Thousands of UF students pursue life-changing study abroad opportunities every year
Through hundreds of study abroad programs in more than 50 countries, the University of Florida provides opportunities for students from all disciplines to pursue their academic and professional goals. Every year, nearly 2,600 students participate in service learning, gain internship experience and explore their academic interests while immersing themselves in new cultures. Five UF students who studied abroad this summer are sharing details about how these programs positively impacted their lives.
UF in Italy: Animal Science in Italy
The UF in Italy: Animal Science in Italy program focuses on dairy production and management, specifically the role of culture within cheese production. Designed for animal science majors, the program emphasizes animal care in the dairy industry.
Student participants have visited several farms to understand the role of animal care in the production process. The students have been able to experience other aspects of the process as well, including the delicious end result: local cheese tastings.
For second-year student Jacqueline Gutierrez, the program offered a unique way to gain field experience and explore different approaches to food production systems, animal welfare and veterinary practices.
“I was able to interact with animals that I had never even seen before,” Gutierrez said. “Ultimately, this experience only further solidified my passion for pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.”
UF in Spain: Athlete Development and Career Management
An 18-day program for graduate students, the UF in Spain: Athlete Development and Career Management program encourages students to learn about sports management in a country with one of the biggest sports cultures in the world. Through the lens of soccer — or fútbol in Spain — students understand the holistic development of elite athletes.
Graduate student Lillian Graves was interested in the program to develop practical skills she could apply to her career as the head coach of a girls’ basketball team and the general manager of an athletic training facility. But after the program, Graves views her career in a new context.
“I now see international sports career opportunities as a real path forward for me,” Graves said.
UF in Wales: Writing in International Studies, Law and Relations
Based in Cardiff, Wales, the UF in Wales: Writing in International Studies, Law and Relations program offers hands-on experience in the legal field. Students have interned at the Cardiff Civil and Family Justice Centre, aiding clients in civil suits and writing for a legal magazine.
For second-year student Maya Venkatraman, the experience helped her narrow down what type of law she would like to pursue in the future. Being able to make a direct impact on clients at the justice center was a particularly gratifying experience for her.
“Everyone has just been very friendly,” Venkatraman said. “There was even one lady who brought us a cake because she was so thankful.”
UF in London: Vampire and Empire London
The UF in London: Vampire and Empire London program acts as a deep dive into Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” This program offers an immersive experience of the novel, as students directly explore settings of the London-based book.
Second-year English student Selena Schulz found the class appealing because of its focus on a single piece of literature. Students analyzed the novel from a literary and historical perspective, exploring the portrayal of vampires and the role of British imperialism. Schulz felt this experience reaffirmed her choice to pursue an English major while preparing her for a career in occupational therapy.
“It showed me that I do belong among other pre-health students,” Schulz said. “I am learning how to pursue both of my passions at once.”
UF in South Korea: Global Internship and Culture
Offered through the Warrington College of Business, the UF in South Korea: Global Internship and Culture program partners with the Asia Internship Program to provide students with internship experience in Seoul, South Korea, which is one of the biggest commerce cities in the world.
The program matches students with companies based on their interests and professional goals, with internships available in a variety of sectors. For second-year student Connie Huang, the program offered her the chance to learn hard and soft skills in a professional environment.
“Combining my love for new environments, wanting to see new Asian countries, and a bucket list item of learning Korean, it serves as the perfect opportunity for me to both grow my resume and my perspective,” said Huang.
To learn more about study abroad opportunities at UF, students can visit the UF International Center online or in person. The International Center holds information sessions from 3 to 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday in the fall and spring semesters.