The 2025 International Internship Conference (IIC), recently held in Minneapolis brought together global leaders in higher education, industry, and government to explore the intersection between technology and international experiential learning.
Attendees from across the globe gathered to engage in sessions that ranged from employer site visits to focused panels and social receptions. Delegates included international internship providers, faculty, government...
On June 1, 2025, in Parma, Italy, 20 University of Florida Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering students and an ESSIE faculty member and an ESSIE administrator all arrived and settled into their accommodations in the city center to begin their exciting exploration of UF in Italy- Automotive Industries to Urban Planning. The month-long program incorporated a two-week transportation course taught by UF ESSIE’s Dr. Lily Elefteriadou and a 4-week project course led by UF ESSIE’s Ms. Nancy McIlrath. On June 2, a holiday in Parma, the group was given an orientation about the program, the city and the culture. They then took a walking tour of the city and had their first Italian style...
By Karen Dooley
New research suggests that psychological richness — a life of perspective-changing experiences — may matter just as much as happiness or meaning.
For centuries, scholars and scientists have defined the “good life” in one of two ways: a life that is rooted in happiness, characterized by positive emotions, or one that is centered on meaning, guided by purpose and personal fulfillment. But what if there is another, equally valuable path — one that prioritizes challenge, change and curiosity?
This third dimension, which may result in a...
Dr. Seong-Min Kim, Dean of the Graduate School at Jeonbuk National University (JBNU) in Korea, visited the UF International Center to discuss potential academic collaborations and graduate-level exchange programs.
Dr. Kim, also a professor in Bioindustrial Machinery Engineering, emphasized JBNU’s focus on agricultural research and expressed interest in strengthening ties between the two institutions. He was welcomed by Dr. Michael Kung and host faculty member Dr. Won Suk (Daniel) Lee.
Taylor Bryla is the Coordinator of International Scholars Program (ISP), one of the Office of Global Learning’s signature student engagement initiatives.
Taylor was raised right here in Gainesville, but her education and appetite for international experiences took her on a journey far and wide before she settled back down in her hometown. “Even back then, I feel like I was dying to see something new.” Taylor attended FSU, a “very controversial” choice to make when you come from a family of UF grads in Gainesville. She studied International Affairs and Spanish, received her TEFL certification, and had an amazing time studying abroad in Valencia, Spain.
After undergrad,...
University of Florida PhD international student William Santana was awarded the 2025 Graduate Paper Award by the International Sociology of Sport Association (ISSA) during its annual conference in Seoul, South Korea.
Originally from Brazil, Santana’s research explores cheerleading and Safe Sport policies, focusing on athlete well-being and institutional accountability through a sociological lens. His achievement highlights the global impact of UF’s international student community.
Congratulations, William!
Dr. Miles Larmer, Director of the University of Florida’s Center for African Studies, recently traveled to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana, to participate in a signing ceremony for a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions. The agreement aims to strengthen research collaboration—particularly on environmental issues and lithium mining in Ghana—as well as lay the groundwork for future faculty exchanges and joint grant applications.
While the official University of Florida signatures will be completed stateside, the ceremony included a symbolic signing for media and institutional purposes. The trip also included a...
Congratulations to Luis Johnson, Director and Responsible Officer for Exchange Visitor Services at the University of Florida, on his appointment as a coach for the 2025 NAFSA Region 7 Academy Class. The Academy for International Education is a prestigious yearlong program that develops future leaders in the field of international education through intensive training and networking.
Originally from Brazil, Luis holds a law degree from PUC-Goiás and a Master of Law (LL.M.) from Loyola University New Orleans. His early legal career in Brazil evolved into a passion for immigration law and international exchange, shaped by his pro bono work on asylum cases in the U.S.
Before...
Source: APLU
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) announced that Dr. Russell Ivy, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), is the winner of the 2025 Malone International Award. The Malone Award, a national honor sponsored by APLU and given annually, recognizes individuals who advance international education at public universities.
“Congratulations to Russell Ivy on winning the 2025 Michael P. Malone International Leadership Award,” said APLU President Mark Becker. “As a champion of international engagement for more than 30 years, his work to...
Representatives from the Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas (ESPE) in Ecuador visited the University of Florida last week to deepen ties and lay the groundwork for expanded academic collaboration. Hosted by Professor Karla Saldaña Ochoa from the College of Design, Construction and Planning, the delegation, led by Alexander Robayo, Director of ESPE's Department of Geospatial Engineering, and Oswaldo Padilla, Director of the Geomatica Research Lab, followed up on a visit by ESPE Vice Chancellor Henry Omar Cruz Carrillo in 2024.
During a packed agenda, Robayo and Padilla met with UF leaders and faculty across disciplines and at the UFIC to explore opportunities for student and...
