International Studies and Programs

Director: Angel Cardec; Research Pavilion, Suite 395, P.O. Box 163105, Orlando, FL 32816 3105; 407 882 2300; Fax: 407 882 0240;
http://www.international.ucf.edu

The Office of International Studies (OIS) connects UCF students and faculty to diverse world communities. Its mission is to promote, support, facilitate, advocate, and implement activities that lead to the internationalization of education and research at UCF. This is accomplished through: development and administration of UCF study abroad programs; faculty development activities; internationalization of courses and programs; enhancement of international exchanges; promotion of international partnerships; and the identification and acquisition of external funding.

Study Abroad Programs

http://www.studyabroad.ucf.edu/

By its very nature, study abroad provides an exciting setting for learning - one in which student interaction is central to the learning process. Study abroad participants learn about new environments, customs and, in many cases, new languages. They deal with the uncertainties of international travel and must adapt to the dynamics of the group. Maturity, self confidence, and awareness of other cultures are only some of the benefits of study abroad. Students are invited to expand their classroom, their experience, and their future through study abroad. UCF study abroad opportunities are a cooperative venture of academic departments and the OIS, and are designed to provide an exceptional learning experience, while matching the specific needs and circumstances of UCF students. The two main types of programs administered by UCF are Short Term Programs and Student Exchanges.

Short Term Programs are intended to provide the maximum amount of exposure to a subject in the shortest period of time. They must meet all the criteria for UCF courses and can be delivered as complete modules, or as a complement to a course delivered on campus or online. Examples of short term programs that UCF has offered in the past include the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures' intensive programs in France, Japan, Germany, Spain and Italy; Tropical Marine Biology in Honduras; Criminal Justice in Costa Rica and Russia; Education in the United Kingdom; International Gastronomy in France and Italy; and Art in Scotland.

Student Exchanges provide the opportunity to become a student at a university abroad for one term or even a year. The longer terms allow for a more extensive experience abroad. Student exchanges require greater personal commitment, maturity and organization. Therefore, they are limited to UCF students who have attained at least a junior status and who have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Exchanges that have been offered in the past include the following: Université de Angers and ICN School of Business in France; Meikai University in Japan; University of Lima in Peru; Jonkoping in Sweden; and University College Northampton in the United Kingdom.

There are many more study abroad options. It is important that interested participants investigate their choices, the requirements and the implications that each choice has in terms of cost, credit transferability and progress toward graduation. OIS staff members can provide program advice and general information about options. For uptodate information, please visit http://www.studyabroad.ucf.edu/, or contact OIS at 407 882 2300.