Mission
"To enhance the educational experience and environment of UF's students, faculty and staff by promoting a global perspective."
Dean's Message
We at the University of Florida International Center have a simple mission, but a complex task. Our mission is to enhance the educational experience and environment of UF's students, faculty and staff by promoting a global perspective. This is complex because it potentially affects everyone in the UF community in a number of ways. This web site explains the services that UFIC provides and some of the programs it supports in order to encourage a more international outlook.
One might ask why this is important. It matters a great deal, because regardless of what UF students might do after graduation, they will be affected by the world beyond our borders. Globalization is one word that is used to describe the wide variety of ways in which this can happen. Globalization has many different definitions, but stripped to its essentials, it means that ideas, goods and people are crossing international borders with greater impact, reach, speed and frequency than many would have thought possible a few years ago. Taking this into account and being aware of its problems and benefits has become an essential element in the educational process.
Services
UF has a long and distinguished tradition in international education and research in addition to a wide range of resources including faculty, staff and students with international interests. To respond to the rapidly changing global environment, the University of Florida established the International Center in 1991. The International Center serves as an internal and external liaison for the University, providing a source of assistance to faculty, administrators and students and enhancing their ability to pursue and develop international activities and initiatives. Among the primary services provided by UFIC are:
- International Speaker Series
- Internationalizing the Curriculum Awards
- Study Abroad Services
- International Student Services
- International Program Development
- International Faculty and Scholar Services
- UFIC also supports UF faculty and colleges in the facilitation of international agreements