If you have thought about studying abroad, but never acted on it, now is the time to apply. The deadline to apply for all summer trips is Feb. 15.
Don’t know what trips are offered? Don’t worry. Here they are:
USFSP Business in Europe
Trip dates: June 23-July 6
Credit hours available: 3-6
Possible courses: Doing Business in Europe MAN 4930, 3 credits and International Management MAN 4600, 3 credits
Interest to areas of study: Business, Marketing and Finance
Cost: $3,475
USFSP Business in Germany
Trip dates: July 3-13
Credit hours available: 3
Interest to areas of study: Business, Marketing and Finance
Cost: $3,800
USFSP in France: Nice
Trip dates: June 14-July 4
Credit hours available: 3
Interest to areas of study: Language and Linguistics
Cost: $3,950
USFSP in Salamanca, Spain
Trip dates: June 13-July 5
Interest to areas of study: Languages and Linguistics
Cost: $3,650
USFSP: Business in Costa Rica
Trip dates: May 1-8
Interest to areas of study: Business, Marketing and Finance
Cost: $ 1,950
Credit: 3 Credits
USF In Vietnam: Society, Energy and Humanity
Trip dates: July 7-27
Credits: 3-6 Credits
Interest to areas of study: Natural and Physical Sciences, Social Sciences
Cost: TBA
The Study Abroad program offers students an opportunity for global exploration.
Frank Biafora, USF St. Petersburg’s dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, takes yearly trips abroad with students and stresses the importance of having a thirst for curiosity and discovery. He said that studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain professional and life experience.
“Employers want demonstrated evidence about curiosity of the world,” Biafora said.
He believes international travel helps develop students in all aspects of life.
Biafora knows the sticker price often deters students from considering studying abroad as a realistic possibility.
“Don’t let sticker price discourage you to explore and apply,” he said, “Because you may be awarded scholarships and fundme.com may help you.”
In addition to the cost of tuition, students are expected to cover their travel expenses, including roundtrip tickets, meal costs and personal purchases. But Biafora is optimistic about making it work.
The potential to receive Study Abroad scholarships through the USF system is available to any interested student who makes a $500 commitment by Feb. 15, which is also the deadline for many summer programs. Biafora, who has served as an arbiter on scholarship applications, said that passionate students stand out.
Biafora said that an alternative source of financing could come from fundme.com, a site designed to help anyone interested in generating funds for a special cause. He has seen several scenarios where students were able to travel free of charge due to fundme.com’s help.
“Many people out there are willing to help your dream come true,” he said.“That is still a very real reality about the country that we live in.”
Who to contact?
Wendy Baker presides over all study abroad options at USFSP and is involved in marketing them to students. Contact her at wbaker@usfsp.edu.
There are two places to find information on study abroad trips:
1. USFSP programs web page. http://www.usfsp.edu/studyabroad/
2. The USF World page. http://educationabroad.global.usf.edu
