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GLOBAL FIRST YEAR AT FIU

See why you’d love studying at Florida International University with thousands of other international students.

WHAT IS FIU?

Designated as a top-tier research institution, FIU emphasizes research as a major component in the university's mission. The Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and the School of Computing and Information Sciences' Discovery Lab are just two of many colleges, schools and centers that actively enhance the university’s ability to set new standards through research initiatives.

WHY FIU?

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EASY TRANSITION

A simple admissions process, free airport pickup and help setting up your new life in the US.
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ENHANCED SUPPORT

Small classes tailored to your academic and English language needs; networking, social and cultural events.
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CAREER GROWTH

Professional development courses, internship assistance and greater cultural understanding.

CHOOSE YOUR DEGREE

A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Hundreds of on-campus resources. We strive toward excellence and help you do the same. With many advanced, dual and joint degree programs and top-notch professors teaching in small classes, we offer you the knowledge you’ll need and the wisdom to know how best to apply it. Look deeper. Reach further. Think bigger. Acquire the tools that drive academic experiences and lifelong careers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

COMPARE PROGRAMS

Discover the Ultimate American College Experience
Recommended For:
Main Benefit:
Length:
Minimum GPA Required:
English Skills Required:
Global First Year (GIY 2) 2-Semester Program
High-achieving students
Rigorous academic experience and priority access to courses
2 semesters
2.8
Advanced
Global First Year (GIY 3) 3-Semester Program
Students who want some English-language support
Just the right amount of support and tailored courses
3 semesters
2.8
Intermediate
Extended Pre-Sessional English 12 – 14 Weeks
Students who would like to prepare themselves for English-speaking classrooms
Strong language support students need to feel more comfortable learning in English
12 weeks
2.8
Moderate
Recommended For:
Main Benefit:
Length:
Minimum GPA Required:
English Skills Required:
Global First Year (GIY 2) 2-Semester Program
High-achieving students
Rigorous academic experience and priority access to courses
2 semesters
2.8
Advanced
Recommended For:
Main Benefit:
Length:
Minimum GPA Required:
English Skills Required:
Global First Year (GIY 2) 2-Semester Program
High-achieving students
Rigorous academic experience and priority access to courses
2 semesters
2.8
Advanced
Recommended For:
Main Benefit:
Length:
Minimum GPA Required:
English Skills Required:
Global First Year (GIY 3) 3-Semester Program
Students who want some English-language support
Just the right amount of support and tailored courses
3 semesters
2.8
Intermediate
Recommended For:
Main Benefit:
Length:
Minimum GPA Required:
English Skills Required:
Extended Pre-Sessional English 12 – 14 Weeks
Students who would like to prepare themselves for English-speaking classrooms
Strong language support students need to feel more comfortable learning in English
12 weeks
2.8
Moderate

Oscar Alay, Peru

International Business, Class of 2019

“Miami is an amazing city to live in — the people are so friendly, the weather is warm, the beaches are beautiful and it is very diverse. There are people from all over the world here, which makes it a very welcoming environment for international students. I am always meeting people from new places and learning about new cultures, which is what I love most about this city!”

Jessica Hagenius, Sweden

International Business

“It has really been great taking advantage of the support services offered by the Global First Year Program. I go to math tutoring, which has really helped my grades, and the small English class sizes have given me the confidence to really increase my English-speaking skills.”

Hashim Al Khaburi, Oman

Journalism

“Before I came to Miami as part of the Global First Year Program, I was not confident in my English abilities at all. But now, after working really hard in my English classes and going to my professors for help when I needed it, I am doing well in my classes and speaking English better than I could have imagined.”

ABOUT FIU

The #5-ranked International Business program

The #7-ranked Undergraduate Marketing program

The #8-ranked Business School for Return on Investment.

The #1 U.S. university for awarding degrees to Hispanic students

The largest number of graduates working in the hospitality industry

2,500 international students from 142 countries

200+ student organizations, including the International Students Club and the Table Tennis Club

18 top division sports teams, including American football, soccer/football and volleyball

About Miami

Global. Entrepreneurial. Fashionable. Warm.
People come from every country to experience Miami’s beaches, culture, food and festivals. At Florida International University, you’ll take classes and make friends with students from all over the world in the spectacularly lush settings of our Modesto A. Maidique and Biscayne Bay campuses. You’ll do it while being 30 minutes from South Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, the Everglades National Park and downtown Miami. Plus, you’re only a three-hour flight from New York City and a short flight to both Central and South America.

5.5 million people live in the Miami area

Miami is the #2 tourism destination in the United States

Miami is the warmest U.S. city in the winter, with an average temperature of 20°C in January

More than 1,100 multinational companies, including the most international banks in any U.S. city, have an office in Miami

Miami International Airport has flights to 100+ international destinations

PROGRAM TRACKS

Global First Year offers three different programs, including the one that’s right for you. Explore below the right option based on your academic needs.

Global First Year 2

The Global First Year 2-term program is designed specifically for international students with an advanced level of English-language proficiency who also want the academic, cultural, professional and linguistic support they need to thrive at FIU. The program features a robust advising and college life coaching component, as well as priority access to the most exclusive, in-demand courses. Upon completion of the program, students progress into year 2 of their undergraduate education with a full year’s worth of academic credits.

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Global First Year 3

The Global First Year 3-term program is for students seeking an immersive English-learning experience. The program gives students a firsthand practical and cultural understanding of the FIU campus and the Miami area through its contextual curriculum. Upon completion of the program, students progress into year 2 of their undergraduate education with a full year’s worth of academic credits.<Br/><br/><br/>

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Pre-Sessional English

The Extended Accelerator Program (EAP) is a three-semester program for students seeking an immersive English-learning experience. The program gives students a firsthand practical and cultural understanding of the Adelphi campus and New York area through its contextual curriculum. Students may enter the program in the spring, summer or fall.

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Career Accelerator

Through the two-year Career Accelerator, you’ll enhance your employability, gain skills to advance your academic performance and access opportunities for real-world work placement, either while pursuing your degree or upon graduation.

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