Ten FSU students in the Beyond Borders short-term intercultural exchange program prepare to travel to Dresden, Germany, in May after having recently hosted German students on FSU’s campus for two weeks.

“I will always cherish the time that I had with the students from Germany,” said Carelyn Tiburcio, FSU junior studying editing, writing and media and international affairs. “They were so kind, curious, and I know for a fact that I’ve made lifelong friends. I can’t wait to go to Germany in May and create more memories!”

The program provides a unique opportunity for FSU students to host incoming international students from either Jamaica or Germany by sharing their American culture and experiences as an FSU student. A few months later, the FSU students then travel to either Jamaica or Germany to be hosted by the same student group, exploring the cultural offerings of the country and learning what it is like to be a student there. 

Through this program, students also develop intercultural communication skills and have the opportunity to cultivate a global mindset.

“Beyond Borders takes learning to a deeper level,” said Laura Dean, the CGE’s Intercultural Program Coordinator, Beyond Borders instructor, and one of the team leaders for the Germany trip. “Students experience the social, cultural, political and economic landscape first-hand through this program. We hope this in-depth learning experience will spark students’ interests in learning about other cultures and help them take the same approach to learning across different disciplines.”

Over spring break, 12 FSU students and two team leaders visited the University of West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. One of those students, Anna Wuest, said that visiting Jamaica through the Beyond Borders program provided an exceptionally holistic experience, and getting to share this immersive experience with other FSU students expanded her perception of international travel.

Students apply for both of the Beyond Borders Jamaica and Germany programs in the fall each year. Students can email Laura Dean at lmdean@fsu.edu if interested in applying for Beyond Borders next year.

To learn more about the program, visit cge.fsu.edu/beyondborders.