florence Study Centre is located in the historic, medieval heart of this remarkable city. The study center is located in the 16th century Bagnesi Palace on Via de Neri, one of the city’s most famous streets and a paradise for foodies. Blocks away from the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, the Galileo Museum, and one of Europe’s most renowned outdoor spaces, the Piazza della Signoria. The center includes media labs, as well as a Tuscan-style tasting & learning kitchen.

Housing: Students live in shared Florentine-style student residences within a 25-minute walk of FSU Florence along beautiful medieval cobblestone streets. Linens and towels are provided. Meal vouchers that can be redeemed at dozens of local cafés and restaurants throughout Florence are also provided. Overnight guests are not allowed in program housing.
Excursions: Students can participate in visits to Rome (Colosseum, the Forum, Catacombs, St. Peter's Basilica), Venice (private ferry along the Grand Canal, guided visit to St. Mark's Square), and day trips to medieval Tuscan hill-top towns like Volterra and San Gimignano.

FSU London, England

The FSU London Study Centre is housed in a series of historic 17th-century townhouses located in the heart of the historic Bloomsbury district - just a block away from the British Museum! This prime location provides easy access to the cultural and historical landmarks of this capital city. The study center features a library, computer lab, conservatory & student lounge, lecture theatre, classrooms, and administrative offices.

Housing: Students studying at FSU London live in shared flats in the center of London. All flats are located either above the study center or in comparable local-area accommodation. Flats include cable TV and a weekly cleaning service with a change of bed linens and towels. Overnight guests are not allowed in program housing.
Excursions: Students can explore the Tower of London, Kew Palace and Gardens, St. Paul's Cathedral, and other iconic London sites.

FSU Panama City, Republic of Panama

Situated within the City of Knowledge across from the Panama Canal, FSU Panama offers the amenities of a full campus. This location provides a unique opportunity to interact with students from a variety of different backgrounds. The campus features classrooms, study spaces, science labs, as well as a library and a bookstore. A balcony provides views of the Panama Canal and is the perfect place to spend time with friends, while another offers views of the rainforest and an empanada from the small café.

Housing: Students studying at FSU Panama live in a newly constructed, dormitory-style residence within the City of Knowledge complex. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, mini-fridge, study-space, and balcony. Students have access to a kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator, as well as a laundry room, vending machines, and student lounge on the main floor. A nearby town center allows students to purchase household items, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy a leisurely meal with other students and City of Knowledge residents. Overnight guests are not allowed in program housing.

FSU Valencia, Spain

Positioned behind the iconic Torres de Serranos, FSU Valencia is located in the heart of Valencia’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. The facilities, including classrooms, a computer lab, study spaces, and administrative offices blend in seamlessly with the historic learning environment. The Turia river-bed park is just steps away from the study center, and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences is within walking distance.

Housing: Program housing is in shared apartments in the historic district of the city. Apartments are located within historic buildings and include towels, and secure access to the study center’s library, computer lab, and study spaces. Meals are not provided. Overnight guests are not allowed in program housing.
Excursions: Students can participate in an Andalucía excursión, visiting Granada’s Alhambra, Sevilla, Córdoba, and flamenco activities.

Academics Abroad

The FSU International Programs ensures that students can stay on track for their intended major while studying abroad. Course offerings are listed below by semester and location. Students should carefully review the course offerings in each location to ensure they align with their intended major. FYA & FSA students must enroll in a minimum of 15 International Programs Credits during each semester abroad. The program is designed to help students develop a global perspective by becoming immersed in the culture, history, and day-to-day interactions of another country. In turn, each study center provides unique courses and experiential learning opportunities for students to choose from, such as Introduction to London Theatre at FSU London, History of Dress at FSU Florence, Writing Spanish for Business at FSU Valencia, and Cross-cultural History of Latin America at FSU Panama. The program is designed to help students develop a global perspective by becoming immersed in the culture, history and day-to-day interactions of another country. In turn, each study center provides unique courses and experiential learning opportunities for students to choose from.

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Global Foundations Course

FYA & FSA students also complete the Global Foundations course, offered by International Programs during the Summer B semester prior to going abroad (Late June - Early August).

Course Examples in Panama City (Fall FYA 2025 Session PY04)

ACG2021 Introduction To Financial Accounting (3 Credits)
ACG2071 Introduction Managerial Accounting (3 Credits)
AMH2020 History of the US Since 1877 (3 Credits)
ART2003C Survey Of Studio Art Practices (1 Credit)
BSC2010 Biological Science I (1 Credit)
BSC2011 Biological Science II (3 Credits)
CGS2100 Microcomputer Applications For Business/Economics (3 Credits)
CHM1020 Chemistry Liberal Studies (4 Credits)
CHM1045 General Chemistry I (3 Credits)
CHM1045L General Chemistry I Lab (3 Credits)
CHM1046L General Chemistry Ii Lab (3 Credits)
ENC1101 Freshman Composition And Rhetoric (3 Credits)
EUH2000 Ancient And Medieval Civilizations (3 Credits)
FIN3244 Financial Markets, Institutions, And Int'l Finance Systems (3 Credits)
FIN3403 Financial Management of the Firm (3 Credits)
GEO2200c Physical Geography (3 Credits)
GEO4340 Living in a Hazardous Environment (3 Credits)
GLY1030 Environmental Issues in Geology (3 Credits)
IDS2672 Music & Film (3 Credits)
INR2002 Introduction To International Relations (3 Credits)
INS3003 Introduction to International Affairs (3 Credits)
LAH1093 Latin America: A Cross-Cultural History (3 Credits)
LIT2000 Introduction to Literature (3 Credits)
MAC1105 College Algebra (3 Credits)
MAC1140 Precalculus Algebra (3 Credits)
MAC2233 Calculus For Business (3 Credits)
MAC2311 Calculus With Analytic Geometry I (4 Credits)
MAC2312 Calculus With Analytic Geometry II (4 Credits)
MAN3240 Organizational Behavior (3 Credits)
MAR3023 Basic Marketing Concepts (3 Credits)
MUL2010 Music Literature

Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for the FYA and FSA programs, students must be admitted to FSU as first-year students and must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the program. All students, including those admitted through the Seminole Pathways program, can apply for FYA or FSA. More details about the FSU application process can be found here.

Application Process

Review Information: Step 1: Read the FAQs at the bottom of the First Year/First Semester Home Page.
Choose a Study Center: Step 2: Choose your Study Center. Consider your academic interests, personal preferences, and financial resources when selecting a location.
Apply Online: Step 3: Apply to your chosen study center location using the garnet pencil under the Description tab. Applicants will also need to pay the application fee for the study abroad application and have or apply for a valid passport. Applications are processed on a rolling, space available basis, so submit your application early. Early application is advisable as program enrollment is limited and acceptances are offered on a first-come, first-served rolling basis.

Costs and Financial Aid

Almost all sources of financial aid can be applied toward FYA & FSA program fees as described in the IP Financial Aid Handbook. The program fee typically includes tuition, housing, international health insurance, on-site administrative and pastoral support, plus meals or vouchers (as described for each location). On main campus, students typically pay for their tuition, housing, meals, and activities separately. FSU main campus can be found here.

Tuition Waiver and Scholarship

FYA GPA of 3.0 or higher will receive an FYA out-of-state tuition waiver for the remainder of their first undergraduate degree at FSU. Out-of-state students who successfully complete the First Year Abroad pathway will have the added benefit of receiving an out-of-state tuition waiver for the remainder of their bachelor's degree on the Tallahassee campus. Yes! FYA students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher after the fall semester will receive a $1,000 scholarship to use toward their spring FYA program fee!

Preparing for Your Semester/Year Abroad

FSU International Programs wants you to have an enriching experience during your program. Studying in another country transforms students’ educational and personal perspectives and enhances their future development in profound ways. Resources in other countries and being prepared before you study abroad can help promote a smooth travel experience.

Read also: Undergraduate Admissions at Oxford

Pre-Departure Information

Admitted students can participate in the FYA and FSA programs after receiving a regular admissions decision or a Seminole Pathways Offer.

Orientation

Is there an Orientation specific to FYA/FSA students? How do I register? You will receive information about registering for orientation if you are admitted from the waitlist. Orientation sessions are offered throughout the summer; however, there may be fewer session dates available after May 1.

Important Questions

Do I need to pay the FSU Admissions deposit or Main Campus Housing deposit? What are FSU’s Health Insurance and Immunization requirements? How/when do I register for study abroad courses? Do I need a passport or visa? What should I do if I have travel planned for the summer before I study abroad? How/when should I book my flights?

Life After Your Study Abroad Experience

Students capitalize on the growth they experienced abroad even after they return to FSU’s main campus. Many will seek global engagement opportunities and/or study/intern abroad again before they graduate. Seminole Spirit is alive and well at each study abroad center. No matter where you have your first-year experience, you'll always feel connected to the garnet and gold. FSU International Programs provides resources and support systems that follow you back to the main campus.

Additional International Opportunities at FSU

FSU offers students a variety of options for international experiences abroad during their graduate careers.

Global Exchanges: Exchange programs offer students a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and in-depth academic learning.
Independent Research: Students may receive academic credit for research arranged independently and conducted in locations abroad.
International and intercultural internships: Provide remarkable opportunities for students to gain incomparable career experience and develop intercultural competencies while earning academic credit.
Center for the Advancement of Human Rights: Through its internship program, the Center for the Advancement of Human Rights seeks to not only provide substantive human rights experiences to FSU students but also to directly support the work of human rights NGOs around the world.
Florida State Alternative Breaks: A program within the Center for Leadership and Social Change, Florida State Alternative Breaks sends students out to serve in diverse communities across the country and around the world during spring and other breaks.
International Dissertation Semester Research Fellowship: This prestigious international fellowship for advanced doctoral students offered by the Graduate School to facilitate research and timely completion of the doctoral degree that requires extended research-time abroad.
International Programs Scholarships: Florida State University students can apply for one or more of the scholarships available for those studying abroad on Florida State University's IP programs.
Winthrop-King Awards: Supported by a generous bequest from the late Mrs. Ada Belle Winthrop-King, Florida State University's Winthrop-King Institute for Contemporary French and Francophone Studies is a center for interdisciplinary scholarship on France and the French-speaking world.

Contact Information

For any questions or for assistance choosing a location, contact International Programs at (850) 644-3272. Our team of first-year program coordinators is also here to help answer any questions you may have! To hear directly from recent students about their experience, or contact our Ambassador team who have been there, done that. For more information about first-year programs through International Programs, visit international.fsu.edu/Freshmen.

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