Established in 2003, the Center for European Studies (CES) is a federally recognized hub for European language and area studies under the U.S. Department of Education’s Title VI program. CES leads and supports interdisciplinary teaching, research, and outreach focused on Europe, and houses the first Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for the study of the European Union in the United States—funded by the European Commission.
Our Center offers a rich, multi-disciplinary undergraduate curriculum that integrates five European language and area studies programs – providing students with a deep and diverse understanding of Europe’s cultures, histories, and contemporary challenges.
“CES shaped my undergraduate experience and provided me with the necessary skills and opportunities to pursue a career in transatlantic politics. As an undergraduate, I completed the International Studies major with a concentration in Europe and the European Union Studies Minor, and participated in UF in Brussels, two CES research fellowships alongside CES faculty, and 10 classes through CES. Coming into UF with little practical knowledge of European politics and transatlantic relationships, CES was fundamental in shaping my understanding of the region while giving me opportunities to develop strong research skills and international experiences. As a result of my development within CES, I was able to begin my graduate studies in Foreign Service at Georgetown University, where I hope to continue to draw upon my knowledge of European affairs towards a career in transatlantic security and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) policy.”
What Your Support Makes Possible at the Center for European Studies
At the Center for European Studies we are dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of Europe through language study, research, and cultural engagement. Your support helps us expand opportunities for students and faculty to explore, study, and collaborate across borders.
Gerald R. Kunde II Study Abroad Scholarship
Your support of this fund provides essential funding for undergraduate study abroad in Europe. Your gift makes transformative study abroad experiences possible for students who might not otherwise afford them.
“The UF in Brussels program was important for me because it connected directly to my studies of the European Union, while also preparing me for my long-term goal of working in or alongside European institutions. It allowed me to build on the knowledge and research skills I had developed in challenging EU-focused coursework by experiencing EU institutions and policymakers firsthand. The experience was incredibly valuable for both my academic and social life, and I could not have done it without the generous support from this scholarship.”
– Raj Selvaraj, Political Science and International Studies, Class of 2026
“Studying abroad in Madrid was an unforgettable experience filled with new adventures and friends, a lot of personal reflection, and a deep connection and appreciation for various cultures. I am extremely grateful to the Gerald R. Kunde, II Study Abroad Scholarship for selecting me as one of its recipients. Without this scholarship, I would not have been able to live a new life for two months across the world.”
– Linneliet Castellanos Carbonell, Accounting, Class of 2026
Center for European Studies Fund
Your contribution enables the Center for European Studies to advance faculty and graduate student research, promote scholarly dialogue on Europe and the EU, enhance language and area studies instruction, support K–12 educators with pedagogical resources, and bring enriching outreach programs to campus and the wider community. Your support helps ensure that CES can continue shaping globally informed students, scholarship, teachers, and communities.
“The team at CES has been a great source of support for me during my doctoral studies through their academic programs. Speaking from a scholarly perspective, the opportunity to teach my own class has been the most rewarding experience. I was able to teach a class that I had been imagining for a while, after noticing that there are no classes specifically on East Germany. I proposed the course for Spring 2025, “East Germany and the World,” which offered an introduction to East Germany’s relationships with other socialist but also non-socialist countries. Teaching my course was an enriching opportunity for both students and me. The CES Graduate Student Course Development Grant reaffirmed how much I enjoy working with undergraduate students and teaching them about (East) German history.”
– Lisa Krause, PhD Candidate, History
If you would like to support a specific Europe-related academic or outreach initiative, please reach out to Dr. Bogdan Dumitru to discuss potential funding opportunities.
To learn more about the various ways you can get involved or make a gift including pledges, employer matching, and a variety of planned giving opportunities, please visit https://advancement.clas.ufl.edu (opens in new tab) or contact:
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Office of Advancement
352-294-1971
alumni@ufl.edu
The University of Florida Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization; therefore, your gift may be eligible for a charitable income tax deduction.