Abbigail Sproul, a double major in anthropology and history at Florida State University, recently embarked on an unforgettable semester abroad at Seoul National University (SNU) in South Korea through FSU’s Global Exchange program. Immersing herself in a new culture and environment, Abbigail’s experience was filled with challenges, triumphs, and personal growth as she is the first FSU student to attend SNU on a Global Exchange.
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When S M Mushfiqul Hoque journeyed from Bangladesh to Tallahassee in pursuit of a Ph.D. in civil engineering from Florida State University, he knew he wanted more than just academic knowledge; he wanted to make an impact on sustainable urban solutions. Intrigued by the resources and research expertise at the Rider Lab in the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Mushfiqul found FSU to be the ideal place to realize his vision.
For Dan He, who recently earned her Ph.D. in Instructional Technologies from FSU in May 2024, the doctoral journey has been marked by resilience, growth, and appreciation for FSU’s academic and cultural environment. Originally from China, her decision to study at FSU was driven by its academic excellence, affordability, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Amrou Kouki, a Tunisian student and recipient of the prestigious Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP), has embraced the challenge of studying abroad with open arms. Driven by a desire to push himself beyond the familiar and explore new academic opportunities, Amrou has made FSU his home away from home.
When Tanushree Dhage, a passionate advocate for global connections, founded WorldWide Community at FSU in May 2024, her mission was clear: create a space where international, exchange and domestic students could unite and form meaningful friendships across cultural boundaries. What started as an idea to promote global understanding has quickly evolved into a dynamic platform where students from all over the world feel at home, united by their shared curiosity and openness to new experiences.
Karolina Calderin Vargas, a junior at FSU majoring in Public Health and Human Development and Family Science with a minor in Anthropology, has made the most of her time at FSU by participating in the Global Citizenship Certificate (GCC).
Noelle Day, a senior at Florida State University, had always been curious about the world beyond the US. As a Linguistics and Languages major, she was eager to immerse herself in new cultures and languages, but the opportunity had never quite materialized—until the Spring of 2024. That’s when she took a leap and participated in FSU’s Global Exchange program, spending a semester at the University of Salzburg in Austria.
The Florida State Seminoles football team boasts a unique blend of international talent, featuring players from three continents: Alex Mastromanno, a punter from Melbourne, Australia; Sione Lolohea, a defensive end from Houma Tukulalo Vava'u, Tonga, and Manasse Itete, a lineman from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
These players each bring a diverse range of skills and cultural experiences to the Seminoles' roster and represent the rapid global growth of American football.
As FSU begins the fall semester, the campus is buzzing with excitement as over 500 new international students dive headfirst into their academic journeys. The new international students, coming from 66 different countries, bring unique perspectives and vibrant cultures that enrich the FSU campus and community. As we look forward to an exciting year ahead, it’s clear that the international students at FSU are ready to make the most of their experiences. Each one brings a unique story and set of aspirations that will contribute to the rich tapestry of campus life.
Sam Montero's Global Exchanges Journey in Italy
For many students, the allure of studying internationally is driven by a desire for adventure, new experiences and personal growth. For Sam Montero, a junior majoring in Finance and Marketing at Florida State University, the dream was even more specific: to move to Italy. This summer, her aspirations became a reality through FSU's Global Exchanges program, taking her to the charming city of Perugia and the prestigious Università per Stranieri di Perugia.
