CGE Student Spotlight: Karly Kajy

Karly Kajy
Global Exchanges & Global Citizenship Certificate Student
Bachelor's in Accounting, Class of 2020

Karly Kajy, accounting major and Global Citizenship Certificate student, completed her Global Exchanges at the University of Strasbourg in France and Hanyang University in South Korea during the 2018-2019 academic year.

As an open-minded, curious, and positive student with the desire to explore the world and its people, Kajy chose to go on two Global Exchanges. The experiences helped her grow as a person by challenging herself. Also enrolled in the Global Citizenship Certificate, she won two GCC Scholarships and received a total of $2,000 she was able to use toward her exchanges.

The Global Citizenship Certificate program allows FSU students to expand their knowledge about how to navigate today’s highly globalized society while developing vital intercultural skills. Students take a total of four academic courses (one required course and three electives from a list of 500+ liberal studies courses that enhance understanding of global issues and cultures); attend eight intercultural events; and complete one sustained experience. Kajy's first Global Exchange fulfilled the certificate’s sustained experience requirement.

As an exchange student, Kajy also expanded her network. “I was able to form friendships with not only French [and South Korean] students but also students from around the globe,” she said. Many Global Exchange students gain a network of new friends and connections while abroad that last a lifetime.

Kajy’s goal was to become more culturally competent through her exchange experiences. She wanted to develop better communication skills, which is extremely important for a business major in today’s international marketplace. Cultural differences can seem daunting at first, but Kajy says that is not something to fear. “Most importantly, I was able to realize the importance of being open-minded to gain cultural understanding. After self-reflection from my first exchange in France, I realized more of who I am and how important cultural exchange and awareness are,” she said.

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 their FSU tuition, take classes toward their major earning FSU credit, and use their financial aid. Students can choose from 45+ partner universities worldwide and stay abroad for 1-2 semesters at a time.

The Global Citizenship Certificate program allows FSU students to expand their knowledge about how to navigate today’s highly globalized society while developing vital intercultural skills.  Students take a total of four academic courses (one required course and three electives from a list of 500+ liberal studies courses that enhance understanding of global issues and cultures); attend eight intercultural events; and complete one sustained experience. Hass' Global Exchange fulfilled the sustained experience requirement.

“My [first] global experience was one that I will always remember because of the great impact it had on me. I was challenged with the task of practicing a different language for the first time ever,” she 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.