Over 400 international students completed degrees and programs at Florida State University during the 2018-2019 academic year. The Center for Global Engagement honored graduates at a reception on Friday, April 19.

Dr. Mark Riley, Dean of the Graduate School, addressed recent graduates and encouraged them to share their research both in English and their native languages by creating videos for GradWorld FSU, a brand new global interactive mapping website/video archive for all FSU degree-seeking or professional graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, alumni and faculty. 

During this past academic year, 94 undergraduate students and 171 graduate students completed degree programs. In addition, 13 Special Academic Program students and 55 incoming Global Exchange students from over 26 international partner universities in 16 countries also completed their programs during this year.

Nan Wang from China, who just completed his doctoral program in statistics this spring, plans to either become a statistician in the industry or begin his career in academics.

“I have really enjoyed the journey at FSU,” Wang said. “All of my colleagues in the department were very helpful, and I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

Mursalin and Noor, both from Pakistan, are completing their Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (also known as the Global UGRAD Program), a U.S. government program administered by IREX. UGRAD increases the diversity of our undergraduate international student population by sending students from under-represented countries. Students in the program take classes as non-degree seeking students full time and participate in community service, cultural enrichment, and professional development activities.

In addition, 12 students participated in FSU’s Global Ambassadors Program this year, which gives international students, faculty, and scholars the opportunity to be cultural ambassadors of their countries. Global Ambassadors engage in speaking opportunities throughout Tallahassee and present to community organizations, K-12 students, and FSU students.

"This program gave me the chance to share my culture and make presentations in schools and community organizations," said Henry Chung, FSU student from Taiwan. "Not only does it help local people and students know more about my country, but I also improved my presentation skills. During the presentations, my favorite part was to answer people’s questions about my country."

View more photos from the graduation reception on our Facebook page here.