By Jae Diehl /USF ZNews
USF – The University of South Florida Education Abroad Center held a Study Abroad Fair on campus at the Faculty Office Building on Jan 22 for students interested in studying abroad.
Representatives from multiple programs such as Semester at Sea, USF in Florence and USF in London sat behind booths handing out flyers and providing students with more information. Students walked around, visited different booths and asked questions about the programs to understand which experience would be best for them. Some students were interested in studying abroad for pure enjoyment while others looked to gain experience that would help them progress in their major.
Amy Lepp, Director of Enrollment for Semester at Sea talked about the opportunities students had if they participated.
“We offer about 75 courses on the ship so students of all majors can sail,” said Lepp. “When we get to port we’re usually there about five to seven days where you have the opportunity to travel within the country.”
Students interested in attending USF in Florence can choose six weeks, 12 weeks or a semester abroad. They will study at Florence University of the Arts (FUA) and take between six to nine credits that transfer directly back to USF. Summer A is intended for business majors and Summer B is intended for science and psychology majors. However, even if students are not science, psychology or business majors they can still attend the program and take classes that will count towards their credits. A few of the classes FUA provides are Law and Business, Food and Wine Pairing and Florentine Art Walks.
Those looking to attend USF in London have similar options. Undergraduate students can study in central London for 30 days in July, earning a total of six credits. The program provides opportunities for more than 10 majors. It includes group airport transfers, double accommodations, on-site orientation, unlimited public transportation, a welcome dinner and farewell cruise and 24/7 emergency support and medical insurance.
USF Education Abroad ranked number 28 for study-abroad participation among public universities in the United States. For the 2023-2024 year, Italy and London were the most popular study abroad destinations.
Any student can study abroad by choosing the program that works for them as long as they are in good academic standing. The education abroad office offers access to many scholarships to aid students in costs.
“The Education Abroad Office promotes global competency by supporting and creating high-impact, innovative, and accessible international experiences for students,” according to the USF Education Abroad mission statement.