When Florida State University student Ava De Gaetano decided to embark on a global exchange to Salaya, Thailand, her ambitions extended beyond academics.
De Gaetano, a junior studying management information systems in the College of Business, spent the spring 2025 semester studying at Mahidol University through FSU’s Global Exchanges. In addition to academic credit, the experience also provided her with new, independent experiences, professional development and opportunities for personal growth.
“It was the best decision I’ve made in my life,” she said.
FSU’s Global Exchanges provide FSU students the opportunity to attend a university abroad as an exchange student for one semester while earning credit and paying FSU tuition and fees. FSU has partnerships with more than 40 universities in 20 countries around the globe. Global Exchanges also supports the inbound students from these partner universities, who enroll at FSU for one or two semesters and take classes with FSU students while becoming actively engaged in U.S. campus life.
De Gaetano had always been interested in Thailand’s rich history and culture. While studying at Mahidol University, she immersed herself in her new environment, taking classes and exploring Salaya with friends she made in the program.
“I was able to meet so many other international students with similar career goals as mine,” De Gaetano said.
Aspiring to become an international technology business consultant, the university’s immersive program especially helped De Gaetano prepare for a future in global communications through group projects and close collaborations with her peers. She even visited local restaurants to study different business processes for her courses and is already reaping the professional benefits of an international perspective.
“Every internship and interview I’ve gotten since returning was because of this exchange experience,” she said.
Her time spent at Mahidol also added to her abilities to handle unfamiliar experiences.
“I was able to navigate social situations as the only FSU student on campus, which built my confidence in the ability to talk to strangers and navigate local transportation,” she said.
When not studying for classes, De Gaetano took advantage of living in a new region, exploring places like Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam and Singapore with new friends met through the exchange. She also participated in learning Muay Thai, a traditional martial art and the national sport of Thailand, in her free time.
In addition to increasing her global exposure, the involvements, excursions and lessons learned abroad also strengthened her independence and self-reliance skills.
“My exchange shaped me as a person and made me more confident in every situation,” she said.
She credits her success to the resources provided by FSU’s Global Exchanges and to Mahidol University for providing foundational support for her subsequent growth.
“It could be daunting, but there is a network of support with the FSU exchange advisors and the people at your exchange university,” De Gaetano said. “If you’re apprehensive – go for it. This time in your life is the perfect time to go.”
FSU’s Global Exchange Program at Mahidol University is open to students in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. FSU’s Global Exchanges also offers a direct enroll summer program at Mahidol University that’s open to many majors.
To learn more about FSU’s Global Exchanges, visit cge.fsu.edu/fsu-global-exchange-programs.