Special Academic Programs and Research Institutes

International Studies and Programs

Study Abroad Programs

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 also 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 Office of International Studies (OIS), and are designed to provide an exceptional learning experience, while matching the needs and situations 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 Foreign Languages’ intensive programs in France, Japan, Germany, Spain and Italy; Social Work Department programs in South Africa and Russia; Criminal Justice in Costa Rica and Russia, Nursing in Sweden, Education in the United Kingdom, Hospitality in France, and Art in Scotland.

Student Exchanges provide the opportunity to become a student at a university abroad for one semester 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. Some of the exchanges that have been offered at UCF are Qingdao University in China; Universit`e de Angers and Paul Sabatier in France; Meikai University in Japan; University of Lima in Peru; the universities of Lund, Jonkoping, Mallardalen, and Dalarna in Sweden; and University College Northampton in the United Kingdom.

UCF students may also take advantage of the options provided by other member universities in the State University System (SUS) of Florida. There are numerous programs available through the system. UCF students apply to these programs directly and must become transient students at the host institution.

There are many additional study abroad options available to UCF students. It is important that students 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 up-to-date information, please visit http://www.international.ucf.edu, or contact the office at 407-882-2300.