Walking toward the seemingly intimidating Doak Campbell Stadium, I enter Florida State University’s International Programs Department at University Center. FSU’s International program houses study abroad programs and internships in over 17 countries all around the world: from England, to Panama, to South Korea and more. There is a program for everyone based on country along with major or interest. The interest program is crafted to fit along the specialities that the country is known for, such as hospitality in Switzerland or dance in France; nevertheless, there are programs placed solely for liberal studies that are not specific to an interest but only to allow students to travel and experience while still taking their prerequisite classes.
As I take a look around, I discovered there was a special information session taking place solely for the psychology study abroad program in the psychology department building here at Florida State for the purpose of generating interest among psychology majors and minors. As a psychology major hoping to find a career in my field and an avid traveler, studying abroad can be an opportunity to combine both of my interests. The presentation begins with Dr. Rick Wagner, who is a cognitive and developmental psychology professor here at FSU, describing his personal experience working this program and the program as a whole. The presentation informed the audience of this 8-week summer program in London, England, split into 2 segments - 4 weeks to focus on each class. The courses include, “Nature & Nurture of Child Development Across Culture” as well as “The Politics of Reading” . It was explained that each class satisfies 3 credit hours at the 4000-level as psychology electives used towards a psychology major or minor. Dr. Wagner explains that these courses are special topics that can only be taken through this study abroad program that integrates English culture and multicultural aspects specific in London into the courses and are not found here on campus. A portion of the cost of this program is put towards field trips that are impactful for more of a hands on learning experience and gaging a wider scope of understanding towards the course.
All eligible undergraduates who have completed PSY2012 (General Psychology) with a C- or higher are able to apply to the program with a $100 application fee. The presenter explains that it is a simple process to apply and usually only takes 15 minutes to complete including an attachment of a resume and a letter of recommendation.
When speaking with Dr. Wagner, the subject of cost arose. This program costs $10,895 for the 8 weeks. This amount goes towards housing, excursions and group activities, tuition, London transportation pass, etc., but this $10,895 does not cover round-trip international airfare, passport (if needed), food, books and supplies, etc. Average flights during peak season in the summer from Florida to London, England cost around $1,700; as an estimate (without food) the cost of the trip with round-trip airfare is about $12,600 for 8-weeks. Many students here at Florida State get Bright Futures to cover the cost of tuition and that scholarship aid is also given during the summer and can be used for a study abroad program. The issue is that Bright Futures will only provide $1,281 as aid. As a result, for students who are Florida residents how are provided with Bright Futures now have a balance of about $11,300. If a student is a recipient of a Pell Grant, Stafford Loan, etc. then he or she is able to use that money towards this program. Scholarships are also awarded to students in this program but a student is not able to apply for those scholarships until they are admitted. The Psychology Department works in partnership with FSU’s International Programs in order to fund more scholarships for students that met academic achievement and financial requirements.
This summer psychology study abroad program offers students an opportunity to place themselves in a new cultural experience while pursuing their academic studies in psychology. This program is set out to allow students to generate different world views and appreciate diversity in the field of psychology in order to become more well-rounded students. Overall, this program allows students to take courses that are not available on campus with accompanied course-related field trips to expand learning outside the classroom to help students apply the skills they have learned in psychology.