First-Year Abroad: An Interview with Tessa on Being a Freshman at FSU Valencia

Tessa, a History and international affairs major, had the opportunity to spend her freshman year abroad at Florida State University's Valencia campus in Spain. As a New Jersey native, spending her first year abroad allowed Tessa to get in-state tuition for the duration of her time at FSU. This incentive, combined with testimonials of amazing study abroad experiences from her friends and family, convinced Tessa to pack up and move across the globe for a year. 

Upon arriving in Valencia, Tessa noted how welcoming the local people were towards her and the other FSU students. She attributes this to how familiar the locals are with the FSU program, as it has been part of the community for many years. Tessa enjoyed practicing her Spanish with the local cafe owners and shopkeepers. On weekdays, Tessa was busy with her classes, which met only once a week, but were usually three hours long. The classes she took in Valencia were very different from those in her high school. “International Programs really make sure that the classes offered immerse you in the local culture and allow you to travel and learn about the city you're abroad in,” explains Tessa. The nature of these classes helped Tessa become a more adaptable student, able to learn in many different settings and from professors from various backgrounds. 

On the weekends, Tessa enjoyed traveling to nearby countries with her fellow FSU students. She visited Morocco, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Germany and more. One factor that feels scary to students considering studying abroad is the fear of doing it solo and not making any friends. In Tessa's experience, however, she formed close and lasting friendships with her roommates and fellow students. They were able to share this unique experience together which created a lasting bond. 

Now back in Tallahassee, Tessa has added a minor in Spanish to her degree program. She laughed about not wanting to come back to Tallahassee after the amazing year she spent abroad. However, the transition was made easier because she and all her friends from study abroad navigated this transitional time together. Two years later, she is happy to be back and spends her time studying, riding on the FSU Huntseat team, and exploring her hobbies. 

When asked what advice she had for students considering studying abroad, Tessa shared “I always recommend studying abroad because it’s such a life changing experience. It was a formative time in my life, and I think it’s important to get out there and see the world, so you have an understanding of cultures besides your own.” She also thanked studying abroad for making her more confident, not only as a student but as a person. She said that “My biggest takeaway from studying abroad was that it made me realize I am capable of anything I put my mind to.”