Students and faculty members find a home away from home at Florida State University International Programs' study centers

By Kaley Hoppenworth

For many college students, studying abroad in a country halfway across the world feels like an indulgent daydream. Through Florida State University’s International Programs, those dreams are closer to reality than ever.

Traveling abroad for a scholarly experience is not only for students, though. FSU faculty members also can teach for a semester at one of FSU IP’s established satellite campuses in four countries: England, Spain, Italy, and the Republic of Panama. Each of these sites have interwoven FSU’s values and core mission with the location’s culture to create a new, unique identity as international hubs for learning and educating.

“One of the perks of teaching at FSU has been historically its robust International Program offerings, and English faculty have not only regularly participated but have had an active role in administering some of its programs,” says Robert O. Lawton University Distinguished Professor of English S.E. Gontarski, who chairs the department’s International Programs committee.

Gontarksi points out that English faculty members have long been associated with IP. For example, former English-Literature Professor Conrad “Gene” Tanzy helped launch the pilot Florence Program in 1966. In addition, former humanities and English Professor Eugene Crook was instrumental in starting and developing the summer program in London in 1985. Crook taught various courses in both London and Valencia, Spain, from 1976-2018. 

Gontarski says rules for appointments for a full semester have changed considerably in the past few years, however, as immigration laws and work permits for foreigners have become more restrictive. 

“Summer programs and various shorter, specialized spring break programs are still open to Tallahassee faculty, and those programs often have multiple applicants,” he adds.

During Study Abroad Week 2024, Oct. 21 through Oct. 25, FSU IP welcomed representatives from those programs to the Tallahassee campus to showcase what their study centers offer. FSU IP hosted an event each day of that week to acquaint the student population with the international faculty and staff.

Filled with activities such as travel trivia, airfare giveaways, and tabling events, the campus got a taste of international fun to celebrate the Oct. 4 opening of Summer 2025 applications for students to study abroad.

Following Study Abroad Week, on Nov. 6, applications opened for international teaching positions for the Spring Break 2026 and Summer 2026 programs at one of the four study centers. Faculty applications close on Jan. 22, 2025.

FSU celebrated International Education Month in November, and it is only fitting to recognize the four study centers that have represented FSU across the globe.

PANAMA CITY, THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA

FSU established its first international study center in 1957 in Panama City, the “City of Knowledge.” Originally, the U.S. Army invited FSU to establish a center for military personnel based in the Republic of Panama. The program slowly expanded to local students and families and became a degree-granting branch of FSU in 1967, offering degrees in English, inter-American studies, international affairs, social sciences, and Spanish.

Carlos Langoni is the current rector of the Republic of Panama campus, where he has worked since 1987. He says that students from around the world are drawn to Panama for its culture and jovial environment.

“People here are usually very friendly—they like partying, they like dancing, music, too,” he says about the residents. “Every time we have guests, we show them a little bit of the traditions here.”

Langoni describes the country as if the natural beauty should be obvious to everyone, tossing his head back and saying, “Nature is the selling pitch to people. You know, the rainforest, the two oceans, right? You can go from the Pacific to the Atlantic in an hour. The beaches in the Atlantic are very, very beautiful, yes.”

The Republic of Panama study center operates year-round, accepting students during the fall, spring, and summer semester. See Panama programs offered in 2025 and 2026.

Read English-Editing, Writing, and Media alumna Kelsey Klopfenstein's feature article "FSU-Panama is a beacon of light in international education" in the Spring 2024 issue of VIRES magazine for more information about the campus.

English Professor Candace Ward has taught several times at the Republic of Panama campus. She responded in an email to two question prompts.

What do you enjoy most about the teaching environment in Panama? Through your curriculum and teaching, how do you incorporate the immersion aspect of study abroad that the IP promotes for students?

I think what impressed me most about teaching in the Panama program was the people. The students in my classes were amazing, among the best, engaged, and intellectually curious that I have ever taught. These students are somewhat different than those in the other programs because they’re not from Tallahassee—rather, they’re Panamanian students (or those from other parts of Latin and Central America) participating in a unique opportunity offered at the Panama campus.

These students attend two years in Panama, then transfer to Tallahassee’s campus to finish their final two years of undergraduate studies (called the “2+2” scholarship program). All the students I met were excited about coming to Tallahassee and eager to learn about FSU culture here, so I was able to be a main campus ambassador.

So, the students are “local,” rather than Florida students looking for an immersive experience in another country. That said, the Panama students taught me a lot about their culture—we had engaging discussions about Panama's history and culture. In my class on tourism, The Tourist Trap: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Tourism, I assigned students to play “tourist” and complete a final project featuring a local attraction. This assignment, they said, helped them look at their local culture through a different lens and certainly to think about tourism differently.

Also, all the students’ first language is Spanish, but all courses are conducted in English; I was so impressed by their fluency and their kindness in helping me with my Spanish pronunciation.

In terms of the physical environment, the Panama campus is beautiful, located close to the Panama Canal, which itself is amazing—for historical, symbolic reasons and, of course, because of the shipping traffic that travels through it.

How does the program staff and leadership support professors and other faculty members throughout their time at the Panama campus?

Program staff and leadership are incredibly supportive and generous: Carlos Langoni and Alexandra Anyfanti, vice rector for academic affairs, were available to answer questions and give advice. Even before arriving in Panama, I was able to ask questions about every aspect of teaching there, from curriculum to grocery shopping. They maintained an incredible level of support for the duration of the term and beyond. Staff were also very friendly and accommodating, including being patient with me as I tried to improve my Spanish.

FLORENCE, ITALY

The Italian word arrangiare means “to make do” or “to figure things out,” a familiar concept to local Florentines, but a value that FSU faculty and students had to learn quickly. After arriving to establish the FSU study center, the first academic semester for faculty members and students was anything but ordinary.

In November 1966, The Great Flood of Florence nearly destroyed the entire city. Yet, the FSU visitors did not shy away from adversity. The city was restored with the help of the FSU staff and students, earning them the title of “Mud Angels.”

Since the Great Flood, the city of Florence has welcomed FSU students with open arms.

Charles Panarella is the current director of FSU Florence, and his goal is to maintain the symbiotic relationship with the city.

“The United States and Italy have had a nice relationship for a long time,” Panarella says. “The Italians—they’re very used to having students as a part of their everyday lives. We’ve become part of the city.”

Known as the heart of the Renaissance, the city of Florence is a museum in and of itself. Walking through the streets, one can witness the light of a city that brought the world out of the dark ages. Many of “The Greats,” from artists, such as Michelangelo, to composers, such as Puccini, called Florence, Italy, their home.

“From a historic standpoint, you get to see firsthand where these people lived and what their life was like,” Panarella says. “You know, Florence changes, but it really doesn’t.

“Florence seems to be an infectious town that just gets into people’s systems,” he adds.

See Florence programs offered in 2025 and 2026.

George Mills Harper Professor of English Judith Pascoe and English Senior Lecturer Perry Howell have taught several summer semesters in Florence through the Editing, Writing, and Media in Italy Program. Howell responded in an email to two question prompts.

What do you enjoy most about the teaching environment in Florence? Through your curriculum and teaching, how do you incorporate the immersion aspect of study abroad that the IP promotes for students?

The Florence study center, in particular, is a relaxed environment, with an in-house coffee shop, nice library, and comfortable classrooms. The classroom we use for the EWM in Italy program is set up with high tables and chairs and promotes easy and energetic discussion. The city of Florence itself provides daily opportunities for learning that you can’t get most other places.

Florence is a very walkable city, so most field trips are an easy walk from the study center, and we have at least one field trip almost every class day. Because our students are working on both their own writing and on magazine publishing, the whole experience is both exciting and immersive—students switch from writers to editors to designers across the course of a single class day. Students experience new tastes, sights, and sounds daily, which opens up minds and spirits for learning.

How does the program staff and leadership support professors and other faculty members throughout their time at the Florence campus?

The Florence program’s staff and administration is incredibly helpful to teachers. They are very knowledgeable about all aspects of life in and around Florence and often recommend experiences for students that an outsider would never think of.

You can discuss learning goals or even just general ideas you have about what might help your class, and the staff inevitably comes up with two or three different ideas for a place to go that will really show things to students in new ways. Being overseas can be a bit overwhelming at times, and the staff has mastered helping the students achieve the right balance between new experiences, entertainment, and comfort.

LONDON, ENGLAND

Established in 1971, the London Study Centre is nestled in the center of the Bloomsbury district and within walking distance from Buckingham Palace and the West End. Senior Associate Director Lisa Bowers-Isaacson notes that “London is a city you can find yourself.”

“There isn’t a definition of who you have to be to be there,” she adds. “You get to find your own definition. Who am I? What matters to me? You can build your own world.”

Historical references to classic literature are found throughout the city.

“We’re surrounded by places,” Bowers-Isaacson says. “Virginia Woolf and her husband had their publishing company nearby. Around the corner is where T.S. Eliot was writing, working for Faber and Faber, the publishing company. We’re a couple streets away from where Charles Dickens house is. And we’re not far from the whole world of William Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre.”

Bowers-Isaacson describes London as the place for writers. Not only have many famous authors emerged from the city, but even now, new, emerging writers find themselves drawn to the cobblestone streets.

For those who are looking to escape from their world and enter realms they have read about, England is the perfect place. Many of the stories written in British literature were based on real places. Looking over large stretches of hilly land across the British moors, Bowers-Isaacson says, one could almost imagine Heathcliff yelling at Cathy or Jane Eyre running off in the distance.

See London programs offered in 2025 and 2026.

Timothy Gannon Associate Professor of English Alisha Gaines has taught during summer semesters in London. She responded in an email to two question prompts.

What do you enjoy most about the teaching environment in London? Through your curriculum and teaching, how do you incorporate the immersion aspect of study abroad that the IP promotes for students?

Selfishly, my favorite part about teaching for FSU London is how much I learn. Every summer offers new opportunities to explore the city alongside the most curious and adventurous students at FSU. I try to use my Study Centre classroom as infrequently as possible—if I had an unlimited budget, we would have an excursion on every single day of the term.

How does the program staff and leadership support professors and other faculty members throughout their time at the London campus?

The program staff at FSU London is an invaluable resource. They want students to have the best study abroad term possible and are eager to help you execute your pedagogical vision. I’ve had many good ideas become great experiences when sharpened and enhanced by either the program assistants or the directors.

I have to mention Lisa Bowers-Isaacson, who is always keeping an eye out for things that might be relevant to my course. Last summer, we attended an incredible Black British Music exhibit at the British Library because of her suggestion.

VALENCIA, SPAIN

The youngest out of FSU’s four centers stands within Valencia’s historic city center. Originally, in 1997, the university planted itself within Spain’s bustling capital city of Madrid. However, upon witnessing the beautiful architecture and experiencing delectable foods that Valencia had to offer, FSU relocated its “home.”

“Valencia is a beautiful city that’s not too touristy yet,” says FSU Valencia Program Director Ignacio Messana. “The city combines the Latin culture and the Hispanic culture, while still being very European. So, there’s a lot of traditions and culture while still being modern.”

Beyond its exquisite historical structures and artistic flair, the city embraces young international students and is prepared for people from all backgrounds and interests. The FSU Valencia Program prides itself on assisting students in the transition from the U.S. to Spain.

“Everyone is welcome, and we are ready to help no matter what happens,” Messana says proudly. “Some are coming for the first time to Europe or Spain, so we’re ready to help in whatever they need.”

English-Editing, Writing, and Media major Rachel Brady felt the program staff’s support as she embarked on her first time abroad during the Summer 2024 semester. While the transition was challenging, it pushed her to step outside of her comfort zones.

“Without that discomfort, I wouldn't have pushed myself to be better than I was when I started the program,” she says. “I made connections and sparked conversations I never would have back home. I built confidence.”

See Valencia programs offered in 2025 and 2026.

Jack Clifford, media specialist for the English department, has co-taught courses since 2014 through the Editing, Writing, and Media in Valencia Program with FSU Teaching Faculty II instructor Susan Hellstrom. Clifford responded in an email to two question prompts.

What do you enjoy most about the teaching environment in Valencia? Through your curriculum and teaching, how do you incorporate the immersion aspect of study abroad that the IP promotes for students?

Valencia is situated on the Mediterranean Sea, equal distance from Madrid to the west and Barcelona to the north—about 220 miles. The city has a rich history, dating back to its founding as a Roman colony in 138 BCE, eventually becoming the capital of the Kingdom of Valencia in 1238. The ancient past surrounds you anywhere you go in the city center, and more modern structures, such as the City of Arts and Sciences, add to the cultural landscape.

With living history and cultural diversity right outside the two main study centers, immersing students in either one is easy. Taking students out into the city brings the classroom to the Central Market, the Valencia Cathedral (which was consecrated in 1238), or the La Almoina Archaeological Museum, which is built on the Roman ruins from the city’s beginning. In our lectures, Susan and I regularly remind the students that one of the most important characteristics to have as a journalist is curiosity, and Valencia is the perfect place to explore that inquisitiveness.

How does the program staff and leadership support professors and other faculty members throughout their time at the Valencia campus?

Program Director Ignacio Messana prefers to call the Valencia staff a “team.” He is the captain, with everyone else fulfilling their roles with outstanding attention and assistance to the faculty members and regularly extending that helpfulness to family members and friends of faculty members. If Susan and I need anything—a reservation at a museum, computer help in the classroom, or anything teaching related—someone from the Valencia team steps in right away to help. I know I speak for Susan when I say that we feel like honorary team members when we are in Valencia.

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FSU International Programs beckons students and faculty to begin their study abroad journey, regardless of any fears or reservations. Insights from program directors and faculty members who have taught in the four locations or from students like Rachel Brady, who ventured outside of their known world, show something even greater can be discovered: an FSU across the globe. A home away from home.

Kaley Hoppenworth is a double major in English-Editing, Writing, and Media and in social work. She also is the editor in chief for Her Campus at FSU.

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