Victoria Bell
Global Exchanges Student
Bachelor's in German Studies and Communication Science & Disorders, Class of 2020

Victoria Bell, FSU alumna with a double major in German Studies and Communication Science & Disorders, completed her Global Exchange at the University of Oldenburg in Germany during the 2017–2018 academic year.

Bell says her experience in Germany sparked many new friendships. “Studying abroad in the Global Exchange program changed my life. At the University of Oldenburg, I had the opportunity to interact with and befriend people from Germany as well as students in the Erasmus program. These friendships from around the globe–from Berlin to Perth, from Hong Kong to Istanbul, from Mumbai to Moscow–I have kept throughout the years since my enrollment in the program,” she said.

While studying internationally, FSU students can truly invest in learning about other cultures and be exposed to new perspectives. “It’s easy to forget the outside world when we only interact with people from similar backgrounds. I’ve listened to perspectives I didn’t realize existed, rooted in histories I never understood before,” Bell said.

Students can also broaden career opportunities or interests while on their exchange. Bell went on her Global Exchange as a junior in her undergraduate studies. Today, Bell is finishing her master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology on a medical track at the University of Washington.

“This experience was absolutely and completely life-changing for me,” she said. Bell was able to hike in the Harz mountain range, visit the beach in Holstein, attend arts shows, and participate in historical reenactments.

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.

“I am so grateful for the opportunities provided through the Global Exchange program at FSU and I highly recommend it,” Bell 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.