Fifteen international students from FSU's Special Academic Programs (SAP) complete their yearlong program this semester, with most applying for FSU graduate programs in the fields of electrical engineering, public administration, finance, chemical oceanography, and communication.

Senior Jingwen Li, public administration major from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, said that the SAP program was of tremendous benefit to her. She is one of 14 students who hope to remain at FSU for graduate school.

“I have learned lots about the American educational system, teaching style, and study style, and gained professional knowledge in my field,” Li said. “The [SAP] program is very good and helped me a lot, especially with my English.”

SAP provides the opportunity for international students to study at FSU for two semesters as non-degree seeking students during their senior year or as a recent graduate. This helps them transition to the U.S. educational system, complete prerequisite classes for graduate study, and senior students are also able to complete their bachelor’s degrees by transferring credits back to their home institutions. 

Highly qualified candidates have the opportunity to remain at FSU as degree-seeking students upon acceptance into a graduate degree program. Since the program's inception in 2013, there has been a 100 percent retention rate in public administration and engineering fields.

For more information about SAP, visit the website.