University of Florida Study Abroad Services

Get to Know Us 🌍✨

This month we’re spotlighting **Martine Angrand**, whose 20+ years at the UF International Center have helped shape the experience of thousands of international students. From student assistant to Director of F-1 International Student Services, she has been a steady source of guidance, compassion, and trust.

Her work goes beyond regulations. She helps students navigate life in a new country, build connections, and feel at home at UF. Recently honored with the 2026 UF Superior Accomplishment Award, Martine’s impact reflects her dedication to supporting students every step of the way.

“At the heart of it all is connection,” she shares. 💙🧡

From UF to Thailand 🇹🇭✨ Fulbright scholar Karen Reed shares her incredible experience at the Songkran Festival in Chiang Mai—Thailand’s joyful New Year celebration filled with water, renewal, and cultural tradition.

From joining a 3-mile city parade with Chiang Mai University to being playfully “doused” by thousands of celebrants, her journey captures the spirit of global connection and cultural exchange.

Follow her adventure and read more here: https://internationalcenter.ufl.edu/news/2026/04/from-uf-to-thailand-prof-karen-reed-experiences/

UF Professor Fatimah Tuggar has been selected as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar for New Zealand 🇳🇿✨

A Professor of AI in the Arts at UF, she will conduct visual arts research at Massey University exploring indigenous Māori and Fulani perspectives on objects, design, and meaning. Her work brings together art, technology, and cross-cultural ideas in inspiring ways.

Read more here: https://internationalcenter.ufl.edu/news/2026/04/fatimah-tuggar-selected-as-a-fulbright/

Celebrate Earth Day with Marty the Mussel 🌎💧 A fun children’s book by UF graduate Ashley Ruiz that brings freshwater ecosystems to life and shows how even the smallest river dwellers make a big difference!

Grab your copy at the UF/IFAS Bookstore and read more here: https://internationalcenter.ufl.edu/news/2026/04/earth-day-feature-marty-the-mussel-at-the-ufifas/

The Global J Showcase brought great energy to the Reitz Union Colonnade 🌍✨

Students explored exciting Winter Break study abroad opportunities and learned how Global J (J-Term) programs make it easy to gain international experience, explore academic interests, and build global skills in a short time.

Thanks to everyone who joined and helped make the event a success 💙

To learn more, visit here: https://internationalcenter.ufl.edu/news/2026/04/global-j-showcase-highlights-winter-break/

UFIC is celebrating two well-deserved recognitions at the University Superior Accomplishment Awards 🎉

Martine Angrand was honored with a divisional award for her exceptional support of UF’s international student community, and Maria Saley, as part of the Scholarship Universe Implementation Team, was recognized for improving access to Study Abroad and other campus programs.

Congratulations to both Martine and Maria on these fantastic achievements 💙

Read more here: https://internationalcenter.ufl.edu/news/2026/04/ufic-staff-honored-at-university-superior-aa/