Florida International University (International Student Information)
Miami, Florida
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Florida International University (International Student Information) - Overview
An Eclectic University in the Heart of South Florida
Located in Miami-Dade County, one of the busiest and most populous areas of the United States, Florida International University (FIU) is a public, 4-year university with a large, diverse student body and a wide variety of educational offerings.
Its proximity to the city of Miami -- well known for its multicultural residents and enthusiastic vacationers -- creates an exciting and stimulating learning atmosphere. In fact, many alumni stay in the area after graduation to take advantage of the port city's status as a hub of transportation and international business.
Top-Ranking Programs
Many Florida International University degree programs are nationally recognized for their success. "U.S. News & World Report" ranked the university's undergraduate international business programs among the Top 15 in the country, and the graduate programs among the Top 25. Also acclaimed is the school's College of Law, whose graduates have consistently excelled by scoring above state averages on Florida Bar Exam scores.
A Variety of Degree Offerings for a Vast Student Population
Florida International University, which first opened its doors to students in 1972, is now one of the 25-largest universities in the United States. The school's enrollment reaches almost 40,000 students among its campuses and other facilities. The school encompasses a number of colleges, each with a wide selection of degree options, for a total of over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs.
Among other degrees, the College of Architecture and the Arts offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in art, music, and theater. The College of Arts and Sciences offers bachelor's degrees in many areas, including Psychology, Biological Science, Marine Biology, Asian Studies.
One especially noteworthy degree in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is the B.S. in hospitality management, which includes an internship program that utilizes hotels, motels, restaurants, clubs, airlines, travel agencies, and cruise lines as practice labs for students.
The College of Education offers many Bachelor of Science degrees with specific focuses, including exceptional education with ESOL endorsement, and health occupations education.
Also included in the university system are the College of Engineering and Computing; the College of Nursing and Health Sciences; the College of Social Work, Justice, and Public Affairs; the Stempel School of Public Health; the School of Journalism and Mass Communications; the College of Law; and the Honors College.
A Welcoming Environment for International Students and Scholars
Florida International University takes pride in its multinational student population and works hard to make students from faraway lands feel at home.
The university's International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) hosts many programs to help foreign students adjust to life in the United States and at Florida International University. ISSS also helps new students handle passport, address, medical, housing, and citizenship issues.
A Multiethnic Student Body
Florida International University is known for its diverse and multiethnic student body. Approximately 70 percent of the university's students are Hispanic; 17 percent are white; and 13 percent are black. According to "Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education," Florida International University was the top 4-year college in the nation for awarding degrees to students of Hispanic origin.
In addition, almost 6 percent of the university's students come to Florida International University from foreign countries, including India, Venezuela, China, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and approximately 120 other nations.
FIU's English Language Institute
The English Language Institute (ELI) at Florida International University is a state-of-the-art learning center founded to help foreign students understand and successfully use the English language. Almost 20,000 students from more than 45 countries have utilized this resource to sharpen their communication skills. ELI instructors are prepared to teach students with varying levels of English language skill and from any track of the university's academic curriculum. The institute also offers workshops and social events to help international students acclimate to American cultural customs.
Renowned Research Centers
Florida International University's prestigious research centers, institutes, and laboratories have earned the school a research university classification and millions of dollars in government and corporate funding.
FIU research spans many areas, contributing to both academic and practical endeavors. The Metropolitan Center, for example, is a research facility focusing on the urban demographics, economics, and politics of South Florida. Faculty members at the center train the staffs of state and local agencies and municipalities to help them solve problems specific to urban areas.
The Faculty of Florida International University
In addition to a wide range of academic subjects, Florida International University employs a highly educated faculty specializing in a variety of doctrines. Of the tenured and tenure-seeking faculty, 96 percent have earned their doctorate degrees or the highest degrees available in their fields.
Generous Financial Assistance
Students in need of financial assistance can earn one of Florida International University's numerous scholarships that are awarded on the basis of financial need, academic excellence, and other criteria. Students at Florida International University can also take advantage of federal and state financial aid programs. Roughly 50 percent of the undergraduate population at the university receives financial aid.