Maybe with us! In August we'll share our 2023 plans
Meantime, get on the 2023 Mailing List. No obligation.
Questions about financial aid?
Please contact the University of Florida International Center
Study Abroad and COVID-19
How are we dealing with COVID-19 concerns in study abroad?
We are following all state, federal and international guidelines for safe international travel
A commitment to your safety and welfare
The University of Florida, the UFIC, AIFS, and your program staff put your health and welfare first. Should the world situation not improve by early 2022 then the program will be cancelled and all monies will be returned to students who've made deposits.
Courses Offered
ADV 4930 Happiness
What does science tell us about the things happy people think, do, and feel? How can you incorporate habits that will make your life happier?
Contact: mweigold@jou.ufl.edu
ADV 4930 Culture
What is Spanish culture and how does it differ from our own? This immersive class will change the experience of study abroad by offering cultural insights.
Contact: dtreise@jou.ufl.edu
ADV 4930 Lean into Leadership
Leading is an opportunity and a challenge. How can you develop the skills and confidence to inspire and lead others in our industries?
Contact: dtreise@jou.ufl.edu
JOU 4930 Travel Reporting
Reporting from overseas is a unique challenge and study abroad is a unique place to apply these skills and enhance your ability to tell stories.
Contact: bgrogan@wuft.org
MMC 3203 Ethics and Problems in Mass Communication
A big part of education in advertising, journalism, public relations and telecommunication is learning right from wrong—what you’re supposed to do versus what you’re not supposed to do
Contact: kwchilders@jou.ufl.edu
VIC 3001 Sight, Sound & Motion
Foundation course in the tools for telling stories in audio, video, and the written word. This course carries 4 credits and lasts summer
PUR 3000 Intro to Public Relations
Learn about the exciting field of public relations from an industry leader.
Contact: mickey.nall@jou.ufl.edu
ADV 4800 Advertising Campaigns
The capstone class in advertising features a real client and real challenges. Experience campaigns overseas for a unique way to end your major at UF.
Our People
Director
Faculty-Telecommunication
Faculty-Telecommunication
Mike Weigold (ADV)
Study Abroad Program Director; Professor, Department of Advertising
Tell us a little bit about yourself. I’m a professor in the Advertising Department and a textbook author. I teach a happiness class in the program and love every destination we visit. Spending time each summer with our staff and students is one of the highlights of my year.
If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be? Curious, entrepreneurial, goal-oriented.
What are your must-have items when traveling? My European coffee maker. My laptop. My iPad.
Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. They are all great: Sydney, Florence, Paris, London, Barcelona, Dublin, Santorini, Madrid, Galway.
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be? Truffle pasta in my favorite Florence restaurant.
What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad? Congratulate yourself on your courage and sense of adventure for going! Prepare for the trip by studying up on the culture and places you will visit. Live each day fully. Make connections, they will last a lifetime.
Faculty-Telecommunication
Faculty-Telecommunication
Faculty-Telecommunication
Bridget Grogan (RTV)
Former News Manager, Innovation New Center
Tell us a little bit about yourself. I was born in Georgia, raised in Florida and have a passion for driving fast cars. I hate living where it snows. I LOVE teaching college students. They keep me young.
If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be? Organized, silly, passionate.
What are your must-have items when traveling? iPhone for taking pictures, comfortable shoes, hot rollers.
Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. I can’t decide. I would have to say Ireland is a favorite because I got married there. But there are so many other places I truly love…the Greek Islands, Barcelona and Seville, Spain. I also love Belgium, Austria, France, the Netherlands, England, Germany.
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be? Chocolate Gelato.
What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad? As Mike says, do your homework and learn about the places we will visit. The month goes by very quickly so it’s a good idea to make a list of your must-go places that you don’t want to miss. Pack light and save room for souvenirs. No need to pack 30 outfits. No one will notice or care if you wear the same thing twice or ten times. I over-packed my first Study Abroad year and regretted it!
Faculty-Advertising
Faculty-Telecommunication
Faculty-Advertising
Tom Mueller (ADV)
Advertising Professor, Appalachian State University
Tell us a little bit about yourself. I’m a Ph.D. grad from University of Florida in 2009. Professor in advertising, faculty in residence, fitness advocate, published author. My recent research has been directed at energy conservation through consumer behavior, also new models in gender identity. I was recently named to the board of directors for the Journal of Gender Studies.
If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be? Compassionate, resilient, loyal.
What are your must-have items when traveling? My unlocked smart phone (buy a SIM card where ever I go); running gear; lightweight day pack; laptop with HDMI cord; MeetUp.com to join local running, tour and hiking groups.
Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. I find it hard to define “best” because every UF study abroad trip is a privilege. To be part of alternate cultures, be in communities and find the best running loops and parks! Getting back to Barcelona is excellent. What a wonderful walking city with epic views, history and night life!
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be? Crispy apples and protein bars.
What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad? Remain open to new experiences. Use the mantra “not better or worse, just different.” Strive to transition from tourist to temporary local resident. Enjoy the simple things. Have a cup of coffee and relax.
Faculty-Advertising
Faculty-Advertising
Faculty-Advertising
Debbie Treise (ADV)
Advertising Professor
Tell us a little bit about yourself. In no particular order: I’m from Buffalo, N.Y., I’m a professor in advertising, flight instructor, head up the science/health grad program, a mom to the best two sons in the world, health researcher, avid biker, exercise fiend.
If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be? Happy, goal-oriented, funny (or maybe that’s goofy).
What are your must-have items when traveling? Flattening iron, iPad, credit card.
Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. Wow! Tough question – Italy for the culture, art and SHOES. Australia for the culture and fun. Greece for the absolute beauty and history (oh, and the food), Ireland for the people, Spain for the food, opportunities, architecture and shopping, etc….
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be? Donuts and Chicago hot dogs – only healthy food for me.
What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad? This is an amazing opportunity! Plan every day to see or do something new. Challenge yourself. Meet new people among our group and in the community where we’ll be staying.
Faculty-Journalism
Faculty-Advertising
Faculty-Journalism
Kim Walsh-Childers (JOU)
Journalism Professor
Tell us a little bit about yourself. I was born in Roswell, N.M., while my dad was in the Air Force (which could explain a lot, eh?), but I grew up in a small town in southwest Missouri. I got my bachelor’s in journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia and worked as a health reporter for several years before going to UNC-Chapel Hill for my master’s and Ph.D. The only thing I don’t like about traveling is leaving behind my family – my husband (a potter), my two sons, a snooty cat, a goofy Labrador retriever and two horses. My family has spent more than a year of our lives in Ireland, so I look forward to going “home,” if only briefly.
If you could describe yourself using three adjectives, what would they be? Passionate, responsible and goofy.
What are your must-have items when traveling? Laptop, really comfortable shoes, books.
Best place you’ve ever traveled and why. Ireland. I loved New Zealand, Canada, Italy, Australia. But I feel connected to Ireland in a way that’s almost creepy. It felt like home from the first time I landed on Irish soil.
If you could have an endless supply of any food, what would it be? Aaargh – I have to pick just one? OK, grilled fish. No, wait, steak. No, wait, really good cherries…
What advice do you have for our students about traveling abroad? It’s not going to be like living in Florida or anywhere else in the United States, and that’s a GOOD thing. Relax and go with the flow, taking advantage of the chance to experience a totally different culture, make new friends, and see the world – and the United States – from a new perspective.