International Gateway Programme
Torn between going abroad or staying in the UK for university? Now you can do both, and at a cost comparable to a UK degree, thanks to the Florida State University International Gateway Programme. Complete the first year of your US undergraduate degree at one of our International campuses in London, Florence, Valencia, or Panama City, before transferring to Florida for the remainder of your degree. FSU, one of the leading public universities in the US is the first to offer an opportunity of this kind to UK students.
Please click here to download the FSU International Gateway Application Form.
Please click here for a FAQ about the International Gateway Program, including current fees.
Please click here to download the International Gateway Registration Document.
Re-Defining Study Abroad
By creating an environment where UK and US students meet as peers in the classroom with a sense of common ground for each, the FSU London Program redefines the parameters of Study Abroad. Collaborating with people of different world views and understanding global issues is essential to any student's personal and professional development and is increasingly critical to a graduate's future success in the workplace. Through cross-cultural interactions and participation in intercultural dialogues, students on this program will draw on the rich heritage and environment that is Florida State University on whichever campus they choose to study.
The Liberal Arts Approach
One of the advantages of the US higher education system is that most students can defer subject specialisation until the second year. This Liberal Arts approach allows you to explore broad areas of academic interest before focusing on a final choice of major subject such as history, politics, chemistry or indeed any one of the 94 undergraduate degrees offered by FSU. Whatever the discipline chosen, however, flexibility is the key to crafting an undergraduate degree reflective of your particular academic interests.
Course Offerings
In the Fall Semester, students will take courses designated in the Core Curriculum. In the Spring Semester, students will choose four or five courses from among the wide range of possibilities available. To see the courses available, click here.
How It Works
Upon admission to the university, students will be assigned to an Academic Advisor who will provide guidance as to course selection from within the broad Liberal Arts curriculum - a conversation which begins the process of drawing up a personalized 'map' for each student's undergraduate career. During this first year of study at the FSU London Study Centre Campus, and assuming they meet standard admission and visa requirements, students are guided through the process of applying for the appropriate visa for entry to the U.S., of preparing for the SAT (Scholastic Achievement Test) and subsequent transfer to the FSU campus in Florida (or another European campus).
One of the particular attractions of the program for UK students is the opportunity it provides to work in the US upon graduation through a visa designed to offer international students the chance to experience practical training in the workplace.
FSU - Heritage and Honour
Founded in 1851 and located in Tallahassee, the state capital of Florida, FSU has a student body of approximately 40,000 with many degree courses consistently ranked amongst the top 25 in US state university programs. One of the premier research universities in the U.S, FSU has played host to two UK Nobel Laureates as faculty members - Paul Dirac (Physics, 1933) and Sir Harry Kroto (Chemistry, 1996) - and continues to achieve international renown in teaching, learning and research. For more information on the FSU Tallahassee campus, and the opportunities available there, please visit the FSU Tallahassee Website.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Both in Tallahassee and in London, FSU provides a comprehensive program of pastoral care designed to enhance student well-being by offering instruction and guidance in key areas such as orientation, study skills, cultural sensitivity, money management and health and lifestyle issues. Students on all campuses participate in an extensive extra-curricular program including academic excursions, lecture series, sports and athletics and a wealth of other activities.
Housing
The program is open both to students wishing to live in Halls and students wishing to live out. London accommodation consists of self-contained flats in the heart of the city - a stone's throw from Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square. Housing in Florida varies but is generally shared bedrooms in either apartment or dormitory-style living.
Other European Locations
For some students, particularly those studying Modern Languages, it may be possible to spend the second year of study at either the FSU Florence or Valencia Study Centre Campus.
Want to Learn More?
Students interested in learning more about this opportunity, either prior to the receipt of A Level results or after, are advised to contact FSU in London for further details, including admission and visa requirements. Email enquiries should be addressed to Dr. Kathleen Paul (kpaul@fsu.edu).