Individual Assessment & Coaching
Through a series of assessments and appraisals, students gain a comprehensive understanding of their professional value. Individual coaching from seasoned managers focuses on helping students understand their strengths and weakness, as well as develop a personal action plan to capitalize on their potential.

Academic Advisement
As a unique person, you need—and should expect—individualized attention to help you reach your academic goals. The intimate nature of the Florida MBA experience allows you unparalleled support and assistance throughout your program. Each student has the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the Director of Student Services.

Industry Practical Skills Seminars

Integrated Technology Seminars provide students in-depth training using industry tools that give them an immediate competitive advantage. Seminar topics include Argus, SPSS, Cognos, MS Project, ACL, and other technical skills necessary to flourish in the workplace.

Guest Speakers

Several of our Graduate Programs in Business sponsor a focused Speaker Series that connects students to issues occurring in business each day. Students come into contact with a diverse and high quality array of professionals who are on the leading edge in their respective fields.

Ring Distinguished Speaker Series
The Alfred A. Ring Distinguished Speaker Series brings prominent real estate professionals to campus to speak to and interact with UF real estate students and faculty. These distinguished individuals bring to life the material covered in courses. In addition, speakers share their informed perspectives on real estate career strategies and opportunities.

Finance Professional Speaker Series
Finance professionals discuss their approaches to specific problems, lend insight into particular industries, and discuss major trends in the various markets in which they operate. Speakers also discuss career strategies.

Poe Ethics Fellows
The Poe Ethics Fellows hold regular luncheon and dinner meetings to discuss current issues in business and managerial ethics with guest speakers. Books and articles stimulate discussion and provoke critical thinking about business ethics. Poe Fellows have also represented the program at national business ethics conferences.

MBA Executive Speaker Series
The MBA Executive Speaker Series offers students the opportunity for dialogue with not only guest speakers, but MBA Advisory Board members, corporate friends and alumni. These speakers discuss challenges specific to the various markets and organizations in which they operate.

"A Day in the Life" Program
MBA students are paired with an alumnus (or corporate friend from an industry of the student’s choice) for an intensive, unique day during which they sit in on strategy meetings, conference calls and other interactive sessions in a variety of functional groups within a company.

GatorNest
GatorNest is a hands-on learning experience for those who want to make a difference with a real company. Conducted through the College's Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, GatorNest provides the best way to learn as students take on the goals of a real enterprise. The best part of these consultancy projects are the tangible positive effects on the businesses that students assist.

Case Competitions
The MBA Program supports students to compete in a vast array of national case competitions. We support teams and students by defraying the financial costs associated with the competitions as well as assisting students in identifying faculty support. Case competitions are an outstanding way of sharpening your critical thinking skills and demonstrating your acumen to business leaders across many industries.

Short Term Study Tours
The Hough Graduate School of Business offers short term study tours during the fall and spring breaks. These trips provide students with a global perspective on business. Students will be exposed to international business, financial markets and business practices of the region. These trips count for two credits toward your degree and may satisfy requirements for certain concentrations. This year we anticipate a fall trip to Russia and a spring trip to South America. Students are required to pay for the course, study tour fee and travel to the site. Students should budget $2,000 - $3,000 for the trip (extra financial aid is available to participants). Included in the study tour fee is: hotel accommodations, ground transportation, some group meals and miscellaneous fees. Because of the cost involved, you will want to consider early if you are interested so that you can plan accordingly.

EDGE Fund
In order to assist our students with job searches and professional networking activities, the Florida MBA Program has established the EDGE Fund. Every student enrolled in our Traditional MBA Program receives a $1,000 stipend to cover expenses they incur while participating in recruiting and networking trips. The Florida MBA Program is proud to be a pioneer in this area and make these resources available to our students.

Florida MBA Alumni-Student Networking Events
Following company site visits in key regional cities, the MBA Alumni Relations Office partners with the Graduate Business Career Services Office to host Alumni Networking Receptions. These functions across the state provide students with occasions to mix and mingle in an informal setting with Florida MBA Alumni, Advisory Board members, corporate friends, and locally-based Working Professional MBA students.

The Florida MBA Alumni Mentor Program
Through this program, both mentor and protégé are presented with an opportunity for a learning experience of a lifetime. Students are paired with alumni mentors, and through these learning partnerships, build career-focused relationships based on professional networking and development. Through these connections, students gain a friend in the industry—a Florida MBA graduate who will share professional experiences, offer new perspectives and insights into specializations and functional areas, and may provide job-shadowing opportunities.

Alumni Relations Program
After graduation, you will be able to take advantage of many of the same program benefits you enjoyed as a student. Once in the workplace, networking will continue to be an important part of your professional development. As an alumnus, you will receive invitations to local receptions and events taking place in your area. Our Alumni Relations Program also offers many opportunities for our graduates to return to campus. Program graduates comprise half of the teams in our annual “Trad & Grad” Golf Tournament and alumni are always welcome to mingle with current students and other grads during events surrounding select home football games. As a program graduate, you will always be a part of the Florida MBA family.

The MBA Association (MBAA)
The MBAA is one of the most active MBA student organizations. In addition, the MBAA is an integral part of student life in the UF Master of Business Administration program. It identifies issues of importance and works with the MBA Programs Office to implement solutions. It provides organization and cohesion to the diverse activities of the MBA student population.

The MBAA has a variety of fun activities that allow members to participate in all facets of the MBA experience. Committees include alumni affairs, ambassadors (admissions and marketing), communications, constitution/rules, pathfinders (corporate recruiting/career services), Business With a Heart (community service), curriculum, external affairs, merchandise, orientation/transition, social, and student facilities. Some of its activities include producing this Information Guide, participating in the MBA Orientation, coordinating company and city site visits, organizing service events like Special Olympics and Junior Achievement, marketing MBA merchandise, and hosting regular socials including happy hours and faculty mixers. Membership in the MBAA is optional, but is strongly recommended for the many benefits it offers during your time in the program. Currently, the MBAA maintains almost 100% participation from its student body!

Check out the MBAA's WWW site at: http://www.floridambaa.com.

UF Chapter of National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA)
NAWMBA is a national organization, currently headquartered at Rice University Jones Graduate School of Management in Houston, Texas. The purpose of the organization is to open dialogue about gender and diversity issues in the workplace and the larger business community. The UF Chapter began in 1997 and is expanding, providing many opportunities for involvement. We encourage your participation.

Our past activities have included a speaker series of women executives, student socials, self-defense courses, etiquette seminars, wine tasting classes, charity events, and in April of 2003 we participated in a Global Town hall meeting with speakers from around the world. We plan to continue these events and to add other events of interest to our members. Our goals include strengthening the organization by recruiting women applicants to the program and building a stronger alumnae network. Additionally, members of NAWMBA around the country receive Network Exchange, a quarterly newsletter.

Through the National NAWMBA Chapter, we have an opportunity to participate in a national annual conference. The conference provides graduate women in business the opportunity to network with professional women in corporate and academic America. Last year’s conference was at Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

The International Business Association (IBA)
The International Business Association (IBA) is open to all MBA students at the Warrington School. The IBA’s goal is to foster a global atmosphere at the Warrington College of Business and to be a voice for enhancing the international offerings of the MBA program. The IBA strives to enhance student, faculty and administration awareness of issues relating to the international business environment, promote cross-cultural awareness and integration, and foster career development in the international business arena.

Our goals include:

• Informing all MBA students of international opportunities available to them such as study abroad programs, internships, full-time employment and other programs.
• Bringing business professionals and other speakers to talk about different aspects of international business.
• Sponsoring different cultural and social events to promote international awareness, and to enhance the mutual understanding and friendship between US nationals and foreign students.
• Assisting foreign exchange students in adapting to university culture in the U.S. and try to make their incorporation into the program smoother.
• Forming associations with organizations such as the Entrepreneurship Club, MSM Organization and different University of Florida international clubs to collaborate on specific events such as promoting international speakers. This will also create broader networking opportunities outside of the MBA program.

The Hispanic MBA Association (HMBAA)
The Hispanic MBA Association was established for the expressed purpose of aiding Hispanic residents, Latin international students, and those interested in Hispanic/Latino Culture in the MBA program. We hope to increase enrollment of Hispanics in graduate management programs and to develop future Hispanic business leaders. Our activities include tutorials, peer advising and consultation, business conferences, networking functions, workshops, and promotion of interaction with the business community..

The HMBAA was developed to assist its members in the following areas:

• To facilitate and assist in recruitment and career development
• To disseminate information to members pertaining to academic, financial and social needs
• Provide networking opportunities
• To facilitate and assist in recruitment and career development
• Provide a solid infrastructure to support the goals of our organization and its members
• To provide liaisons with Hispanic faculty, student organizations and the Gainesville community

The Hispanic HMBAA is comprised of members from all over the Americas. However, anyone and everyone are welcome to join our organization regardless of race, nationality, religion or any other personal trait, preference or belief.

Naturally, curriculum demands in the Florida MBA Program will consume most of your time, but your environment will have a significant impact on your quality of life. Gainesville has a population of over 200,000 (residents & students) and many amenities often found in much larger places. Cultural venues include The Hippodrome, one of the three "State theatres," which contains a smaller "art-house" cinema and a main theater where plays are staged by a professional company. The Constans Theater, Harn Museum, University Gallery, and the Philips Center for Performing Arts bring theater, art, and music to campus. Gainesville offers restaurants ranging from quick and inexpensive to gourmet fare. Night life in Gainesville is as diverse as you could imagine, with music, dancing and more to suit just about every taste. The historic downtown area is also home to the Spring and Fall Arts Festivals – among the best of their kind in the Southeast – as well as the annual Blues and Jazz Festivals, Earth Day Celebration and all kinds of free community events. Events take place weekly on the downtown plaza, including film screenings and concerts.

Most students are interested in the activities our climate invites. Gainesville has become a mecca for runners and cyclists; a number of Olympic hopefuls train here. Golf, swimming, soccer, tennis and racquetball are some of the more popular diversions. The area's water-related activities provide endless fun. An hour drive takes you to the east coast with its sand, surf and sun; to the west, the laid-back fishing village of Cedar Key. A favorite pastime is cooling off in the many nearby springs; "tubing" on the spring-fed Ichetucknee River is practically a rite of passage for UF students.

Getting to and around Gainesville is easy. The main highways are I-75, US 441 and US 301. Gainesville Regional Airport is served by commuter lines operated by Continental, Delta and US Airways. Around town, the Gainesville Regional Transit System (RTS) offers bus service free for UF students, faculty and staff.

Gainesville Resources

Immunization Requirements
The State of Florida requires certain immunizations for all students who are enrolling at the University of Florida. (These immunizations may be in addition to the requirements for general admission to the U.S. as a nonimmigrant visa holder.) Necessary immunizations include:

• 2 Measles (Rubeola), and 1 Rubella for all new admissions (2 MMR doses meet this requirement).
• International students are required to have a Tuberculosis skin test that indicates that they are free of disease.
• All students are required to receive two additional vaccinations series for Hepatitis B and Meningococcal disease, OR that they submit a signed statement declining these.

To download a copy of UF's Mandatory Immunization Health History Form you can visit the Student Health Care Center's website at: http://shcc.ufl.edu; there is a copy of this form in the Forms section. If vaccinations are needed, these can be obtained for a fee at the Student Health Care Center.

If you have already mailed your immunization records to the Student Health Care Center, you can contact them at (352) 392-1161 Ext. 4823 to confirm that the records have been received and to find out if you have complied with the state requirements. If you have not mailed in your records by the time you arrive on campus, you will need to personally go to the Student Health Care Center and present your immunization records.

Health Insurance
Student Government has been very helpful in creating and sponsoring two viable health plans (Plan A and Plan B) for the University of Florida student. The Scarborough Company Insurance, Inc. is currently in the eleventh consecutive year of providing the Student Health Insurance at the University of Florida.

Plan A offers $1,000 of coverage at the Student Health Care Center with no deductibles, no pre-existing conditions clause, and no claims forms to fill out.

Plan B contains the same coverage as Plan A, but also includes major medical insurance (i.e. coverage for hospitalization, inpatient/outpatient surgery, physical therapy, etc). Unlike Plan A, Plan B does contain a preexisting conditions clause and involves deductibles and coinsurance for treatment outside of the Student Health Care Center.

Information on Plans A & B can be requested by calling Scarborough Company at 352-377-2002, or by visiting http://www.scarins.com. and follow the UF Student Insurance links.

International Students and Scholars may call Scarborough Company (352-377-2002) or visit http://www.scarins.com to receive information about the International Student/Scholar Health Insurance Plan accepted by the Student Health Care Center.

International students are required to have health insurance. For more information, visit the Office for International Study located in Grinter Hall or at www.ufic.ufl.edu and look under Insurance Information. Or, email mfraser@ufic.ufl.edu

Student Health Care Center
The Student Health Care Center is located on the University of Florida campus and provides for most of your health care needs. Registered full-time students paying the student health fee are eligible for services. Spouses may also pay the student health fee and receive the same benefits. Children are not eligible to utilize the Student Health Care Center.

Hours of Operation (Summer semester)
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Saturday Closed
Sunday
Acute Care & Trauma Clinic 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Pharmacy 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Hours of Operation (Fall semester)**
Monday – Friday
General Medical Teams 8:00am - 5:00pm
Acute Care & Trauma Clinic 8:00am - 6:30pm
Pharmacy 8:00am - 5:30pm
Saturday-Sunday
Acute Care & Trauma Clinic 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Pharmacy 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Hospitals
North Florida Regional Medical Center, State Road 26 at I-75, 333-4000
Shands at Alachua General Hospital, 801 SW 2nd Avenue, 372-4321 Shands at the University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, 265-0111 Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1601 SW Archer Road, 376-1611

Welcome to the University of Florida!
Moving to a new city, let alone a new country can be a difficult and strenuous process. A new academic system, new people, new customs and a new language can be confusing and stressful. The Student Services team is dedicated to make your transition as smooth as possible. Here are some tips for an easy adjustment and a great Florida MBA experience:

1. Stay in touch permanently with the International Center and Florida MBA Student Services for visa information, employment authorization, social security number, and any other issues.


2. Try to familiarize yourself with the cultural differences and the American educational system. We recommend you read the "Handbook for International Students and Scholars"


3. Get involved as much as you can within the MBA program. The MBA Program offers amazing opportunities to you such us: Speaker Series, Networking Events, Mentor Program, and Professional Development Program. Being involved in such activities will be a great learning experience for you.


4. Work Hard from the Beginning. If you do not start studying on the first day of classes, you are likely to find yourself behind and may experience academic difficulty. Learn how to study, organize your tine, read effectively and gain as much as possible from your classes. If you don’t understand a topic you should speak to professor after the class or during the office hours.


5. Be involved in student organizations. Express your leadership by getting engaged in the MBA Association, the International Business Association, and the National Association of Women MBAs.


6. Have fun! Gainesville, as a university city, has plentiful events: Check out this website: http://calendar.ufl.edu/ for current activities. Don’t miss going to a football and basketball game. We are National Champions. If you want to get out of Gainesville, start visiting the oldest cities in US: St. Augustine and Amelia Island and then continue discovering Florida’s amazing and diverse state parks (www.floridastateparks.org), Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios, Orlando.

The following information will help you to adapt and prepare you to be a University of Florida MBA Student. Please contact us if you need anything!
- Florida MBA Student Services Team

University of Florida International Center
Residency
Housing
Financial Aid
Job/Internship
Contact Information List

Legal Information
Visa Information
Drivers License; Florida ID
Social Security Number
Income Tax Information

Student Support
Guide for International Students to Academic Success
Integrated Student Information System (ISIS)
Counseling Center
UF English Language Institute
Volunteers for International Student Affairs (VISA)

Events and Entertainment
The University of Florida Center for the Performing Arts
Hippodrome Theatre
University of Florida Events

Transportation & Hotels
Getting to UF
Travel Within and Outside the USA
Hotel Accommodations

Weather in Gainesville: What to expect when you arrive
Fall Semester (Aug.-Dec.): You will be in Gainesville during a very hot, humid, and rainy time of the year. Temperatures average as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C). This temperature can feel much hotter due to the Florida humidity. The temperatures may be warmer and more humid than those in your country. The temperatures and the humidity start to drop around October and November when the average temperature is 62-70°F (16-21°C).
Current Gainesville Weather

Telephones
Phone/calling cards are available for purchase in large stores such as Wal-mart and Target as well as many gas stations and convenience stores. Shop around and be sure to get the best deal.

To make a call from a pay phone, you do not have to enter the area code if you are calling a local number. The area code for Gainesville and Alachua County is 352. For example, if the phone number lists (352) 392-5323 and you are calling from Gainesville, then you only need to dial 392-5323.

To make a long distance call to an international number, you must first dial the international access code 011, followed by the country code and city code for that number.

Free phones are available for use at a variety of locations on the UF campus. From the phones, you can make local calls (by dialing 9 and then the whole number) or calls to other locations on campus like residence halls (6-then the last four digits) or academic buildings (2- then the last 4 digits). Phones are usually located in yellow boxes outside of each residence hall and in other student areas such as the Reitz Union, Turlington Plaza, Library West, and Carleton Auditorium.

English
There are a variety of options for student who would like to practice or improve their English skills.

La Casita-Institute of Hispanic-Latino Cultures - During the school year, interested students may go to the center to be paired with another student. The students work on their English skills in airs and small groups. This service is free.

Village Housing-Graduate and Family housing - Weekly courses are taught by community volunteers, at designated Village housing commons rooms, to those interested in improving their English skills. This service is free and open to all students.

Community Resources - Other areas in the community such as the county library and local churches offer English courses throughout the year. Look in local papers and your residence hall bulletin boards for announcements.

Residence Hall staff and other residents - Get to know everyone and participate in hall events. The more exposure to English in a casual setting, the more you will improve.

English Language Institute (ELI) - Course are offered on English language mastery. Most of these courses are provided as part of a specific program and may or may not be included in your exchange plan. If you would like to take these courses they will cost money, just like courses in your focus area.