FAQ for Beyond Borders
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General Beyond Borders FAQs

Do I need a passport to participate in Beyond Borders?
Click the following link for more information about getting a passport http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html


FAQs for Beyond Borders - Jamaica

Am I eligible to participate in Beyond Borders-Jamaica?
All students enrolled at Florida State University who are in good academic and judicial standing are eligible to participate with Beyond Borders. Beyond Borders is an intense cultural exchange program that will allow you to increase your global competencies in an ever changing global society. In the past, students who have backgrounds in International Affairs, Arts, Caribbean Culture, Political Science and History have had an exceptionally good responses regarding the program. We welcome all students from all fields of study and backgrounds.

If selected, where would I live in Jamaica? Where do the students from Jamaica live?
The cultural exchange of students makes Beyond Borders the success that it is today. Students from UWI stay in FSU residence halls with resident assistants, and therefore FSU students do not host in their homes the UWI exchange students. However, the FSU team members do play a large role in the planning and execution of the program (this is crucial). FSU students live in UWI residence halls as well while visiting Jamaica. This is so students can experience what everyday college life is like.

Costa Rica Vegetation Who will I know once I get to Jamaica?
Beyond Borders is an exchange program. Meaning students from UWI come to the FSU and students from FSU travel to UWI. This is what makes the program unique. In October, twelve UWI students and four staff members travel to FSU for one week. During this time, you will be involved with the planning of their activities, spending time with them, participating in dialogues and just hanging out. When you go to UWI in March, the same students that visited FSU will return the same hospitality to you in Jamaica.

Is there any school work involved?
The short answer is no. You will be required to take place in a semester-long orientation during spring semester of your departure. The orientation will cover many topics from safety to learning about the history/culture of Jamaica.

Is there any volunteer work?
UWI students do partake in some volunteer activities while they are here at FSU. The UWI students are very involved on their campus and run their own service projects. FSU students in Jamaica will participate in some light volunteer activities such spending time with Jamaican elementary school students, painting and doing work in various other agencies. Although the volunteer work is not extraneous or extensive, it is a very important part of the trip.

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FAQs for Beyond Borders - Costa Rica

Am I eligible to participate in Beyond Borders-Costa Rica?
All students enrolled at Florida State University who are in good academic and judicial standing are eligible to participate with Beyond Borders. Beyond Borders is an intense cultural exchange program that will allow you to increase your global competencies in an ever changing global society. In the past, students who have backgrounds in International Affairs, Arts, Spanish Language, Hispanic Culture, Political Science and History have had an exceptionally good responses regarding the program. We welcome all students from all fields of study and backgrounds.

If selected, where would I live in Costa Rica? Where do the students from Costa Rica live?
The cultural exchange of students makes Beyond Borders the success that it is today. Students from Costa Rica stay in a local hotel near the campus, and therefore FSU students do not host in their homes the Costa Rican exchange students-although FSU students do play a large role in the planning and execution of the program (this is crucial). FSU students live with host families while visiting Costa Rica. This is so students can experience what everyday life is like. Host families include students who are participating or have participated in the program.

Do I need to speak Spanish to participate in Beyond Borders?
Speaking Spanish is not a requirement to participate in Beyond Borders; in fact, students who do not speak Spanish have participated with great success in the past. However, students with some Spanish language ability have had an easier time communicating in the city. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not required and your language skills will improve while in Costa Rica. Many Costa Rican students are fluent in English and help with translation.

Who will I know once I get to Costa Rica?
Beyond Borders is an exchange program. Meaning students from Costa Rica come to the FSU and students from FSU travel to Costa Rica. This is what makes the program unique. In spring, ten Costa Rican students and two staff members travel to FSU for two weeks. During this time, you will be involved with the planning of their activities, spending time with them, participating in dialogues and just hanging out. When you go to Costa Rica in May, the same students that were at FSU will return the same hospitality to you in Turrialba.

Is there any school work involved?
The short answer is no. You will be required to take place in a semester-long orientation the spring semester before your departure. The orientation will cover many topics from safety to learning about the history/culture of Costa Rica.

Is there any volunteer work?
UCR students do partake in some volunteer activities while they are here at FSU. The social systems of the USA and Costa Rica are different and volunteerism is not as promoted or structured the same. FSU students in Costa Rica will participate in some light volunteer activities such spending time with Costa Rican students and helping them with their English, painting a playground and doing work in various parks. Although the volunteer work is not extraneous or extensive, it is a very important part of the trip.

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FAQs for Beyond Borders - Germany

Am I eligible to participate in Beyond Borders-Germany?
All students enrolled at Florida State University who are in good academic and judicial standing are eligible to participate with Beyond Borders. Beyond Borders is an intense cultural exchange program that will allow you to increase your global competencies in an ever changing global society. In the past, students who have backgrounds in International Affairs, Arts, German Language/Culture, Political Science and History have had an exceptionally good responses regarding the program. We welcome all students from all fields of study and backgrounds.

If selected, where would I live in Dresden? Where do the students from Germany live?
The cultural exchange of students makes Beyond Borders the success that it is today. Students from TU-D stay in a local hotel near the campus, and therefore FSU students do not host in their homes the German exchange students. However, FSU students do play a large role in the planning and execution of the program (this is crucial). FSU students while they are in Dresden will live in a dormitory located on the University campus, near the cafeteria and Straßenbahn (street rail) station.

Do I need to speak German to participate in Beyond Borders?
Speaking German is not a requirement to participate in Beyond Borders, in fact, students who do not speak German have participated with great success in the past. However, students with some German language ability have had an easier time communicating in the city. Knowledge of German is helpful, but not required and your language skills will improve in Germany.

Who will I know once I get to Germany?
Beyond Borders is an exchange program. Meaning students from Germany come to the FSU and students from FSU travel to Germany. This is what makes the program unique. In February and March, ten German students and one staff member travel to FSU for three weeks. During this time, you will be involved with the planning of their activities, spending time with them, participating in dialogues and just hanging out. When you go to Germany in May, the same students that were at FSU will return the same hospitality to you in Dresden.

Is there any school work involved?
The short answer is no. You will be required to take place in a semester-long orientation the spring semester before your departure. The orientation will cover many topics from safety to learning about the history/culture of Germany.

Any volunteer work?
TUD students do partake in some volunteer activities while they are here at FSU. The social systems of the USA and Germany are different and volunteerism is not as promoted as it is here. FSU students in Dresden will participate in some light volunteer activities such as visiting home for disabled and visiting school for children with disabilities. This is a small part of the exchange.

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