lorida’s geographical location on the Southeastern point of the United States, international trade has become a key focus of the state trading about $128 billion worth of merchandise each year. In fact, 40% of all US exports to Latin America pass through the state. Due to Florida’s ever increasing focus on international trade, many colleges here have developed programs focusing on international trade, sailing, international business, etc. This international environment has also expanded into liberal arts where international students who study in Florida will have access to language and humanity classes that provide the educational foundation to be a member of the international community.
Looking at Florida from either an international or local perspective, the state is also known as the "Sunshine State" - and for a good reason! All that sun has increased productivity and growth in agriculture over the years. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the state has over 47,500 commercial farms utilizing 9.25 million acres to be the number one state to produce oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, sugarcane for sugar and seed, squash, watermelons, sweet corn, fresh-market snap beans, fresh-market tomatoes, and fresh-market cucumbers. Not only does that mean that students will have access to fresh and locally grown food while they study in Florida, but this growing agriculture industry has created demand on institutions to provide high quality programs concentrating on agriculture, life sciences, horticulture, forestry, etc.
Orlando, Florida has earned the nickname of "Hollywood East"—an appropriate nickname since they have two major movie studios located there; Universal Studios and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Florida is also home to popular Television shows, like CSI Miami, Dexter and movies like Adam Sandler's The Water Boy and Miami Vice. Full Sail University is located here and offers a variety of courses and majors for anyone who has ever considered a career in film or television.
Beyond the classroom, Florida features a social and diverse setting to explore. There are many large colleges that provide the campus experience like in Jacksonville, Miami, Tallahassee, Gainesville, etc. The state also offers a diverse population where 19% of the population is foreign born and 26% of the population speaks another language other than English at home. With this international background, International students will truly understand the meaning of the United States’ melting pot as Florida is home to many people whose origins are from all around the globe.
Whether traveling to Orlando for the amusement parks, St. Augustine for its rich history or Key West for the pristine beaches, Florida has much to offer in the way of an overall experience from colleges in Florida to its awe inspiring environment.
