Two higher education master’s students from the University of the West Indies (UWI) are completing six-week internships in the Division of Student Affairs to learn about administering student services according to their interests and backgrounds.

“My experience at FSU has given me a better perspective on what student services actually do for students,” said Shannette Holmes-Gilzeane, UWI intern for the Career Center. “It’s mind-blowing to see how the Career Center provides comprehensive services to prepare students for their job searches.”

The internship provides the opportunity for gaining practical experience and learning opportunities in a university setting as one of their final requirements before receiving their master’s degree.

“My FSU experience so far has been awesome and very informative,” said Cassandra Morrison, UWI intern for Campus Recreation. “I have learnt how the different units in Students Affairs facilitate students' learning experiences both in and outside the classroom.  As an intern in Campus Recreation, I have gained a wealth of knowledge which will be beneficial in my future endeavors.” 

Both UWI Interns attend a variety of university events, speak to FSU students about their home countries, volunteer at the Dalton Institute, visit classes in FSU’s higher education program, as well as work on their capstone projects.

Sherrill Ragans, former FSU Associate VP for Student Affairs, was instrumental in helping set up the Beyond Borders Cultural Exchange Program with the University of the West Indies in 1995, shortly after Dr. Thelora Reynolds became the UWI Director of Student Services. Over 550 FSU and UWI students have had the enriching educational experience of participating in this exchange program since its inception. 

In 2012, the FSU Division of Student Affairs and the UWI Higher Education Program set up the internship program to provide learning opportunities at FSU for students in that program. Dr. Thelora Reynolds, currently a faculty member in that program, supervises the internship program.

Hosting international students contributes to FSU’s internationalization efforts, which serves to prepare students for a globalized world.