Florida State University (FSU) was recognized by Forbes as one of the leading universities for study abroad programs in December 2024, ranking No.10 among major universities with over 2,500 students studying abroad in 2024. In light of this recent accomplishment, we are spotlighting all study abroad programs available through the College of Communication and Information (CCI).
Dr. Patrick Merle, Director of the School of Communication (SCOM), spoke about the SCOM study abroad programs and their benefits. “These programs are all specifically created to add value to students’ experiences, allowing them to create something tangible to strengthen their portfolios,” he said.
In addition to CCI’s newest study abroad program, Strategic Communication in Switzerland, CCI now has five study abroad programs through FSU International Programs:
Strategic Communication in Switzerland
Located between Geneva and Brig in Switzerland, the Strategic Communication program focuses on strategic communication through climate change journalism. Students learn about documenting and reporting climate crises directly from key actors and guest speakers from organizations such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations, and the Swiss National Center for Climate Services. Additionally, the Strategic Communication program is FSU’s first and only international program in Switzerland.
This program allows students to study communication in the heart of London, where they are fully immersed in the city’s culture, surroundings, and communities. For students looking to study communication as a major, minor, honors, or general studies program, Communication in London utilizes historic city sites as classrooms to strengthen students’ skills in public speaking, collaboration, and research. Students can also satisfy their oral communication competency requirement through any of the available communication classes, rounding out all the remarkable aspects of this program.
Communication Science & Disorders in London
Also housed in the FSU London Study Center, the Communication Science & Disorders program enables students to visit globally renowned clinics in London and learn directly from distinguished speech-language pathology and audiology clinicians through their evidence-based practices.
School of Communication Science & Disorders (SCSD) Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Dr. Kimberlee Crass, went into more detail about these enriching experiences: “Through student-led, seminar-style lectures and site-based discussions, students are active participants in shaping their learning. The program fosters critical thinking, professional dialogue, and a sense of shared discovery that makes the experience truly impactful.”
Documentary Filmmaking in London
The documentary filmmaking program encourages students to connect the liveliness of modern documentary film with the historical offerings in London as the birthplace of the documentary tradition. While attending master’s classes led by professional filmmakers and engaging in hands-on training in digital video production, students will create short documentaries throughout the length of the program. This experience not only equips students with new skillsets in documentary filmmaking, but it also sends them home with a creation of their own to showcase these skills.
Communication & Media in Florence
Recognized as the sole communication program at FSU’s Florence Study Center in Italy, Communication & Media in Florence provides a variety of meaningful experiences for students, including exchanges with local media influencers, lectures and workshops with seasoned media professionals, and interactions with local Italian clients. Throughout the course of the program, students collaborate on FSU Florence’s campus magazine, featuring articles on Florentine culture, cuisine, student life, and other special encounters.
One thing that Dr. Kimberlee Crass (SCSD) wants prospective students to know is that these programs are so much more than a study abroad trip—they are an opportunity to grow personally and academically, build strong relationships with global professionals and peers alike, and develop a deeper understanding of how culture and context influence communication. “The goal is not only for them to grow their confidence, curiosity, and cultural competence, but also to come home seeing both their discipline and the world in a whole new way.”