Chartered with a mission to promote international understanding, Florida International University has sought out faculty with international expertise and worked to prepare students for careers in the global marketplace since the University first opened its doors in 1972. At the outset of the 21st century, as human livelihoods and identities are increasingly intertwined on a global scale, this commitment has become an indispensable component of higher education.

Much of the impetus for our international orientation comes from our students and our community. As Miami’s public university, FIU is a microcosm of the city’s gateway character. International students and non-citizen permanent residents from some 130 countries together account for more than a quarter of the University’s enrollment.

FIU’s international profile is distinctive for other reasons as well. The University has forged numerous alliances with institutions abroad for the purpose of involving our faculty and students in collaborative research and training programs. These activities span the professional schools as well as the arts and sciences. FIU also seeks to support and nurture the state of Florida’s economic and cultural links with foreign countries and regions through close cooperation with public sector agencies, private firms, media and other actors. The result has been a growing international reputation for innovative programming with strong local support.

The centers, institutes, and offices that make up International Studies at FIU stand at the core of these efforts. We strive to help students develop their knowledge of other societies, cultures, and languages, especially through interdisciplinary programs and study abroad; assist faculty in carrying out international research and teaching; collaborate with departments and colleges in pursuing their own global initiatives; offer outreach programs to diverse constituencies in the public and private sectors; and uncover new sources of financial and human support to make all of this possible. It is an exciting agenda, and one that we believe is indispensable for our University.

While FIU has come a long way in a short time as a comprehensive research university, we feel as if we have only begun to achieve our potential in the area of international education. We take the name of our institution as a challenge to live up to. I invite you to explore our website regularly to learn about our activities. Let us hear from you if you want to know more.

A. Douglas Kincaid
Vice Provost for International Studies