FAMU Study Abroad Fair Connects Students to Global Opportunities
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Three years before Florida A&M University senior Delvonz Flamand boarded a plane for a six-week study abroad experience in Ireland, he walked into a FAMU Study Abroad Fair with an idea but no concrete plan.
He knew he wanted to study abroad. He just did not know where to go or how he would make it happen.
“I remember going to the Study Abroad Fair, and I was like, ‘I’m going somewhere. I gotta figure it out,’” Flamand recalled.
Florida A&M University senior Delvonz Flamand proudly displays the FAMU flag during
his study abroad experience, representing Rattler pride while exploring a new culture
and gaining international experience.
That decision eventually took the history education major from Tallahassee to Ireland,
where lessons he had encountered in textbooks became history he could experience firsthand.
Now, FAMU’s Office of International Education and Development is helping another group of students explore where their education could take them.
The Study Abroad Fair connected students with representatives offering information about international programs, internships, fellowships, scholarships and passport services. Emily Gung, Ph.D., with the Office of International Education and Development, said the value of international education extends far beyond travel.
“When students immerse themselves in another country and culture, they learn to navigate unfamiliar situations, communicate across cultural differences, become more independent and adaptable, and see the world — and themselves — from new perspectives,” Gung said.
A Florida A&M University student speaks with a representative from the Department
of English and Modern Languages during the Study Abroad Fair, where students explored
international education opportunities and resources. (Photo Courtesy: Jeff Adams)
“Most importantly, study abroad can expand what students believe is possible for their futures,” Gung added. “At FAMU, we want our students not only to earn a degree, but also to graduate prepared to compete, lead, and thrive in an increasingly interconnected global workforce.”
For FAMU psychology major Azaria Patterson, that global perspective could directly influence her future career. Patterson, who hopes to become a clinical psychologist, explored opportunities in Greece, Italy and Seoul, South Korea.
“Being around different people of different backgrounds, it’ll just help me long term,” Patterson said, explaining that exposure to different cultures could broaden her understanding of the people she may one day serve professionally.
Florida A&M University students pose together during the Study Abroad Fair while exploring
opportunities to study and travel internationally. (Photo Courtesy: Jeff Adams)
Her interest in Greece grew after attending a previous Study Abroad Fair and meeting a representative who attended an HBCU before living abroad. Hearing from someone with a background she could relate to helped Patterson envision herself pursuing a similar experience.
This year, she discovered programs that combine academics with professional experience.
“I didn’t know that there were opportunities that combined studying and internships,” Patterson said. “So now I can kind of prioritize that kind of program.”
Making Global Learning Attainable
Cost and staying on track for graduation are two common concerns students have when considering studying abroad, Gung said.
The Office of International Education and Development helps students understand how
financial aid may apply, identify scholarships and select programs and courses that
align with degree requirements.
“Our goal is to help students understand that study abroad can be both financially achievable and academically purposeful when they plan early and work closely with their advisors,” Gung said.
Among the funding resources available is the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which can provide up to $5,000 to eligible U.S. undergraduate students who receive a federal Pell Grant.
Nick Dombrowski, with the Miami Passport Agency of the U.S. Department of State, also spoke with students about passport services, costs and processing timelines.
A Florida A&M University student speaks with a U.S. Department of State representative
about passport services and resources during FAMU’s Study Abroad Fair. (Photo courtesy of Antwanique Mitchell.)
“Students need to know the necessary fees and timing involved to get their process started,” Dombrowski said.
Study Abroad Week included additional programming, including the virtual Exchange Extravaganza, hosted by Gung and Natalie Word of the Office of International Education and Development, and sessions focused on scholarships and funding resources.
Gung recommends students begin exploring their options four to six months before they hope to travel.
“Every international journey starts somewhere, and for many of our students, I hope that journey starts right here at the FAMU Study Abroad Fair,” Gung said.
From the Fair to Ireland
For Flamand, it did.
After attending the fair approximately three years ago, Flamand learned about IES Abroad and identified a history-focused program that could complement his degree requirements. He worked with his academic adviser and FAMU’s study abroad staff to prepare for the experience.
Flamand said he received $3,000 in funding through IES Abroad and learned about the Gilman Scholarship during the process. He began preparing in December, working closely with Word, education abroad coordinator, to complete the necessary requirements.
Florida A&M University senior Delvonz Flamand captures a moment during his study abroad
experience, where he immersed himself in new cultures and expanded his global perspective
beyond the classroom. (Photo courtesy of Delvonz Flamand.)
On June 10, Flamand left for Ireland. By the time he returned July 25, his understanding of his field had expanded.
“We’ll be reading the books. It’s just surface-level things,” Flamand said. “When you actually go to see what you’ve been learning, it’s a whole different experience.”
Florida A&M University senior Delvonz Flamand poses with fellow students during his
study abroad experience, building connections and creating memories while immersed
in an international learning environment. (Photo courtesy of Delvonz Flamand)
One of those moments came in Belfast, where the Titanic was built. Flamand had previously
imagined creating an interactive Titanic lesson for his future students. Visiting
a place directly connected to that history expanded what he envisioned for his own
classroom.
“If I can teach it, they can learn it,” he said.
Beyond academics, Flamand navigated unfamiliar transportation, communication styles and social norms.
“I already know how to adapt, but I feel like it taught me how to adapt to everything around me even more,” he said.
Florida A&M University senior Delvonz Flamand shares information about the Benjamin
A. Gilman International Scholarship during FAMU’s Study Abroad Fair. Flamand returned
to the fair as a presenter after his own study abroad experience, helping fellow Rattlers
explore opportunities to study internationally. (Photo courtesy of Antwanique Mitchell.)
His journey came full circle when he returned from Ireland and participated in the
Study Abroad Fair as a presenter. Instead of being the student searching for answers,
Flamand was able to share his experience with Rattlers who stood where he once did
— interested in studying abroad but unsure where to begin.
“This is your time to do this. You came here for a reason,” Flamand said. “You never know what they have to offer.”
Three years after walking into the fair looking for direction, Flamand returned with a broader understanding of his field, a new vision for his future classroom and an opportunity to help other Rattlers envision what may be possible for them.
Through advising, scholarships and international programming, FAMU is helping students turn curiosity into opportunity — allowing Rattlers to explore the world, bring those experiences back to the Hill and inspire others to take their own first step.
The Titanic Belfast museum stands along the Belfast waterfront in Northern Ireland,
one of the destinations visited during Florida A&M University senior Delvonz Flamand’s
study abroad experience. (Photo courtesy of Delvonz Flamand.)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
