Florida State University students are expanding their skills and perspectives through a variety of international experiential learning opportunities, according to an April 22 announcement from the university.
These global experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while developing cultural awareness, professional networks, and personal growth. Programs such as international internships and study abroad are coordinated by the FSU Career Center, International Programs, and other campus partners.
Aman Myrsten, a junior double majoring in French and sociology, interned for over eight weeks with Le Relais des Possibles in Aix-en-Provence, France. Myrsten said: “Doing an international internship felt like it would be a great continuation [of my studies]— something that would be good for my resume and an incredible learning experience overall.” She worked on advocacy projects supporting women’s rights and domestic violence prevention while taking coursework at Institut Americain Universitaire.
Mia Hicks, a senior finance major, participated in Semester at Sea during spring 2025. Traveling to 13 countries aboard the MV World Odyssey while taking academic courses, Hicks described her experience: “Semester at Sea is an experience you can only truly understand once you live it. You’ll make lifelong friends, gain a deeper appreciation for the world, and grow into a more well-rounded, globally minded individual — all while having the adventure of a lifetime.” Hicks also said: “I now see the world through the eyes of the many people I met along my journey. I recognize the beauty in differences and the importance of understanding multiple sides to every story. Above all, I carry a deep sense of gratitude for the life I live and the places I’ve been fortunate to experience.”
Carissa Tse spent six weeks interning full time at WildKat PR in London through FSU’s International Programs. She said: “I found the experience of getting out of my comfort zone at home and interacting with people and cultures that I was unfamiliar with so humanizing, and I miss it every day. The confidence I have in myself and my skills is truly reflective of my time abroad. I feel very well-spoken and grounded in who I am.” Tse added: “The professional development course that was tied with my internship truly taught me to understand how to articulate the value of my internship both personally and professionally.”
John Jimenez completed an IT internship with Kenus Informática S.L., focusing on Spain’s Esquema Nacional de Seguridad cybersecurity framework during his semester at FSU Valencia Study Center. Jimenez said: “Learning Spain’s Esquema Nacional de Seguridad instead of U.S.-based frameworks exposed me to an entirely different regulatory structure… This experience strengthened my technical writing skills, attention to detail and adaptability in unfamiliar regulatory environments.” He also remarked: “My experience with International Programs was very positive… Their structure and support made it easy to focus on professional growth once I arrived in Valencia,” adding that being open-minded leads “to professional and personal growth that is difficult to replicate at home.”
