First Year Abroad

The First Year Abroad program allows students to complete the first twelve months of their Florida State careers studying abroad with International Programs. Students can choose to spend their first year at any of our study centers: London, England; Florence, Italy; Panama City, Republic of Panama; Valencia, Spain. Students can opt to change their location for the summer term and spend it at another study center, though visa restrictions apply for some locations.
Note: Students interested in science or engineering majors must choose FSU Panama or Valencia to meet their prerequisites.

Program Benefits and Rewards

FYA is designed for seamless continuation toward graduation.
Students take up to 48 credit hours over 12 months, beginning in the fall term.
Classes are taught in English, except for foreign language classes. Additionally, living among native speakers immeasurably aids Spanish or Italian skills.
Classes satisfy requirements of the Liberal Studies Program, many minors, and first-year prerequisites for most majors.
An academic advisor ensures students follow “mapping” for their majors.
First Year Abroad fulfills the summer residency required of all Florida State students.
The rewards of being an FYA student continue upon return to the main campus. Upon completion of a minimum of 36 FSU credit hours at their European or Panama IP study center with an FSU GPA of 3.0 or better, FYA students who are in good judicial standing are assessed in-state tuition rates for the remainder of their first undergraduate degree at Florida State in Tallahassee.

For a typical four-year degree, the savings could total $40,000 to $50,000 dependent upon the student’s study location.

Locations, Faculty, Classes

Each location’s resources—historical sites, art, libraries, museums, government, and professionals—are fully integrated into courses.
Faculty members have a passion not only for their subjects but for the cities, for the cultures, and for undergraduate teaching. International Programs faculty are by nature intellectually curious, globally conscious, energetic, inspired and inspiring.
Small classes and personal attention create an intimate, liberal arts college atmosphere: no huge lecture classes, much more one-on-one instruction. . . a chance to grow and mature. Our students, even in upper-level classes, always find that confidence, independence, and selfknowledge are chief rewards of our programs.

Program Fees
Each program fee is comprehensive, including: up to 48 credit hours, housing, health insurance, center social/cultural excursions and activities, full-time administrative and academic support, some meals (Valencia and Florence), and visas (Florence, Republic of Panama, and Valencia).
Fees for 2010-2011:
Florence - $40,395, London - $39,995 Republic of Panama - $29,250, Valencia - $38,895
Note: Financial aid may be applied toward program fees.