Florida State University brought a colorful piece of Spanish culture to Tallahassee on Thursday, unveiling a traditional Valencian sculpture in the Student Union that celebrates the university’s global connections.

FSU President Richard McCullough unveiled the sculpture, known as a “falla,” during a ceremony attended by students, faculty and staff representing FSU’s study centers in Valencia, Florence, London and Panama.

“When you learn about other cultures, that really changes you as a person,” McCullough said. “I hope that this sculpture will be a wonderful memory for those of you who have studied abroad and had these international experiences.”

Las Fallas is an annual cultural festival held each March in Valencia, featuring elaborate sculptures made of papier-mâché, wood and other materials. Known as “fallas,” the sculptures often depict satirical scenes, public figures and cultural themes. They are displayed throughout the city during the weeklong festival before they are burned at midnight on March 19, the feast day of St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters.

The festival grew out of a tradition in which carpenters burned leftover materials from their workshops to honor their patron saint. Today, the tradition symbolizes renewal and the arrival of spring. In 2016, UNESCO recognized the festival as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list.

With donor support, FSU launched the project in 2025 with the installation of three bronze statues in the Student Union titled “Vires, Artes, Mores,” representing the university’s core values of strength, skill and character. The statues were cast from the same molds as those displayed at the FSU Florence Study Center. The fallas is the second of four planned installations in the Student Union, with artwork representing FSU Panama and FSU London to follow.

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From study abroad and exchange programs to global research, language learning and cultural engagement, Florida State University’s global impact extends across the university. FSU will bring these efforts into the spotlight during its annual Celebration of International Education, taking place Oct. 21 through Dec. 4, 2026.

The celebration will feature events across campus that showcase the many ways FSU students, faculty and staff engage with the world.  

With more than 100 international agreements, European study centers in England, Spain and Italy, a branch campus in the Republic of Panama, global exchanges in 21 countries and 2,790 international students representing more than 125 countries, FSU has a global community and network worth celebrating. FSU is also the No. 1 public university in the nation for long-term study abroad enrollment. 

Below is a list of events celebrating international education at FSU.

Explore study abroad and global exchange opportunities  

2026 Study Abroad Fair
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21
Landis Green
Meet with International Programs faculty and staff and learn more about the programs they offer around the world.  

Global Exchanges Fair
3:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6
The Globe Auditorium
Learn more about FSU’s Global Exchange programs, offered through the Center for Global Engagement, and meet international students from FSU’s partner universities and FSU students who have recently been abroad on an exchange program.   

Connect across cultures 

International Coffee Hour
5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23; Oct. 30; Nov. 6; Nov. 13; Nov. 20; and Dec. 4
The Globe
The Center for Global Engagement’s signature event, offering refreshments inspired by a featured culture and opportunities to interact with students, scholars and faculty from around the world. The event is co-hosted with different groups across campus each week. 

International Coffee Hour: Graduate Lounge
5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23
The Globe Auditorium
Join the Center for Global Engagement and the Congress of Graduate Students (COGS) for an afternoon of socializing and networking with peers in a space specifically for graduate students. 

Fluency Hub
3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and Friday, Nov. 20
Room 335 in the Rovetta Business Building (RBB)
Join the Center for Intensive English Studies (CIES) for an opportunity to develop fluency and confidence when speaking English while interacting with international graduate students and English for Academic Purposes faculty.   

Explore global ideas 

AI’s Impact on Global Education Forum
10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6
The Innovation Hub
Faculty and staff from FSU’s Learning Systems Institute and Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences will participate in an open forum to discuss the global impact of AI on education. 

Tyler Center for Global Studies Virtual Summit/Watch Party
4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19
Virtual (register here) or join the “Watch Party” at the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House – Nancy H. Marcus Great Hall
Join the Tyler Center for Global Studies, hosted and coordinated by FSU, for its annual virtual summit, where 12 Tyler Fellows from 12 different institutions will showcase their research and experiences abroad.   

Global Scholars Showcase
3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4
Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House – Nancy H. Marcus Great Hall
An open-house style symposium recapping projects by students in the 2026 Global Scholars cohort. Presented by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement.  

Experience global culture 

The FSU College of Music presents a series of World Music Ensemble performances, featuring musical traditions from around the world. All performances take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Opperman Music Hall. 

World Music – Gamelan and Chinese Ensemble
Tuesday, Nov. 17
Featuring the Balinese Gamelan Ensemble and Chinese Music Ensemble. 

World Music – Grupo Jaraguá and Modern Pop Ensemble
Wednesday, Nov. 18
Featuring the Brazilian Music Ensemble, also known as “Grupo Jaraguá,” and the Modern Pop Ensemble.

World Music – Mas’N’Steel and Old Time Ensemble 
Thursday, Nov. 19
Featuring the Mas‘N’Steel Ensemble and Old Time Ensemble.  

World Music Ensemble – Indian Music Ensemble and Advanced Intercultural Ensemble
Friday, Nov. 20
Featuring the Indian Music Ensemble and the Advanced Intercultural Ensemble.

For more information and a full list of events, visit global.fsu.edu/celebration-of-international-education.   

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Ten Florida State University students from the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) spent eight weeks in South Africa this summer during the inaugural CARE Global Learning Community in partnership with International Programs. 

Students stayed in the dynamic university city of Durban, on the east coast of South Africa, where they participated in Zulu language classes, explored local customs and food and held full-time internships with local organizations and institutions. 

CARE serves high-achieving students who may face distinct challenges due to a variety of circumstances and life experiences, including first-generation students and students with demonstrated financial need. 

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Florida State University’s International Programs offers study abroad opportunities in locations across the world, including study centers in London, England; Florence, Italy; Valencia, Spain, a branch campus in Panama City, Republic of Panama as well as faculty-led programs in over 10 other locations. 

FSU is ranked No. 1 among public universities and No. 4 overall for long-term study abroad enrollments in the Institute for International Education’s Open Doors 2025 Report. FSU also ranked No. 10 among public universities and No. 12 overall for number of students studying abroad, with 2,702 students participating in programs in the 2023-2024 academic year. 

Through their First Year Abroad (FYA) and First Semester Abroad (FSA) programs, incoming first-year students at FSU have the opportunity to spend either their first semester or first year of college abroad at FSU’s study centers in Florence, London, Valencia or its branch campus in Panama City, Republic of Panama. The FYA and FSA programs celebrated nearly 3,000 program alumni during their 20th anniversary in the fall of 2025.  

“FSU has a long history of looking beyond its borders and creating opportunities for students to experience the world firsthand,” said Louisa Blenman, executive director of International Programs. “We look forward to continuing to provide traditional study abroad programs while also creating new opportunities for students and faculty to showcase the strengths of the university around the globe.” 

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As the fall semester gets underway at Florida State University, students and faculty are settling into a new academic year while reflecting on the experiences that took them beyond campus this summer. 

Whether taking classes at one of FSU’s study centers abroad, completing an international internship or volunteering in a new community, FSU students and faculty spent the summer learning, growing and making connections around the world. 

Italy 

At the FSU Florence Study Center, students enrolled in the Communication and Media in Florence program through International Programs and spent five weeks producing the summer issue of “Il Ponte,” a magazine publication promoting both the program and the local community.  

The program provides students with unique hands-on communication and media experience through direct interactions with Italian clients, giving students an opportunity to learn more about the editing, writing, design and social media aspects of publishing.  

Each summer, the students and instructor work together to choose a theme for that edition of the magazine. The theme for this summer’s issue was “Reducing Overtourism and Promoting City Beatification.” 

“We want our magazine to go beyond simply showcasing Florence as a beautiful spot for tourists,” said Jaejin Lee, professor at the College of Communication and Information and the course instructor this summer. “Instead, I encouraged students to think critically about how visitors can enjoy and appreciate the city while respecting its residents, environment and cultures.” 

The cohort volunteered with Fondazione Angeli del Bello (“The Angels of Beauty Foundation”), a local nonprofit dedicated to protecting Florence’s environment and improving its shared urban spaces. The cohort collaborated with the foundation on cleaning and beautification projects, giving students a broader perspective on their experience abroad as temporary residents of Florence rather than tourists.  

“I hope that future students of FSU Florence continue to strive to keep the city beautiful by properly discarding their waste and volunteering with foundations like Angeli del Bello to fully participate as a temporary citizen of Italy,” said Rachel Wynn, a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the Herbert Wertheim College of Business at FSU who participated in the program this summer. 

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Florida State University Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht has received a Fulbright International Education Administrators (IEA) Award, giving her the opportunity to strengthen FSU’s global engagement while exploring higher education systems abroad.  

Fulbright IEA Awards are two-week seminars that give U.S. higher education administrators the opportunity to learn about other countries’ higher education systems, exchange best practices, explore potential institutional partnerships and strengthen their institutions’ international engagement. 

Hecht will travel to France in October for a program focused on the country’s higher education and research system. The program includes briefings, campus visits, meetings with government officials and international education professionals, networking opportunities and cultural activities. 

“Receiving a Fulbright International Education Administrators Award is a tremendous honor,” Hecht said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to engage with colleagues in France, learn from their approaches to higher education and student success and bring new ideas and partnerships back to Florida State University. I look forward to this experience with great enthusiasm and a spirit of collaboration.” 

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to engage with colleagues in France, learn from their approaches to higher education and student success and bring new ideas and partnerships back to Florida State University.” 

— Amy Hecht, FSU Vice President for Student Affairs

During the program, Hecht will also explore ways to strengthen support for student study abroad opportunities and faculty research collaborations while laying the groundwork for future partnerships between FSU and French institutions. 

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational and cultural exchange program, fostering mutual understanding through academic and professional exchanges in more than 160 countries. 

Hecht joins seven FSU faculty members who received Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards for the 2026-2027 academic year. Those scholars will conduct work in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Belgium, Vietnam and India. 

“It is especially meaningful to join the distinguished community of Florida State Fulbright recipients,” Hecht said. “The achievements of our faculty scholars reflect FSU’s enduring commitment to global engagement, and I am proud to contribute to that tradition while advancing opportunities for our students, faculty and staff.” 

FSU has reciprocal student exchange agreements with three institutions in France: MICEFA (Mission Interuniversitaire de Coordination des Échanges Franco-Américains), a consortium of 18 Paris-area universities; NEOMA Business School, with campuses in Paris, Reims and Rouen;, and the University of Strasbourg.  

Through FSU’s Global Exchange Programs, administered by the Center for Global Engagement within the Division of Student Affairs, FSU students can study abroad while earning academic credit and paying FSU tuition and fees. The program also welcomes exchange students from partner universities around the world.  

FSU also has two study abroad programs in France through International Programs.  

The Dance in Paris program is designed to immerse the dance enthusiast in a unique curriculum combining technique classes at various dance academies and conservatories in Paris with the study of French culture, adding further context to the program.  

The Intensive French program is offered in partnership with the Institut Catholique de Paris, one of the country’s most prestigious language schools. Students are taught entirely in French by native-speaking faculty after placement into the course best suited for their proficiency level.  

“Florida State already enjoys strong and valued relationships with institutions in France, and I hope this experience will help us build upon those connections in ways that expand study abroad opportunities, foster innovative collaborations and deepen the ties between our communities for years to come,” Hecht said.  

FSU faculty interested in learning more about applying for Fulbright Program funding can contact Peggy Wright-Cleveland, director of Faculty Development in the Office of Faculty Development and Advancement, at mwrightcleveland@admin.fsu.edu or (850) 645-8202. 

To learn more about FSU’s global footprint, visit global.fsu.edu. For more information about the Division of Student Affairs at FSU, visit studentaffairs.fsu.edu.  

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At Florida State University, learning extends beyond the classroom, with international experiences bringing academics to life on a global stage. 

Through international internships and other hands-on experiences, students gain practical skills, strengthen cultural competency and expand their worldview. These opportunities offer a powerful pathway for both personal and professional growth. Programs offered through the FSU Career Center, International Programs and other campus partners are just a few ways students can access opportunities tailored to their academic and career interests.  

For many, these experiences are defining moments. Across industries and continents, the following FSU students have built confidence, grown professional networks and discovered clarity in their career paths through international experiential learning.  

Aman Myrsten, France 

Aman Myrsten, a junior double majoring in French and sociology, spent eight and a half weeks in Aix-en-Provence, France, interning with a local nonprofit through CEA CAPA Education Abroad, a leading provider of international study and internship programs. 

Having previously spent the Summer 2024 semester in France through FSU’s Intensive French Program in Paris, Myrsten wanted to deepen her language skills and cultural understanding. In Aix-en-Provence, a city in southern France just north of Marseille, sheworked full time with Le Relais des Possibles, a nonprofit supporting women’s rights and domestic violence prevention.  

“Doing an international internship felt like it would be a great continuation [of my studies]— something that would be good for my resume and an incredible learning experience overall,” Myrsten said. 

CEA (Cultural Experiences Abroad) was originally founded as a study abroad organization for university students, and CAPA (The Global Education Network) is a provider focusing on global education and internships. Together, they merged to form CEA CAPAEducation Abroad, offering a combined 75 years of experience in creating academic, career and internship programs abroad.  

Through CEA CAPA, students can participate in various internships in eleven different cities across Europe and Australia, providing placements in a variety of fields from urban planning to fashion. 

In her role as an advocacy and cultural development intern, Myrsten ran workshops for mothers escaping domestic violence and delivered community outreach in underdeveloped neighborhoods. She also took a six-credit International Internship course at InstitutAmericain Universitaire (IAU), an American style university that partners with CEA CAPA and acts as a host institution for CEA CAPA internship and study abroad students.  

“I just found a lot of fulfillment in my job, and that’s something that I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to find in many settings,” Myrsten said.  

Mia Hicks, Semester at Sea 

Mia Hicks, a senior majoring in Finance, spent spring 2025 traveling the world through Semester at Sea, a study abroad program where students live and attend classes on a ship, traveling to various continents and participating in immersive cultural learning.  

Aboard the MV World Odyssey, Hicks traveled with 500 classmates to 13 countries in less than five months while taking courses ranging from psychology to international issues in recreation and tourism. While it’s not an internship, Semester at Sea gives students the unique opportunity to merge academic studies with hands on cultural experiences, demonstrating the power of immersive international learning. 

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Florida State University’s Department of Classics recently celebrated a banner night at the Archaeological Institute of America’s (AIA) Annual Meeting in San Francisco.  

Nancy de Grummond, the M. Lynette Thompson Professor of Classics and Distinguished Research Professor and director of Excavations and Research at the Cetamura del Chianti archaeological site in Tuscany, was recognized with the 2026 Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Archaeological Achievement.  

Two FSU graduates and alumni of the FSU Archaeological Field School at Cetamura del Chianti were also honored at the ceremony. 

“The AIA awards dinner in San Francisco offered a snapshot of what FSU Classics is all about: a department filled with pathbreaking and influential professors who inspire excellence in their students, who in turn become pathbreaking and influential scholars, thus ensuring that the field remains at the forefront of the humanities,” said Tim Stover, chair of the Department of Classics.  

The AIA supports archaeologists, their research and its dissemination, and the ethical practice of archaeology while promoting archaeological inquiry and public understanding of the material record of the human past to foster an appreciation of cultures and shared humanity. The Gold Medal, awarded to one archaeologist each year, recognizes distinguished contributions to the discipline through research and fieldwork. It’s considered analogous to a lifetime achievement award. 

De Grummond has served as director of Excavations and Research at Cetamura since 1983, leading generations of FSU students to the site each summer. The site was discovered in 1964 by Italian archaeologist Alvaro Tracchi, and students from FSU’s Department of Classics started excavating the site in 1973 after the FSU Florence program obtained a permit from the Italian government.  

Now known as the Archaeology in Tuscany Program, FSU students live in a Chianti hill town close to the site and excavate artifacts, study stratigraphy and learn how to process their finds while taking courses examining a variety of approaches to archaeology in the field, the lab and the museum. It is administered by International Programs.  

“It is hard to describe the joy and satisfaction that comes with this kind of recognition,” de Grummond said. “In addition, the thrill of receiving the award was magnified when I found out that two of my students were sharing the podium at the ceremony. We are all so fortunate to have had the FSU International Programs and Department of Classics create the environment where our potential was nurtured.” 

Two FSU alumni were also honored at the AIA’s Annual Meeting. Melanie Godsey (B.A. ‘13) was recognized for her contributions to the book, “Households in Context: Dwelling in Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt” (Cornell University Press, 2023), which focuses on the daily lives of families in Egypt, moving beyond elite narratives. The book won the 2026 James R. Wiseman Book Award from AIA, which honors an outstanding academic book in archaeology published within the past four years that advances the field through original research and synthesis. Godsey earned her bachelor’s degree in Classical Archaeology from FSU in 2013 and is an assistant professor of Classical Studies at Trinity University in San Antonio.  

Taylor Cwikla (B.A. ‘19, M.A. ‘22) received the inaugural Gold Public Engagement Award from AIA, which recognizes members who make archaeology accessible to a broad range of non-specialist audiences. Cwikla earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Classical Archaeology from FSU and serves as a museum educator at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece, building educational resources that educators worldwide can access for free.  

During their time at FSU, Godsey and Cwikla both spent time at Cetamura. Cwikla served as a field archaeologist and research assistant in 2016 and as an excavation supervisor in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Godsey was a field archaeologist and research assistant at Cetamura in 2010 and has also worked at sites in Egypt and Greece.  

Discoveries by FSU at Cetamura have unearthed a long and diverse history that encompasses successive settlements by the Etruscans (7th-1st centuries BCE), the Romans (1st century BCE-4th century CE), and Medieval Italians (11th-12th century CE). In 2023, FSU celebrated 50 years of discoveries at Cetamura with the inauguration of the new Civic Museum at the Origins of Chianti. Located 9 kilometers from the archaeological site, the museum collection highlights the archeological discoveries at Cetamura, including Etruscan and Roman artifacts. 

“The research de Grummond has done on the material found at Cetamura has helped revolutionize our understanding of the Etruscans,” Stover said. “She has been an influential, inspirational and generous scholar, one whose work has not only changed the way we think about ancient Italy but has positively impacted the lives of countless students. Two of those students, Taylor Cwikla and Melanie Godsey, have gone on to have amazing careers, so it is no surprise that they too have been recognized by the AIA.” 

For more information about FSU’s Department of Classics, visit classics.fsu.edu. To learn more about the Archaeology in Tuscany program, visit the International Programs website.  

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With a rich history of supporting learning and scholarship in programs around the world, Florida State University has earned top rankings in multiple categories in a new report from the Institute of International Education (IIE). 

FSU is ranked No. 1 among public universities and No. 4 overall for long-term study abroad enrollments in the IIE Open Doors 2025 Report, with 170 students studying abroad for eight weeks or more during the 2023-2024 academic year. FSU also ranked No. 10 among public universities and No. 12 overall for the total number of students studying abroad, with 2,702 students participating in programs in the 2023-2024 academic year.  

“Florida State University’s strong performance in the Open Doors report is continuous and reflects our deep commitment to global engagement and experiential learning,” said Steve McDowell, assistant provost for International Initiatives and interim dean of The Graduate School. “Long-term study abroad experiences provide transformative opportunities for students to immerse themselves in different cultures, broaden their perspectives, and develop skills that prepare them for success in an interconnected world.” 

Open Doors has long been regarded as the comprehensive information resource on international students and scholars in the United States and on U.S. students studying abroad. It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IIE.  

The top three leading destinations for study abroad were identified in the report as Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. FSU’s International Programs maintains a year-round presence in all three countries with study centers in Florence, Valencia and London. FSU also has a branch campus in the Republic of Panama in Panama City. 

Other study abroad opportunities offered by FSU International Programs include programs in Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Kosovo, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Romania and Switzerland. This summer, International Programs is partnering for the first time with the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) to administer the CARE Global Learning Community Internship. The program is part of an initiative by FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar to help make transformative experiential learning opportunities available to more students. With support from Dr. Jai’s First-Gen Explorer’s Fund, first-generation students from CARE will travel to Durban, South Africa, to participate in full-time internships with local organizations and institutions as well as group excursions and language study.    

“Our programs are designed to give students meaningful, hands-on experiences that go beyond the classroom,” said Louisa Blenman, executive director of International Programs. “These opportunities help students grow academically and personally while building lifelong connections across the globe.” 

In addition to opportunities at International Programs, FSU students can also participate in Global Exchanges. Administered through the Center for Global Engagement, FSU’s Global Exchanges provides students the opportunity to attend a university abroad as an exchange student while earning credit and paying FSU tuition and fees. FSU has partnerships with more than 40 universities in 20 countries around the globe. Locations include Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom. 

For more information about study abroad opportunities through International Programs, visit international.fsu.edu. To learn more about FSU’s Global Exchanges, visit cge.fsu.edu/fsu-global-exchange-programs.   

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Florida State University Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Jim Clark has appointed Louisa Blenman as executive director of International Programs. 

Blenman, who has served as interim director since May 2024, will officially start in the role on Dec. 5. 

“FSU’s International Programs open doors to the world for our students, and Lou Blenman’s appointment as executive director marks an exciting new chapter,” said FSU Provost James Clark. “Her vision and experience will help us deepen global partnerships and create transformative opportunities that prepare students to lead in a rapidly changing world.” 

Blenman will build upon 30 years of experience and expertise in international education. She has worked for FSU International Programs since 2004 and served as associate director since 2018. She also currently serves on the boards of charities and foundations associated with each FSU international study center and the FSU International Programs Association direct support organization. 

“Lou Blenman’s appointment as executive director reflects her years of leadership and expertise at FSU and in the field of study abroad,” said Steve McDowell, FSU’s assistant provost for International Initiatives. “Her vision will ensure FSU continues to offer world-class global opportunities for our students.” 

FSU is a national leader in international education, ranking 10th among public universities (No. 12 overall) for the total number of students studying abroad in 2023-2024, with 2,702 students participating in global programs. FSU also ranks first among public universities (and No. 4 overall) for the number of students participating in long-term study abroad programs, leading the field in extended international education experiences. 

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of FSU’s innovative First Year Abroad program, with a record 314 students enrolled this fall — a testament to the university’s commitment to expanding transformative global opportunities for its students. 

“I appreciate Provost Clark’s confidence in me to lead the International Programs team as we build on our successful history and pursue new opportunities abroad,” Blenman said. “It is an honor to have so many talented colleagues, both domestically and internationally, who work tirelessly to provide transformative experiences for our students. I look forward to continuing to support the university’s strategic efforts and aspirations.”  

 Before International Programs, Blenman spent a decade working in study abroad in London after completing a prestigious internship at the Fulbright Commission. 

Blenman is a two-time graduate of FSU. She earned a Master’s in Higher Education from the College of Education (now the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences) in 1994 and an MBA from the College of Business in 2012. 

She succeeds Jim Pitts, who retired in 2024 after a 56-year career at Florida State. 

To learn more about International Programs, visit international.fsu.edu. 

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Florida State University is ramping up its efforts to help first-generation college students participate in study abroad programs, offering new resources and targeted support. These initiatives coincide with the university’s annual Celebration of International Education and its participation in the national First-Generation College Celebration Nov. 5-12. 

A centerpiece of this expansion is the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement’s (CARE) new Global Learning Community, a cohort-based program launching in Summer 2026.  

Led by instructional specialist Emily Leyava, the program will send 10 CARE students to South Africa for eight weeks of internships, Zulu language classes and cultural immersion. The initiative is designed to lower barriers for first-generation students, who often face financial and informational hurdles when considering international experiences. 

“We will be working with financial aid to see what opportunities are available to our students, including experiential learning grants and private donations,” said Leyava, who will accompany the group as faculty leader. “We don’t want cost to be prohibitive.”  

The program includes a preparatory spring course on global citizenship and international higher education, followed by an immersive summer experience. Students will be matched with internships in sectors like public health, community development and education, and will participate in weekly debriefs, reflective journaling and excursions outside of their home base in the coastal city of Durban. 

“We want our students graduating, going into the job market, going to grad school, whatever they want to do,” Leyava said. “We want to offer them every opportunity possible.” 

The Global Learning Community is coordinated with and supported by FSU International Programs, which operates three study centers in London, Valencia and Florence, a regional branch campus in the Republic of Panama, and faculty-led programs in places such as Croatia, Costa Rica, France, Switzerland, and more.   

“We understand the importance of providing intentional and creative ways to support first-gen students who wish to have an international experience,” said Interim Director of International Programs Louisa Blenman. “We are so pleased that our first partnership with CARE helps us diversify the locations offered by International Programs. Further, this partnership is a vivid demonstration of a transformative program coming to fruition through collaborations among several divisions of the university.” 

Funding opportunities such as the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, the Tyler Center for Global Studies Fellowship, Dr. Jai’s First-Gen Explorers Fund from FSU First Lady Jai Vartikar, FSU International Programs scholarships and other resources — both across FSU’s campus and externally — can help first-generation students defray costs associated with studying abroad.

Yasmeen Masanti, a senior dance student, studied in Paris through FSU’s Dance in Paris summer program, a four-week immersive experience for dance majors. She said scholarships, including a Gilman Scholarship, made her trip possible. 

“Having the opportunity to dance in Paris and seeing the French culture was a completely different experience than I’ve ever had,” she said. 

Masanti spent her time taking dance and film classes, exploring the city, attending performances and living at Cité Universitaire, a student housing complex bustling with international students.  

“I went to the Eiffel Tower quite a lot because as a kid, I always dreamed about seeing the Eiffel Tower,” she said. “It was just so magical.” 

Masanti credits the CARE Summer Bridge Program for helping her adjust to college and find a community. “I don’t know if I would have still been at FSU if I hadn’t been in the CARE program,” she said. 

Tafari D’Aguilar, a mechanical engineering student and Presidential Scholar, attended John Cabot University in Rome, partially funded by the Gilman Scholarship.  

“Before FSU, I didn’t know what studying abroad meant. I couldn’t imagine affording it,” D’Aguilar said. “It was a culture shock at first. It was my first time out of the country, and I was alone.” 

But he quickly settled in, befriending his roommates and balancing rigorous engineering courses with adventures across the city and broader Italy. 

“We walked cobblestone roads, ate local food and traveled,” D’Aguilar said. “We visited the Pantheon, Vatican City and Milan. One highlight: I canoed in a volcanic crater. It was incredible.” 

The experience, he said, was empowering: “Before, I feared traveling alone, but now I know I can handle it. Once you know you can handle it, there’s no stopping you.” 

FSU’s Celebration of International Education runs through Dec. 5. 

For more information about how Florida State University supports first-generation students and available resources, visit firstgen.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University unveiled three new striking bronze statues in the Student Union last week titled “Vires, Artes, Mores,” representing the university’s core values of strength, skill, and character.  

Cast from the same molds originally created for sculptures displayed at the FSU Florence Study Center, the statues bring a piece of FSU’s international heritage home to Tallahassee. 

Standing over eight feet tall atop custom pedestals crafted by the FSU Master Craftsman Studio, the figures are nearly identical to their counterparts at FSU Florence. Their Renaissance design evokes the rich artistic legacy of Florence, while their presence on campus serves as a powerful symbol of discovery, resilience and global connection. 

“The commitment that we have at Florida State University to our international programs is profound,” FSU President Richard McCullough said. “These figures will be a lasting reminder of everything that we stand for and our enduring connection to the world. These statues are powerful reminders of what makes us Florida State University— strength, skill, and character.” 

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