Nicole Serviss
Global Exchanges Student
Bachelor's in Marketing

Nicole Serviss, marketing major at FSU, completed her Global Exchange at Waikato University in Hamilton, New Zealand during spring 2020.

Having already completed her freshman year abroad in London and Spain with FSU’s International Programs office, she wanted to experience life as an exchange student at another university. “I wanted to go on an exchange to get more of an authentic experience being an international student at another school,” Serviss said. Becoming an international exchange student through Global Exchanges allows students to broaden their worldview and challenge themselves to grow as individuals.

As an exchange student, FSU students can also expand their career opportunities. “This experience definitely made me realize that I want to work abroad once I graduate,” she said. Many Global Exchanges students gain a deeper understanding of what career path they want to pursue in the wake of their exchange.

While in New Zealand, Serviss was also able to visit many places and gain new, exciting experiences. She visited the Bay of Islands, Franz Josef Glacier, Mount Aspiring, Mount Taranaki, Cathedral Cove, and Lake Tekapo. Some of the activities she participated in included skydiving, jumping off the Sky Tower in Auckland, hiking in the mountains, and visiting a Maori village. “New Zealand taught me how to live simpler and just explore the natural beauty of the country,” she said.

Global Exchanges is an exciting and culturally immersive opportunity for FSU undergraduates to live, learn, and explore another culture as an exchange student at a partner university. Students who participate in the program can pay FSU tuition, take classes toward their major earning FSU credit, and use their financial aid. Choose from 45+ partner universities worldwide and stay abroad for 1-2 semesters at a time.

“Definitely do it! The parties and sports games will still be here when you get back. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will change your life forever and allow you to explore the world,” Serviss said.

FSU students who are interested in enrolling in a Global Exchange program can visit globalexchanges.fsu.edu to learn more or email goglobal@fsu.edu to request an advising session.

If you've been on a Global Exchange and would like to share your experience with the FSU community, fill out this 20-minute questionnaire and prepare to upload photos from your exchange.