For over 15 years, FSU’s First Year Abroad (FYA) program has offered students the opportunity to spend their first year of college abroad at one of our four study centers! Spending three semesters abroad allows students to be fully immersed in the culture, history, and customs of another country. With an opportunity to switch locations over the summer semester, this experience is unparalleled in its ability to foster global citizens who have a unique understanding of what it truly means to live abroad. During the program, students can complete experiential learning credits, liberal studies courses, as well as language requirements and first-year prerequisites for most majors.
FYA Tuition Waiver & Scholarship
Non-Florida residents who successfully complete the FYA program with a cumulative FYA GPA of 3.0 or higher will qualify for the FYA in-state tuition waiver for the remainder of their first undergraduate degree at FSU. Florida residents who earn at least 14 credits a semester and maintain a cumulative FYA GPA of 3.0 or better receive a $1,500 scholarship toward the program’s next semester- a savings of $3,000 if earned for both the Spring and Summer semesters!
Getting Started
Step 1: Read the FAQs at the bottom of the First Year/First Semester Home Page.
Step 2: Choose your Study Center. Use the garnet tabs below to explore each location, its course offerings, program fee & financial aid details, visa information, and program dates & important documents. Also, check out “Which Study Center is right for me?"
Step 3: Apply to your chosen study center location using the garnet pencil under the Description tab! If the application link is not available, check the garnet Dates & Docs tab below to find out when applications will open.
Contact our dedicated Freshmen Programs Team via email (IP-FirstYear@fsu.edu) or phone (850) 644-3272, with any questions or for assistance choosing a location.
Pursuant to Italian legal requirements, students interested in studying at FSU Florence must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the program.
Contact IP-FirstYear@fsu.edu for more information.
Founded in 1966, FSU Florence is one of the oldest U.S. study abroad programs in Italy and one of the few located in the historic, medieval heart of this remarkable city. The study center is located in the 16th century Bagnesi Palace on Via de Neri, one of the city’s most famous streets and a paradise for foodies. FSU Florence is only two blocks away from the Ponte Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, the Galileo Museum, and one of Europe’s most renowned outdoor spaces, the Piazza della Signoria. The study center features an atrium with coffee bar, glass-ceiling library & courtyard, interior & exterior student lounges, nine classrooms, two computer labs, state-of-the-art textiles and media labs, as well as a Tuscan-style tasting & learning kitchen. On-site security means students, staff, and faculty alike can use the study center as a safe and secure gathering spot for both academic and social activities.
Click here to learn more about FSU Florence
Students studying at FSU Florence are housed in shared Florentine-style apartments within a 20-minute walk of the study center along beautiful cobblestone streets. Each residence includes security, furnished living spaces, a kitchenette and shared kitchen space, washing machines, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, safes, and a weekly cleaning service with a change of bed linens and towels. Students receive meal vouchers that can be redeemed at dozens of local cafes and restaurants throughout Florence. Overnight guests are not allowed in program housing. Please click here for a listing of recommended hotels in Florence.
Cultural immersion/social events planned for this program may include:
* Plans may change due to unexpected events and/or new opportunities.
The FSU London Study Centre is housed in a series of historic 17th century townhouses located in the heart of the historic Bloomsbury district – just a block away from the British Museum! Students can visit a variety of historic and cultural sites within walking distance, such as Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and countless other landmarks & events in this capital city. The study center features a library, computer lab, conservatory & student lounge, lecture theatre, classrooms, and administrative offices. Security is our top priority with swipe card access, 24/7 reception, and on-site Program Assistants available to assist students at any time.
Click here to learn more about FSU London
Students studying at FSU London live in shared flats in the center of London. Short walks and easy access to city buses and the London Underground allow students to safely explore this fascinating city. All flats are located either above the study center or in comparable local-area accommodation. Amenities include fully equipped kitchens, furnished living areas, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a weekly cleaning service with a change of bed linens and towels. Students have 24-hour secure access to FSU London’s library, computer labs, laundry facilities, conservatory & student lounge, classrooms, and administrative offices. Overnight guests are not allowed in program housing. For a list of hotels near the campus, please click here.
Cultural immersion/social events planned for this program may include:
Edinburgh & St. Andrews, Bruges and Ypres, Bath & Stonehenge, Yorkshire, Cornwall, Liverpool, and North Wales
Harry Potter Studios, St. Albans, Hampton Court Palace and Windsor, Cambridge, Oxford, Brighton, and Stratford-upon-Avon
Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Kew Gardens, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Greenwich
British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern, the Churchill War Rooms and more
Situated within the City of Knowledge across from the Panama Canal, FSU Panama offers the amenities of a full campus. With students studying from all over Latin America and the Caribbean at FSU Panama, there is a unique opportunity to meet FSU students from a variety of diverse backgrounds. The City of Knowledge houses various international, non-profit, and government organizations as well as a food court, swimming pool, basketball court, gym, and other amenities available to students. FSU Panama features classrooms, study spaces, science labs, as well as a library and a bookstore. The student lounge & terrace on the top-floor provides views of the Panama Canal and is the perfect place to spend time with friends. Between classes, students can sit and enjoy views of the rainforest and an empanada from the small café. On-site security provides a safe and secure learning environment for all FSU Panama students.
Click here to learn more about FSU Panama
Students studying at FSU Panama live in a newly constructed, dormitory-style residence within the City of Knowledge complex. Located just a short walk or shuttle ride away from FSU Panama, each room is equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, mini-fridge, study-space, and balcony. On their floor, students have access to a kitchenette with a microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator. Fingerprint entry grants students access to a fully equipped kitchen, coin-operated laundry room, vending machines, and student lounge on the main floor. A selection of small restaurants and a nearby convenience store makes it easy for students to purchase household items, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy a leisurely meal with other students and City of Knowledge residents. Overnight guests are not allowed in program housing.
Cultural immersion/social events planned for this program may include:
* Plans may change due to unexpected events and/or new opportunities.
Positioned behind the iconic Torres de Serranos, FSU Valencia is located in the heart of Valencia’s historic district. The study center brings history to life with exposed 10th century Moorish walls and glass floors that showcase 14th century leather tanning tanks. Modern comforts, including classrooms, a computer lab, study spaces, and administrative offices blend in seamlessly with the historic learning environment. A beautiful river-bed park is just steps away from the study center, and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences is within walking distance. 24/7 reception and swipe card access provide safety & security for students.
Click here to learn more about FSU Valencia
Students studying at FSU Valencia are housed in shared apartments in the historic district of the city. Apartments are located either above the study center or in nearby buildings. Amenities include fully-equipped kitchens, lounge space, cable TV, laundry facilities, weekly cleaning service with a change of bed linens and towels, and secure access to the study center’s library, computer lab, and study spaces. Students receive meal vouchers that can be redeemed at restaurants across Spain. Overnight guests are not allowed in program housing. For a list of hotels near the campus, please click here.
Cultural immersion/social events planned for this program may include:
* Plans may change due to unexpected events and/or new opportunities.
Course offerings are listed below by semester and location. Incoming freshmen considering the First Year or First Semester Abroad programs are encouraged to contact IP-FirstYear@fsu.edu before applying with questions about how course offerings in each location align with your intended major.
Current FSU students abroad can make an appointment to discuss courses with their academic advisor or the International Programs academic advisor via Campus Connect.
Incoming freshmen admitted to FSU for the summer term or through the Seminole Pathways program must enroll in an online course, Global Foundations, offered by International Programs during the Summer B semester prior to going abroad (Late June – Early August). After successful completion of the course (grade of “C” or better), students begin in-person coursework abroad for the fall semester.
*/**/***/****/^ Courses followed by these symbols denote cross listing. Students may take one or the other, but not both.
Program Fees
The FYA program fee is comprehensive and includes up to 49 credit hours over the program’s 3 semesters; housing for the program’s duration; international health insurance; cultural excursions and activities; full-time administrative and academic support; some meals or vouchers (as described for each location); and visas (Florence, Panama, and Valencia). Students who take fewer than 49 credit hours are not entitled to a refund of any fees. The program structure, dates, and fees are dependent upon immigration laws of the host country and are subject to change.
Payments
The FYA program fee is divided into seven payments: an initial non-refundable $2,500 commitment fee confirms students’ participation in the FYA program, and two payments are due prior to the beginning of the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The FYA Payment schedule with due dates is available under the garnet Dates & Docs tab above.
Financial Aid
Almost all sources of Financial aid (Florida Prepaid, Bright Futures, Loans, Grants, VA funding, Scholarships) are applicable toward program fees. Read Understanding the Financial Aid Process for Students Studying Abroad and click the boxes below to learn more about each type of aid.
If you have any questions about Finances, contact the IP Financial Aid Coordinator at IP-financialAid@fsu.edu.
Florida Bright Futures scholarship funds may be used to help pay the program fee for every semester a student is abroad.
The Florida Department of Education website contains additional information concerning eligibility, renewal criteria, appeal processes and legislative updates.
| Credit Hours | Bright Futures Academic $213.55 Per Credit Hour |
Bright Futures Medallion $160.16 Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | $1281.30 | $960.96 |
| 7 | $1494.85 | $1121.12 |
| 8 | $1708.40 | $1281.28 |
| 9 | $1921.95 | $1441.44 |
| 10 | $2135.50 | $1601.60 |
| 11 | $2349.05 | $1761.76 |
| 12 | $2562.60 | $1921.92 |
| 13 | $2776.15 | $2082.08 |
| 14 | $2989.70 | $2242.24 |
| 15 | $3203.25 | $2402.40 |
| 16 | $3416.80 | $2562.56 |
| 17 | $3630.35 | $2722.72 |
| 18 | $3843.90 | $2882.88 |
Florida Prepaid (FPP) tuition and local fees and/or dorm benefits may be used to pay International Programs fees.
To use a Florida Prepaid dorm account during the summer term, the purchaser of the Prepaid account must contact Florida Prepaid and complete the steps required to authorize use of the summer dorm plan for studying abroad. All other plans will be billed by FSU without additional authorization.
Contact Florida Prepaid directly at 1-800-552-4723 or access their requirements online at https://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/resources/forms/.
Note: Eligibility for summer financial aid requires enrollment in at least six credits.
| # of Credits Enrolled | FPP Tuition | FPP Local Fees* | Dorm Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $115.08 | $34.73 | $4050.00 |
| 2 | $230.16 | $69.46 | Per Term** |
| 3 | $345.24 | $104.19 | |
| 4 | $460.32 | $138.92 | |
| 5 | $575.40 | $173.65 | |
| 6 | $690.48 | $208.38 | |
| 7 | $805.56 | $243.11 | |
| 8 | $920.64 | $277.84 | |
| 9 | $1035.72 | $312.57 | |
| 10 | $1150.80 | $347.30 | |
| 11 | $1265.88 | $382.03 | |
| 12 | $1380.96 | $416.76 | |
| 13 | $1496.04 | $451.49 | |
| 14 | $1611.12 | $486.22 | |
| 15 | $1726.20 | $520.95 |
International Programs strives to award an average of $200,000 in scholarships annually to about 100 students.
Current FSU students who have been admitted to an international program can apply to IP scholarships through the FS4U portal (link below). Before applying, students should review the list of available scholarship opportunities as well as the application process instructions.
| Program Start Date | Scholarship Open Date | Scholarship Application Deadline | Scholarship Award Decisions Communicated to Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | April 6, 2022 | September 7, 2022 | Prior to September 21, 2022 |
| Summer 2023 | November 1, 2022 | January 9, 2023 | Prior to January 18, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | January 11, 2023 | April 26, 2023 | Prior to May 24, 2023 |
Other departments at FSU also offer their own study abroad scholarship opportunities. You can review the list of scholarships administered by other FSU departments by following the link below.
Other departments at FSU also offer their own study abroad scholarship opportunities. You can review the list of scholarships administered by other FSU departments by following the link below.
Follow the link below for a general listing of scholarships that may be available for international study. These scholarships are available to both FSU students and non-FSU students.
Multi-Term Discount
Students who have completed 15 or more credit hours on programs administered by the International Programs office, earning at least a 3.0 average or above in their course work at an international location(s), are eligible for a discount for subsequent IP program. The discount is $500 for summer session or $1,000 for fall or spring semester. Note: This discount is built into the program fees for First Year Abroad program students.
Florida State assesses a technology fee which is NOT included in the International Programs fee. The technology fee rate for 2021-2022 is assessed at $5.25 per credit hour for all students, regardless of location of study.
After registration, the student must pay the applicable technology fee; this fee is paid directly to Florida State University Student Business Services. Failure to pay this fee will result in a late payment charge being assessed to the student by Florida State University Student Business Services. International Programs has no control over the fee or any associated late payment penalty.
International Programs fees do NOT include Facilities and Equipment Fees, which are assessed each semester for some majors (Medicine, Motion Pictures Arts, Music, Nursing, Fine Arts, Dance, Digital Media Production, etc.) even though you are studying overseas. If you are in one of these colleges/majors, you will be assessed a fee. Details can be found on the Registration Guide, under 'Fees and Financial Information.'
The world is within your reach! Talk with a member of IP's Finances Team to learn how your financial aid can help you have a study abroad experience of a lifetime!
Join us for a virtual information session, register below! Or request a meeting by contacting IP-FinancialAid@fsu.edu. Be sure to follow us on social media @fsuip for updates.
The online fee deferment is located in the International Programs Student Portal under the Money Matters area. Login here to access the portal.
Application Fee
All study abroad applicants are required to submit a non-refundable, non-transferrable application fee in order to have their application reviewed by International Programs. Paying the application fee does not guarantee admission to a program. Application Fee amounts vary by program.
Commitment Fee
Once admitted to the First Year Abroad (FYA) program, a non-refundable commitment fee is required to confirm your participation in the program. The FYA commitment fee must be paid rather than deferred. Applicants are liable for the FYA commitment fee on the commitment fee payment due date. Students whose offer of admission to Florida State University is rescinded after the commitment fee is paid will not be eligible to participate but will remain fee liable for the commitment fee.
Commitment Fee Payment Deadline
Admitted applicants who have not paid the non-refundable FYA commitment fee in full by the published commitment fee payment deadline will be ineligible to participate in the program (i.e. International Programs will change the student's status to cancelled and the student will have no further fee liability). Applicants who apply to a program after the regular commitment fee payment deadline has passed must pay the entire commitment fee to be eligible for admittance to the FYA program.
Remaining Program Fees
All admitted applicants must pay or defer program fees in accordance with the dates and amounts published in the First Year Abroad Payment Schedule in order to avoid being canceled from the program.
Submitting Cancellations and Refund / Release From Fee Liability Requests
Submit all cancellations and requests for refunds or release from fee liability in writing via email to IP-Cancel@fsu.edu. Applicants should include their last name and program code in the subject line of the email. Alternatively, requests may be submitted in writing to International Programs at the following postal address:
Attention: Refund Committee
Office of FSU International Programs
A5500 University Center
282 Champions Way
P.O. Box 3062420
Tallahassee, FL 32306-2420
Refunds/Release of Liability of Program Fees
Refunds of program fees/release of liability for program fees will be granted for student cancellations prior to the start of the program under the following circumstances, upon providing appropriate documentation:
Partial Refunds/Release of Liability of Program Fees
Partial refunds/partial release of fee liability for program fees may be granted in instances of student withdrawal prior to the start of the program under the following circumstances, upon providing appropriate documentation:
Refund and Release of Liability Policy Details
In evaluating requests, the refund committee considers the timeliness of the notification in relation to the event causing the need for withdrawal and timeliness in relation to the start of the program.
Refunds/Release of Liability of Program Fees When IP Cancels a Program
Refunds of program fees/release of liability for program fees will be granted when International Programs cancels a program prior to the beginning of the applicable term.
If FSU International Programs cancels a Study Abroad Portion of a program after the start of the term due to causes beyond the control of FSU International Programs, including, but not limited to, acts of God; natural disasters; riots; war; epidemics; terrorist activities; government restrictions; failure of suppliers, subcontractors, or carriers; or travel warnings or prohibitions issued by the World Health Organization or any U.S. federal government agency, including the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of State, no refunds of any kind will be issued. However, FSU International Programs, in its sole discretion, may issue refunds for unused program costs such as housing.
Tuition Waiver Policy for Out-Of-State Students
Upon completion of three consecutive semesters abroad and a minimum of 36 FSU credit hours at their European or Panama IP study center with an FSU GPA of 3.0 or better and having met all financial obligations related to participation in the First Year Abroad program, out-of-state students will receive an FYA waiver reducing the out-of-state tuition rates to the in-state tuition rates for the remainder of their first undergraduate degree at FSU in Tallahassee. This arrangement is contingent upon the student remaining in good academic and judicial standing. Upon return, students must attend consecutive semesters without interruption (summer terms excluded), progressing toward their degree completion, and staying "on map." The FYA out-of-state tuition waiver is applied after the drop/add period has ended each term.
For last year's FYA fee liability policy, please click here.
A visa is required for U.S. citizens participating on a study-abroad program longer than six months. Due to the nature of the application process, students will need to apply and pay the associated fees on their own.
A visa is required for US citizens participating in a study abroad program longer than 90 days in Italy.
Programs Under 90 Days:
US citizens participating in a study abroad program in Italy over the summer will not need to apply for a
visa as all summer programs are under 90 days. Please keep the following immigration requirements in mind:
Programs Over 90 Days:
Students participating in Fall, Spring, or First Year Abroad programs in Italy will be required to obtain a visa.
A number of documents will need to be submitted in order for International Programs to apply for the visa on your
behalf. Further information regarding visa applications and requirements will be provided in a program-specific
Visa Packet. Please take note of the following important visa requirements:
A visa is required for U.S. citizens participating in a study abroad program longer than 90 days.
U.S. citizens participating in a study abroad program in Panama over the summer will not need to apply for a visa as long as the length of the program is under 90 days. Please keep the following immigration requirements in mind:
The majority of your immigration process will take place in Panama with assistance from the Florida State University Republic of Panama staff. Please be aware of the following requirements before departure:
A visa is required for US citizens participating in a study abroad program longer than 90 days in Spain.
Programs Under 90 Days:
U.S. citizens participating in a study abroad program in Spain over the summer will not need to apply for a visa
as all summer programs are under 90 days. Please keep the following immigration requirements in mind:
Programs Over 90 Days:
Students participating in Fall, Spring, or First Year Abroad programs in Spain will be required to obtain a visa. A number of documents
will need to be submitted in order for International Programs to apply for the visa on your behalf. Further information regarding visa
applications and requirements will be provided in a program-specific Visa Packet. Please take note of the following important visa
requirements:
| Fall FYA 2023 - Important Dates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Applications Open* | Thursday, December 15, 2022 | $100.00 |
| FYA Application Deadline | Monday, May 01, 2023 | |
| Commitment Fee Due | Monday, May 01, 2023 | $2,500.00 |
| First Payment for Fall Due | Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | |
| Fall Full Payment Due | Wednesday, June 21, 2023 | |
| IPre-Depart (Orientation) Meeting | Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - Thursday, June 22, 2023 | |
*Early application is advisable as program enrollment is limited and acceptances are offered on a rolling basis. FYA applicants must first be admitted to FSU for the fall or summer term, or through the Seminole Pathways program.
***
For 60 years, Florida State University International Programs has been committed to providing a rewarding academic and cultural experience that enriches the lives of our students. Our highest priority is and always has been the welfare and security of our students.
Program directors maintain contact with our Tallahassee office, local authorities, and United States officials, both at home and abroad. Each program holds meetings with students in which safety procedures and precautions are detailed and regularly re-emphasized. Each program has an Emergency Plan which includes details about local health care facilities, meeting points and procedures, and contingency plans and funds should it ever become necessary to evacuate our students.
Students are reminded to inform International Programs of the details of their independent travel details via our online travel form, heed US State Department travel advisories, and take relevant emergency and US Embassy/Consulate contact information with them.
Students venture abroad to experience other cultures, and to gain a deeper appreciation of their role as American citizens in the world. FSU International Programs is fully committed to helping students realize these aspirations in a safe and secure learning environment.
All International Programs fees include international medical and evacuation insurance coverage through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). A link to our policy is provided below. The coverage will be effective for participants from the day the program starts until the day the program ends. Please note: this policy is NOT intended to replace your domestic coverage. For more information, visit studentinsurance.fsu.edu.
FSU International Programs encourages program participants to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance comes in many forms and can protect you in case you need to change your travel plans due to unforeseen circumstances. The coverage ranges from help with lost baggage to delay in flight plans to trip cancellation.
Travel insurance that covers fees associated with changing your airfare plans is especially helpful for those attending programs that require entry or student visas. Immigration approval can take months with regulations changing often that can cause the need to delay or cancel flight plans. Often airfare arrangements are non-refundable or cannot be changed without fee penalties. Certain types of trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you the cost of your airfare or penalty fees. Travel Insurance must cover failure to obtain visa.
You may wish to begin researching travel insurance and trip cancellation policies by using the Travel Insurance Review website. Their Travel Insurance 101: The Complete Guide to Travel Insurance section is particularly helpful for those just beginning their research. They also have a section that allows you to compare different policies.
Travel insurance is also offered through CISI and Travel Insured International. Please note that this plan must be purchased within 21 days of paying your first fee. For example, if looking to insure the cost of the program, the plan must be purchased within 21 days of paying the commitment fee to International Programs. If wishing to insure only the cost of the flight, the plan must be purchased within 21 days of purchasing airfare.
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Florida State University study center safety guides include institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The report also contains statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off campus buildings or property owned or controlled by The Florida State University; and on public property within or immediately adjacent and accessible from the campus. A paper copy is available upon request to FSU International Programs at A5500 University Center, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2420, or by contacting FSU International Programs at (850) 644-3272 or (800) 374-8581.
Copies are also available from the study center administrative offices, or you may download from the links below:
