Study Overseas

Introduction by Fob James Jr., Governor of Alabama

Dear International Students

On behalf of the State of Alabama, I am pleased to extend a warm Southern welcome and an invitation to come and learn in "Alabama the Beautiful". Alabama boasts some of the most challenging and diverse educational opportunities available anywhere in the United States and her scenic beauty provides a wonderful backdrop - from her rolling hills in the North, to the pristine lakes of central Alabama, to the sugary sands of her gulf coast beaches, Alabama's unparalleled natural beauty provides a perfect complement to the social, economic and educational opportunities which exist here.

Whether your interests lie in science and mathematics, history and the arts, or somewhere in between, Alabama's colleges and universities provide skilled instruction at all levels and in all disciplines. Alabama's schools also offer wide choices in the type of learning environment available - from large universities to small colleges, two or four-year schools, Alabama provides quality instruction and world class facilities to accommodate your needs.

Only Alabama can boast of a world class teaching hospital which is on the cutting edge of the latest developments in medicine like that at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, while also offering a true world-wide system of small, personal and interconnected schools which live up to their promise to give their students an unmatched education "one student at a time" like the Troy State University system, while excelling in agriculture and veterinarian education opportunities on the plains of East Alabama at Auburn University. Alabama's colleges have long, proud, varied traditions which they blend seamlessly with an awareness and preparedness for the future. Again, I welcome you to Alabama and encourage you to take full advantage of the educational opportunities she has to offer.

Sincerely

Fob James Jr. Governor, Alabama

The Heart of Dixie
South Alabama

Nestled deep in the 'Heart of Dixie', the state of Alabama is best known for its rich history. While Alabama has an interesting history, it also has a promising and exciting future as well. This future builds upon the agrarian and rural history that Alabama is well known for, but it also is well founded on the technological and industrial accomplishments found throughout the State.

Whether one is talking about the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville (affectionately called 'Rocket City, USA'), the blast furnaces for iron and steel which set the base for Birmingham, or the rising capital of Montgomery, the birthplace of the Constitution of the Confederacy, Alabama represents the bustling and exciting lifestyle of an urban environment with the friendliness and peacefulness of a rural environment.

Founded on December 14th, 1819 as the 22nd state in the United States, Alabama currently boasts a population of 4.2 million occupying more than 51,000 square miles. Major metropolitan areas within the state include Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery and Huntsville with the busy 'college towns' of Auburn and Tuscaloosa rounding out the experience.

Home to 16 state colleges, 15 private colleges and more than 30 community and technical colleges, it is clear to see that education is a priority in the state. That priority is exhibited in two internationally known universities, the liberal-arts focused University of Alabama and the research-based Auburn University. Along with a network of regionally strong institutions, Alabama's higher education offers its students nationally competitive programs, strong alumni and business networks, state-of-the-art multimedia instruction equipment and labs, and affordable tuition at efficient institutions.

There are many diversions to be found to occupy leisure time. Alabama is one of the most geographically diverse states in the country, with everything from rugged, tree-lined mountains in the north to pristine, white beaches in the south. Breathtaking forest-covered mountains, hills and ridges cover much of north Alabama, and the bright red clay soils add splashes of colour to the landscape. In fact, the Appalachian Mountain Range has its birthplace in Alabama.

The temperature is moderate year-round, with warm summers and cool winters. There are 26 state parks and four national forests to help provide a break from studying. Spring through late summer are good times to visit the Gulf Coast and swim, parasail, scuba dive, deep sea fish or just relax in the sun. Shores on the Gulf Coast have a stretch of about 32 miles of beach. A state-wide interstate system makes travel affordable.

Mobile, at the mouth of the Mobile River, is a busy seaport. Ocean-going ships unload a wide variety of goods at the Alabama State Docks in Mobile Bay, which also houses the U.S.S. Alabama, a WWII battleship that is now a floating museum. Mobile is also home to the original Mardi Gras, which is a celebration of fun that happens right before the religious holiday of Lent.

Culture abounds within the state. Symphonies, art and history museums, ballet companies and regular concert fare may be found among the larger cities in Alabama. Montgomery features the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the fifth largest Shakespeare theatre in the world, and the only one invited to fly the flag of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Many cities feature annual music festivals, like City Stages in Birmingham, Jubilee Fest in Montgomery, or Bayfest in Mobile.

Art exhibits are located in the Birmingham Museum of Art, the Fine Arts Museum of the South in Mobile, the Huntsville Museum of Art and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. The Anniston Museum of Natural History includes items used by early Indians and displays of birds in their natural settings. The George Washington Carver Museum at the Tuskagee University National Historic Site features exhibits that illustrate contributions of African-American to US history, as well as artwork by African and black American artists. The University of Alabama State Museum of Natural History exhibits a large collection of Indian items, including prehistoric artefacts. The helicopter collection at the US Army Aviation Museum at Fort Rucker ranks as one of the largest in the world.

Culinary aficionados will appreciate the uniqueness of southern cooking, which is something that has to be experienced before it can be adequately described. Alabama prides itself on barbecue, fried chicken, black-eyed peas, and southern-cooked vegetables. In Alabama's largest cities, a wide variety of ethnic and national cuisine can be found, from European to Vietnamese.

The industry economy in Alabama is centred around agriculture, service, timber and natural resources, such as mining. Service industries account for 70 percent of the gross state product, while manufacturing accounts for 22 percent, agriculture for 3 percent and mining for 2 percent.

The time is right to visit Alabama. Once you come here, you may never want to leave. It is the perfect place to study, work and even relax. And your memories of this enchanting 'Heart of Dixie' will last a lifetime.

Author
Nejla Orgen
Auburn University