Heavener International Programs enhance Warrington experience

Have you ever wanted to take your coursework to new heights—or new countries? If so, the Heavener International Program is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the world of business beyond campus. 

The Heavener International Program is offered in seven countries and cities: Japan, Dublin, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome and South Korea. Each program has language, culture and business courses available to students every semester. Exchange programs are also offered at 24 partner universities around the world. 

Whether you’re interested in learning more about Heavener’s program or are eager to hear some study abroad stories, check out these Warrington students’ experiences abroad! 

UF in Japan

Stanley Gatzek Jr. (BSBA ‘28) participated in “UF in Japan – Business Consulting and Cross-Cultural Communication” during Summer B 2025. 

Throughout the program, Gatzek visited prestigious companies including Mondelez, Invenergy, Pixiv and Randstad to gain insight into the working culture of Japan. He also worked on a consulting case that significantly contributed to his professional development in a foreign environment. 

“I’d recommend Warrington students to study abroad in Japan through the Business Consulting and Cross-Cultural Communication program because of the peer-to-peer connections and opportunity to practice business analysis through an international lens,” Gatzek said. “The cultural experiences facilitated through the program were absolutely incredible and kept the program constantly fresh throughout all four weeks.” 

UF in Dublin 

Serah Williams (BSBA ‘26) traveled to Ireland to participate in the UF in Dublin program during Summer C 2023. 

Not only did Williams take two courses in marketing and Irish business, but she was also an intern at Mount Street Group, a wealth management firm based in Dublin. 

“Since UF in Dublin is an internship program, it is a very unique experience that draws Warrington students because it allows you to intern in an industry or field that you may be interested in and discover your true passion,” Williams said. “Going abroad contributed to my professional growth by giving me the opportunity to have a finance internship beginning my freshman summer and indirectly landed me my junior summer internship (now full-time) opportunity!”

UF in Paris

Madison Coble’s (BABA ‘25, MIB ‘26) first time abroad was through the UF in Paris program during the summer of 2024. 

“I had never been abroad before or traveled by myself before, so my favorite part was being able to travel independently,” Coble said. “Going abroad contributed to my professional growth as I was able to think more independently, make important decisions for my group and learn how to adjust and thrive in a foreign environment where English is not the first language.” 

Coble’s program was right before the Olympic Games Paris 2024, allowing her to attend many special events and see unique sights, such as the rings on the Eiffel Tower, that one normally wouldn’t see during their time in Paris. Overall, this program gives students the flexibility to immerse themselves in Parisian life through attractions, excursions and trips. 

UF in Madrid

Matthew Worly (BABA ‘27) studied abroad with the UF in Madrid program in Summer 2025. 

Worly took two courses during his time in Spain: Spanish for Business and Culture of Spain and Introduction to International Business. The former was taught solely in Spanish, allowing him to be immersed in the country’s native language in the classroom.

“[Through UF in Madrid] I made a variety of connections within Warrington and was able to globalize my degree,” Worly said. “Many of the topics I had learned in class in Gainesville made appearances in my coursework in Madrid, but manifested in an international way. Madrid is a spectacular city and will remain a part of you forever after you leave.”

UF in Rome

Isabella Eaton (BSBA ‘26) attended “UF in Rome – Business, Language and Culture” during Summer C 2024. 

Eaton’s coursework consisted of one UF online course and classes on Italian and International Business through St. John’s University. This program not only allowed Eaton to grow professionally in decision-making and cross-cultural communications, but also allowed her to travel around Italy, Spain and France. 

“Without study abroad, I would not have found the International Programs Student Ambassadors within the Heavener International Programs office,” Eaton said, “Moreso, I never would have formed the amazing connections I have within the IPSA family, including Heavener staff. Essentially, going abroad helps me find my community back here at UF and within Warrington.”

UF in South Korea

Kai Bie furthered her degree in economics through the UF in South Korea program during Summer A 2025. 

“While I was abroad, I worked at a consulting firm, Pearson and Partners Korea,” Bie said. “At the time, I was deeply interested in management consulting, and it was a great opportunity to work on cases with guidance from my workplace mentors.”

This program not only spearheaded Bie’s professional growth but also taught her personal balance. Living in Seoul specifically taught her the value of living in the moment and being with others—a cultural and change of pace unlike anything in the United States. 

UF in London

Madison Knapp (BSBA ‘27) participated in the UF in London program during Summer C 2024. 

In addition to taking two classes in business and international trade, Knapp worked as a Public Relations Intern at Nexus, a media agency serving clients in the food and lifestyle industries. In this role, Knapp analyzed media trends, wrote content for social media, developed content calendars and secured over ten social media partnerships.  

“My internship in London allowed me to gain not just hands-on experience relevant to my career, but in an international environment that allowed me to gain important cross-cultural communication skills that employers look for,” Knapp said. “Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that provides you with unforgettable memories, entertaining stories, professional skills that employers look for and personal skills to catalyze your growth.”

Exchange Program

Caroline Yu (BSAc ‘26) participated in the exchange program during the spring 2025 semester. She went to Aalto University School of Business in Helsinki, Finland, to take classes in customer experience management, programming, people management and Finland culture.

“Finland is renowned for its top rankings in education, safety and happiness, creating an ideal environment for both academic and personal growth,” Yu said. “The university’s exchange student committee actively incorporated local cultural traditions, which provided meaningful encounters with Finnish culture.”

Yu’s program emphasized experiential learning and real-life case studies, providing her with a different classroom experience than the typical lecture/exam approach. Her coursework was expanded to specialized business electives that allowed her to gain a broader perspective of business outside the US. 

“This experience taught me that the world is paradoxically both huge and small: we as humans are more alike than we think, yet our cultures highlight our differences,” Yu said.

---

If you are interested in studying abroad through Warrington, visit the Heavener International Study Abroad and Exchange Program webpage and connect with an International Student Ambassador.