Business Exchange Fact Sheet
Last Updated: November 2023
Business Exchange Programs id="programs"
The Warrington College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD), and the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). The college offers majors in Accounting, Finance, General Business, Information Systems, Management, and Marketing. The college hosts numerous research centers in fields such as Business Ethics, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Real Estate, and Retail, while boasting modern, state-of-the-art educational facilities.
International students at UF enjoy:
- High quality education and American business perspectives
- A vibrant educational community with over 900 student organizations, over 30 business student organizations, and around 60,000 students
- A large, engaging university campus with access to libraries, sporting and cultural events events, speakers, recreational facilities, and much more
- The natural setting, mild climate, and cultural traditions of Gainesville, Florida, and the surrounding areas
Gainesville, Florida id="gainesville"
The tree-lined streets of Gainesville, Florida, welcome visitors and college students for abundant cultural and recreational opportunities. With a population of around 130,000 residents, Gainesville retains a small city feel with many big city amenities. Beyond UF, it is particularly known for its independent music scene, artistic communities, bustling downtown area, and picturesque natural surroundings. Gainesville truly has something for everyone.
About UF id="uf"
The University of Florida is a major, public, comprehensive, land-grant, research university and is considered the state’s flagship institution. It is ranked #5 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report (2022-2023).
Florida has a long history of established programs in international education, research, and service. UF is one of only 17 public, land-grant universities that belong to the Association of American Universities.
UF is also accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, education specialist, and doctoral degrees.
UF has 16 colleges and more than 150 research centers and institutes. The university offers around 150 undergraduate degree programs, including online programs. The Graduate School coordinates a multitude of graduate programs throughout the university’s colleges and schools. Professional post-baccalaureate degrees are offered in athletic training, business, dentistry, law, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, and veterinary medicine.
UF Contacts id="contacts"
Ms. Amila Tica, Coordinator, Exchange Student Services
Email Amila | 001.352.294.3333
Ms. Ana Portocarrero, Director
Email Ana | 001.352.273.0341
Ms. Andrea Kim, Associate Director
Email Andrea | 001.352.273.0343
MIB/MSM and International Relations Office
Warrington College of Business
University of Florida
Hough Hall 220, PO Box 117164
Gainesville FL 32611-7164 U.S.A.
Fax: 001.352.392.7347
Incoming Graduate Business Exchange webpage
Heavener International Programs
Email Heavener International Programs | 001.352.273.0151
Fax: 001.352.846.0186
Incoming Undergraduate Business Exchange webpage
Application id="application"
Exchange students must be nominated by their home institution in the UF online application system. Step-by-step instructions for nominating a student can be found on the UF International Center (UFIC) webpage.
Prospective exchange students receive access to the UFIC online application platform after home universities submit the student nomination. Information on the online application process can be found on the UFIC webpage.
Upon submission of all exchange application materials, UFIC will send acceptance packets directly to the partner institution for distribution to the participating student(s). Acceptance packets will include the Exchange Program Acceptance Letter and DS-2019 Form (form of eligibility for J-1 status sponsorship). Upon acceptance, exchange students can begin applying for their J-1 visa, finalizing their UF student record set-up, and completing pre-registration requirements.
J-1 students may arrive in the U.S. up to thirty days before the start date of their program and remain in the U.S. for up to thirty days after the end date of their program. They must maintain full time status at the university and are not permitted to work off-campus during their study program.
All UF students are required to have health insurance that meets Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage standards. This coverage standard also fulfills international student visa requirements. The UF Health Insurance policy is an opt-out system. All UF students, including exchange students, will be automatically enrolled in UF’s Health Insurance Plan and charged for this expense. Students have the option of submitting a waiver to request approval for an outside policy (comparable to ACA coverage) by the given deadline. For questions, email UFIC Insurance.
Students can apply to live on campus via their online application. On-campus housing is limited and will be assigned in the order applications are received. It is therefore not guaranteed. The on-campus residence hall for undergraduate exchange students is Weaver Hall, which is designated as the International House Living Learning Community.
UF offers support for off-campus housing through the Off Campus Life office, but students are ultimately responsible for securing their own housing arrangements. There are many properties and leasing agencies in Gainesville but finding a short-term lease can be difficult. Students may find it helpful to utilize locator services, such as Swamp Rentals or Apartments.com. There are a few informal Facebook groups where UF students discuss housing availability; however, please be conscientious if examining these options. If looking at off-campus housing, consult a map of Gainesville to assess walkability to UF. Most classes and events are held in the northeast part of the UF’s main campus. Students may also visit the Gainesville Regional Transit System (RTS) webpage for bus routes around the city and campus. UF students have free access to buses with a UF ID card.
Semester Timeline id="timeline"
Deadlines
| Item | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Online Nomination | April 1 | September 1 |
| Application | May 1 | October 1 |
| Immunization and Health Insurance Forms | June 1 | November 1 |
| Undergraduate Exchange Course Request Form (may vary) | Approx. June 1 (recommended earlier) | Approx. November 1 (recommended earlier) |
Course Registration
Course registration for business classes will occur in the months before arrival and will be verified with each student. Students must complete all application requirements prior to being registered for classes.
Recommended Arrival Date
Students should arrive a few days before the term begins to finalize housing, take care of technology and administrative needs, become familiar with the UF campus, and attend mandatory orientations. Students can arrive up to a few days late with special permission. Students should verify housing check-in dates with their housing provider.
Orientations
Undergraduate business exchange students will attend two orientations prior to the start of the semester. It is mandatory for undergraduate students to attend both the UF Exchange Orientation and Business Exchange Orientation. Orientations usually occur one to two business days prior to the start of classes and may take place on weekend days. Dates will be confirmed with students in the months before arrival. Students who do not attend the required orientation(s) will be unenrolled from their courses unless other plans are pre-arranged with the coordinator.
Semester Dates
Fall: Late August to mid-December
Spring: Early January to early May
Summer: Mid-May to mid-August (Not Recommended – Undergraduate)
Graduate Academic Calendar | Undergraduate Academic Calendar
Academics id="academics"
Academic Areas of Concentration
Graduate: Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, and Real Estate
Note: Graduate exchange students can take classes in areas offered outside of the Warrington College of Business provided they get approval from the department offering the course.
Undergraduate: Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, General Business, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Retailing, and Sales
Note:
- Upper-level (3000-4000 level) economics courses are available through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences but have limited space. Seats in these classes are assigned based on the order that applications are completed.
- Accounting courses require evidence that all prerequisites have been met (syllabi and transcript).
- Undergraduate students may take classes in areas offered by other UF colleges, provided they get approval from the department offering the course. These approvals usually take place right before the start of each term. Many of these courses have limited space.
Class Format
Graduate: Graduate courses have lectures and group work assignments outside of the classroom. This provides a hands-on learning experience.
Undergraduate: Lecture style with numerous exams, projects/papers, and group work. Several courses are conducted in Electronic Platform (EP) format, meaning students can attend the class session live and/or (re)watch the lecture online at a later time.
Credit Conversion
Please refer to the academic coordinator at your institution for specific conversion. If you come from an ECTS credit system, we use the ratio: 5 ECTS credits= 3 UF credits.
Grading System
The quality of a student’s academic work is measured by means of “grades.” “Passing” grades at UF include: A(-), B(+/-), C(+/-), and D(+/-). A grade of “E” designates a “failing” grade at UF (known as an “F” in some schools), but grades lower than a C may be considered failing grades at other universities. Although grade values are standardized at UF, instructors have discretion in deciding grading policies.
Course Scheduling & Registration id="course-scheduling-registration"
Information about courses, scheduling, and registration can be found on our incoming business exchange webpages:
Graduate: Most graduate business courses are 2 credit hours each. Courses are taught on the module system and are 8 weeks in duration. The fall and spring semesters each have 2 modules.
Undergraduate: Most undergraduate business courses are 4 credit hours. The business school also offers a few 2 credit modular courses each semester.
Each UF credit corresponds to 15 hours of in-class instruction.
Graduate: An average course load is 6-7 credits per module. For immigration purposes, students must be registered in 9 total credits for the full semester (both modules)
Undergraduate: An average course load is between 12 and 16 credits per semester. Students can take up to 18 credits in a semester.
Students request business courses through an online request form. Each student should identify contingency courses in the case of time conflicts or availability limitations.
The Warrington College of Business registers exchange students for courses and send each student a tentative course schedule prior to the beginning of the semester.
Students can drop/add courses during the first week of each term and module. Visit the UF academic calendar for specific dates. Students should ensure they remain in an appropriate course load.
Student Life id="student-life"
Global Gator Guides
Global Gator Guides welcome undergraduate business exchange students to campus and serve as a “buddy” in the business school throughout the semesters. Global Gator Guides also host a variety of events on campus and around Gainesville throughout the semester.
Navigators
UF Navigators International offers exchange students a UF “buddy” and trips to areas outside of Gainesville.
TRiP
The Travel and Recreation Program provides personal growth opportunities through a variety of unique, outdoor recreational experiences around Gainesville, other areas of Florida, and beyond.
Florida Gator Athletics
On the official site for Florida Gator Athletics, students can find out information about upcoming sporting events. Students can get into most Florida Gator home sporting events, except football, free with a UF ID card, but otherwise, ticket information can be found on the Florida Gator Athletics webpage.
Student Center
The Reitz Student Union provides a variety of events and opportunities for students to enjoy, including bowling, game room, free movies, and evening events. It also houses ample study space, restaurants, and the UF Bookstore, which also sells apparel and other Gator-themed items in addition to books.
Recreational Facilities & Intramural Sports
UF offers students a host of recreational facilities, including gymnasiums, pools, and outdoor sports facilities on campus. Another popular recreational area is Lake Wauburg, a UF-owned lake eight miles south of campus. Rec Sports also offers students the opportunity to participate in a variety of competitive and non-competitive sports leagues and tournaments, referred to as Intramurals.
Student Organizations
UF students can participate in over 900 student organizations on campus. There are several very active undergraduate business student organizations.
