Global Exchanges Connects Students Across Continents

FSU Global Exchanges give international exchange students the opportunity to experience life at Florida State University while allowing FSU students to explore the world through partner institutions abroad. Sometimes those experiences intersect in unexpected ways, creating connections that extend far beyond a single semester. For Diogo Rosado, a fourth-year Management student at the Lisbon School of Economics and Management (ISEG) at the University of Lisbon, and Jonathan Okey, a third-year FSU marketing student, a connection made through Global Exchanges developed into a friendship that now spans two continents.

When Rosado arrived at FSU as an exchange student in Spring 2026, studying in the United States was a dream come true. "I've always been the kind of person who loves to travel, soak up new cultures and lifestyles, and speak different languages, English being my favorite," Rosado said. "When the acceptance came through, it honestly felt like a dream come true." Rosado looks back on his semester at FSU just as fondly. "I loved every second of my exchange," he said. "The students, professors, and Americans I met were so welcoming and genuinely curious about my life as an exchange student."

As a member of the ISEG Student Association, Rosado had already spent a year helping exchange students settle into life in Portugal. So, when FSU Global Exchanges team introduced him to Okey, who was preparing for his own semester abroad at ISEG as the first FSU student to go an exchange there. "I was given Diogo's contact through Global Exchanges in order to gain more information about Portugal," Okey said. "We met and had lunch and stayed in contact as I got my acceptance into ISEG."

As Okey prepared for his move to Lisbon, Rosado became an invaluable resource, especially with housing. "Jonathan was having real trouble finding housing. Lisbon's market is notoriously tough," Rosado said. "So, I told him he could stay with me until we both found a good place." Today, the two students are not only friends but roommates in Lisbon.

"Diogo has helped me in every aspect of my exchange," Okey said. "He has shown me around the city, helped me with housing and transportation, and included me with his friends while here." For Okey, who had never traveled outside the United States before, studying abroad has been transformative. "I really wanted to see the world, make friends from all around the world and grow as a person," he said. "I thought Lisbon would be a good option because it's a great mixture of historic and modern and has access to a beach."

Both students encourage others to pursue exchange opportunities. "I'd tell any international student to choose Florida State," Rosado said. “It's an amazing experience. The students are genuinely friendly, and there's always something going on." Okey offers similar advice to FSU students considering going to a partner university. "Global exchanges gives you an opportunity to grow; showing you the world is very different in ways you would have never expected," he said. "You can make friends from areas you have never even heard of. Lisbon is a good option if you want a good city and beach environment."

Rosado and Okey's experience illustrates the impact of global exchange programs in fostering meaningful international connections that help students navigate new cultures, build confidence and broaden their perspectives. For those interested in making a Global Exchange a part of their undergraduate experience, check out globalexchanges.fsu.edu or @fsuexchanges on Instagram and learn more about the 45 partner institutions in over 20 countries. Students can also attend the upcoming Global Exchanges Fair on Friday, November 6th, from 3:30 – 5:00 P.M. in the Globe Auditorium.