Sam Benson

I went to Florida International University College of Nursing because of the program that it offered. I was in the first cohort for the Foreign Medical Physician to Nurse Practitioner Program, which was very good. I had been out of medicine for many years, and I saw an ad in the Miami Herald. FIU was the first school in the country that was offering this opportunity for foreign medical graduates to become nurse practitioners. It sounded like a great opportunity, and I was happy to be accepted. The program was quite difficult, so I didn't have much time for on-campus activities. Most of my classes were in the evenings, so I was able to go to work and school. Working and driving to campus was not an easy thing. I'm still in contact with a few of my classmates, and some of them have helped me get the jobs I have today. I had quite a few professors who I really enjoyed and was able to have relationships with. My education at FIU prepared me for actual practice. The simulations available were unbelievable, and we got hands-on experience. FIU really did prepare us for what to expect in the workplace, and I have very fond memories of my time there. The camaraderie between all of the foreign medical students and staff was great. Everybody tried to help each other, from the dean on down. There was always someone there to assist me if I needed help, which was the best thing about FIU.