Start your FSU experience abroad: stand out from the crowd, earn in-state tuition.
Spend your first semester or year abroad by starting your FSU experience at one of Florida State’s four study abroad center locations. Take FSU courses at FSU operated facilities, all while seeing the world. When you participate in the First Year Abroad (FYA) or First Semester Abroad (FSA) programs you’ll have a life changing start to your college experience.
If you are a non-Florida resident, you can earn in-state tuition upon successful completion of the First Year Abroad program. Florida residents also have an opportunity to earn a $1,000 study abroad scholarship. Any first year student admitted to Florida State can choose the FYA or FSA programs, but the option may be especially of interest to students offered acceptance to FSU through the Seminole Pathways admissions program.
#1
#1 US public university for long-term study abroad programs.
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First Year/Semester Abroad students last year.
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FSU alumni participated in a first year program abroad.
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Years of offering this life changing experience to FSU students.
Why Spend Your First Year/Semester Abroad?
Have a unique academic experience where the city becomes your FSU classroom
Build community with friends who come back to Tallahassee with you
Earn in-state tuition (non-FL residents) or a $1,000 scholarship (FL residents)
Gain problem-solving skills and independence through your travels
Connect with faculty for future opportunities and recommendations
Stand out from the crow as you apply for jobs or grad school
See the world and become a global citizen
Choose The Perfect Program For You
Factors like how long you want to study abroad, which location best fits with your goals, and other considerations are important when choosing the right program for you. Our team is here to help you decide which First Year/Semester abroad location aligns best with your needs.
What Current Students Are Saying About It
Hear about the First Year and First Semester abroad programs from current students. Watch this playlist to see what a typical day abroad is like, what sort of adventures you’ll have, and what the experience means to FSU students when they return to the US.
First Year Abroad (FYA) Programs
FYA in Florence, Italy
FYA in London, England
FYA in Valencia, Spain
FYA in Panama City, Panama
First Semester Abroad (FSA) Programs
FYA in Florence, Italy
FSA in London, England
FSA in Valencia, Spain
FSA in Panama City, Panama
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
- Incoming first-year students admitted to FSU for the summer or fall terms (including those admitted through the Seminole Pathways program) can apply for First Year Abroad or First Semester Abroad. Applicants can indicate an interest in studying abroad as a first-year student on the FSU admissions application. Learn more about the FSU application process on the FSU Admissions webpage.
- 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.
Application Process
- After receiving your FSU acceptance or Seminole Pathways offer, students must apply for the First Year Abroad or First Semester Abroad program. Watch the 'How to Apply for an FSU First Year Study Abroad Program' video on this playlist for helpful information about the study abroad application process.
- Early application is advisable as program enrollment is limited and acceptances are offered on a first-come, first-served rolling basis.
While abroad, First Year (FYA) and First Semester (FSA) students take courses together, live with other FSU students in shared housing, and participate in the same activities & excursions.
If there’s any chance you’ll want to remain abroad for a second semester, you should choose First Year Abroad. FYAs can shorten their program if needed, but FSAs cannot extend their program due to limitations on visas, immigration, and program housing. Only FYA students who complete fall & spring semesters abroad with a 3.0 FYA GPA or higher are eligible for the FYA tuition waiver or Florida resident scholarship.
First Year Abroad & First Semester Abroad students take at least 15 credit hours per semester chosen from among a broad curriculum of FSU courses that satisfy university & statewide graduation requirements as well as prerequisites & core courses for most majors. Watch the 'First Year/Semester Academics' video on this playlist for an in-depth look at academics while studying abroad.
For assistance choosing a location well suited to your major, email IP-FirstYear@fsu.edu before applying.
FYA students interested in majoring in science or engineering must choose Panama, London, or Valencia to meet major prerequisites.
Students intending to major in Music, Dance, or Interior Architecture and Design may not be able to meet academic mapping requirements abroad and should email IP-FirstYear@fsu.edu before applying.
As the number of students applying to FSU has continued to rise in recent years, the First Year Abroad and First Semester Abroad programs were identified as ideal admissions paths to the FSU Tallahassee campus.
If you are offered a 'Seminole Pathways' offer from FSU, you will start your FSU career by enrolling in a 3-credit hour online summer course, 'Global Foundations.' After successful completion of this course, you will go abroad for the fall semester to begin in-person FSU coursework at one of FSU's study abroad centers. Watch the 'FYA/FSA Seminole Pathways' video on this playlist to learn more about Seminole Pathways.
You should login to the IP Student Portal frequently to access program-related information, announcements, and reminders that will guide you through the pre-departure process. Reference the delegate access FAQ document to learn how to give family members access to your IP Student Portal.
