Update: the deadline to apply for Beyond Borders Jamaica has been extended to October 2.

The Beyond Borders program offers students the opportunity to gain intercultural communication skills and increase cultural awareness through participation in a cultural exchange to either Jamaica during Spring Break 2018 or Dresden, Germany, for three weeks following the spring semester.

“Beyond Borders is an incredible opportunity for FSU students to put themselves out there, build lasting global relationships, and experience what it means to move beyond classroom theory to real-world practice,” said Laura Dean, the CGE’s Intercultural Program Coordinator. “The deadline to apply for BB Jamaica is September 25, and the deadline for BB Germany is October 22.”

Students interested in the program may attend an information session (listed below) or email Laura Dean at lmdean@fsu.edu.

• Wednesday, September 20 at 4 p.m., The Globe Room 2500
• Friday, October 6 at 2 p.m., The Globe Room 2300
• Friday, October 20 at 11 a.m., The Globe Room 2300

This alternative to traditional academic study abroad programs provides student with cultural learning experiences through immersion. First, FSU students host incoming international students from Jamaica or Germany on FSU’s campus; then they travel abroad and experience cultural immersion with the same international students.

“This experience has helped me identify my cultural competencies,” said La’vontae Johnson, Beyond Borders Jamaica alumnus and senior studying human resource management. “As an aspiring leader, I think it's important to be able to relate to others and learn how to communicate with those who are different from you.”

Beyond Borders counts toward the Global Citizenship Certificate and Garnet and Gold Scholar Society.