Florida State University (FSU) student Ava De Gaetano spent the spring 2025 semester at Mahidol University in Salaya, Thailand, as part of FSU’s Global Exchanges program. De Gaetano, a junior majoring in management information systems at the College of Business, aimed to gain more than just academic credit during her time abroad.
“It was the best decision I’ve made in my life,” she said.
FSU’s Global Exchanges program allows students to study at partner universities overseas for one semester while earning credit and paying FSU tuition and fees. The university has established partnerships with over 40 institutions across 20 countries. The program also supports inbound students from these partner universities who spend one or two semesters at FSU and participate in campus life alongside local students.
De Gaetano had a longstanding interest in Thai history and culture. While attending Mahidol University, she took classes and explored Salaya with friends from the exchange program.
“I was able to meet so many other international students with similar career goals as mine,” De Gaetano said.
She plans to become an international technology business consultant and found that group projects and collaboration with peers helped her prepare for global communications work. She also visited local restaurants to study business processes for her courses, which she believes contributed to her professional development.
“Every internship and interview I’ve gotten since returning was because of this exchange experience,” she said.
De Gaetano noted that being the only FSU student on campus improved her ability to handle new situations.
“I was able to navigate social situations as the only FSU student on campus, which built my confidence in the ability to talk to strangers and navigate local transportation,” she said.
Outside of academics, De Gaetano traveled to Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, and Singapore with friends met through the exchange. She also learned Muay Thai during her free time. These experiences contributed to her independence and self-reliance.
“My exchange shaped me as a person and made me more confident in every situation,” she said.
She credited both FSU’s Global Exchanges resources and Mahidol University for supporting her growth abroad.
“It could be daunting, but there is a network of support with the FSU exchange advisors and the people at your exchange university,” De Gaetano said. “If you’re apprehensive – go for it. This time in your life is the perfect time to go.”
The Global Exchange Program at Mahidol University is available for students from several colleges within FSU, including Arts and Sciences, Business, and Social Sciences & Public Policy. There is also a direct enroll summer program open to many majors. More information about these opportunities can be found on the Center for Global Engagement website: https://cge.fsu.edu/fsu-global-exchange-programs
