The CGE Welcomes Students from Around the World for Fall 2026

This fall, the Center for Global Engagement welcomed over 400 new international students from more than 60 countries. The countries with the highest number of new students for Fall were Bangladesh, China, India, South Korea and Panama.

The CGE provided multiple orientation sessions for the new students including topics such as CGE and FSU programs and services, living in Tallahassee, health and safety in the United States, immigration regulations, and strategies for academic success. These sessions provided international students with essential information and resources to help them thrive academically, socially and personally during their time at FSU. Each orientation also included a campus tour and resource fair, connecting students directly with campus partners such as Campus Recreation, FSU Libraries, Seminole Dining, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the University Health Center, the Center for Health Advocacy and Wellness (CHAW), the Congress of Graduate Students (COGS), the Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC), and many others.

The CGE also welcomed 47 incoming exchange students from 20 partner universities across 11 countries aspart of the FSU Global Exchanges Program. This cohort was nearly double that size of Fall 2025 inbound exchange students, which demonstrates the growing popularity of the exchange programs. Students joined FSU from institutions in Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, Portugal, Germany, Taiwan, England, New Zealand, Japan, and France, including the university's first three students from MICEFA partner universities in Paris.

As they begin their FSU journeys, many exchange students expressed enthusiasm about the experiences that await them. Valeria Sanchez Ribacova, an environmental science student from IE University in Spain, said she is “most excited to experience American college life and get involved with clubs on campus.” Inaara Rangwani, a public administration student from Erasmus University in the Netherlands, shared that she looks forward to “seeing how I will change and grow here,” adding with a smile that she is curious to find out “if I will gain an American accent.” Sophia Grace Jividen Andreu, a chemical engineering student from the University of Alicante in Spain, said she is eager to experience “Greek life in real life” and explore FSU's expansive campus.

New international graduate students also received a special welcome from Dr. Greg Bell, FSU’s new dean of The Graduate School. Speaking at orientation, Bell emphasized the importance of building community and highlighted the valuable contributions international students make to FSU's academic environment. Following the event, he shared, “I was delighted to be able to welcome our incoming international graduate students to our community of scholars at FSU. Our graduate programs are enriched by the perspectives and experiences they bring to campus.”

For many students, the opportunity to engage with new cultures is one of the most exciting aspects of beginning their FSU experience. Symona Di Francesco, a first-year graduate student in Italian Studies and graduate assistant, said she is looking forward to “experiencing different cultures and opportunities that FSU might offer.” She added that she is excited to meet new people, pursue future career opportunities, and explore Italian culture through an American perspective.

As the semester begins, these new international and exchange students bring with them a wealth of perspectives, experiences and ambitions that will continue to enrich the global learning environment at Florida State University. FSU and the CGE team welcome them and wish them a great Fall 2026 semester.