Would you like to study abroad on a unique campus steeped in history, charm, and personal attention? Then Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, is the perfect place for you. On the historic grounds of a former luxury resort, you will benefit from practical teaching, close interaction with lecturers, and a friendly, lively student body. On our website, you will find all the important information about the university, the city, and more, so that your dream of studying abroad at Flagler College can become a reality. Who knows – maybe your college adventure in one of the oldest cities in the USA is just around the corner!
From hotel to college – that's how the history of Flagler College could be summarized. For more than half a century, the site of today's college was home to the Ponce De León Hotel, one of the most innovative and magnificent luxury resorts of its time. It was built in 1888 on behalf of Henry Flagler, railroad pioneer and co-founder of Standard Oil Company, and contributed significantly to the development of modern Florida as a popular tourist destination. When the hotel closed its doors in 1967, Flagler College opened on the same site just one year later and has now been offering its students a holistic liberal arts education in a small, supportive environment for almost 60 years.
Flagler College is a private college accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's and master's degrees. A total of 44 bachelor's degree programs are available, ranging from art history and anthropology to environmental science, economics, and criminology, as well as two master's programs and a wide selection of minors.
A special feature of Flagler College is its family atmosphere, which is reflected both in the manageable student population of around 2,400 students and in the small classes, most of which have fewer than 20 participants. Teaching focuses on practical instruction and experiential learning, both inside and outside the classroom. It is therefore no surprise that Flagler College has regularly been ranked among the top three regional colleges in the south by U.S. News & World Report for several years and ranks a strong fourth in the undergraduate teaching category for 2025/26. Flagler College's student residences also impress with their high-quality facilities and were ranked among the best student residences in Florida in 2025 by University Magazine.
The Flagler College campus is located in St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States. The historic center of this 450-year-old Florida city is characterized by numerous historic buildings, including an iconic complex with towering spires, elaborate stonework, and a majestic fountain in the courtyard. One might assume it is a luxury estate, but in fact, it is the Flagler College campus. For several decades, the site was home to the Ponce de León Hotel for affluent travelers. Henry Flagler had the resort built in the late 19th century according to the plans of architects John Carrere and Thomas Hastings in the Spanish Renaissance style with Moorish elements. With the goal of bringing luxury tourism to Florida's east coast, he brought in some of the brightest minds of the time and created one of the most innovative and prestigious hotels of its era. When the city's needs changed and the hotel closed its doors in 1967, the historic building complex found a new use with Flagler College. Rather than stripping the property of its character, the college's founders made every effort to preserve the architectural integrity of the building while adapting it for academic purposes. Many original features have been preserved, and so today, Flagler College students still learn in halls steeped in history – under domed ceilings, mosaics, murals, Tiffany stained glass windows, and carvings.
Even the student residences are partly located in the former luxury guest suites, offering their residents a unique campus experience. In addition, the campus offers two swimming pools, a gym, cafes, a theater, free laundry facilities, kayaks for hire, and numerous communal areas to enjoy college life to the fullest!
St. Augustine is located on the east coast of Florida and is considered the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the United States, which is reflected throughout the cityscape and lifestyle. The city was founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers and today has a population of approximately 14,000. St. Augustine is perfect for anyone who loves culture, history, nature, and sports in equal measure. The historic center of the city is characterized by narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets with cafés, various galleries and museums such as the Lightner Museum, and well-preserved colonial houses and other historic buildings from different eras. In addition to Flagler College, the Castillo de San Marcos, a former Spanish fortress, is one of the city's most striking landmarks. At the same time, St. Augustine is located directly on the Atlantic coast and offers various beaches and nature parks – ideal for sports, recreation, and outdoor activities.
Student housing in St. Augustine is available both on and off campus. However, during the first two years of study, accommodation in a student residence is mandatory so that students can benefit as much as possible from the diverse support and networking opportunities as well as the security of the campus. Given that rents in St. Augustine are above the national average, with an average monthly rent of $1,890, many students in higher semesters also choose to continue living on campus to save money. A total of six student residences are available, three each for junior housing and senior housing. Depending on the type and size of the room, a room in a residence hall costs between $4,500 and $6,170 per semester. If you prefer to live off-campus, it is advisable to team up with other students to share the costs. You should also bear in mind that you will need a car for many trips outside the historic center.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the opportunity to combine studying in Munich with a stay at Flagler College in Florida – all within one program! You can complete your semester abroad at Flagler College as part of a bachelor's degree in International Business at MBS. Find out more about our study program now!
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Are you interested in the bachelor's degree in International Business at Munich Business School? Then you can easily apply via the MBS application portal. If you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will be invited to an interview. It is best to apply early to secure the best chances of studying at both Munich Business School and Flagler College!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted and you have successfully enrolled in the bachelor's program in International Business, your studies in Munich will begin. During your first semesters at Munich Business School, you will acquire important business fundamentals, choose your majors and electives based on your degree program and interests, and work on exciting projects together with your fellow students.
The first semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your semester abroad at Flagler College in Florida. When you study abroad at Flagler College depends on when you start your studies. If you started your bachelor's degree at Munich Business School in the fall, your semester abroad will take place in the fourth semester. However, if you started your bachelor's degree in February, you will not go abroad until the sixth semester.
The MBS International Center is available to assist you in planning your semester abroad at Flagler College and will answer all your questions about course selection, housing, and student life.
After successfully completing your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalizing your plans for your semester abroad at Flagler College you're finally ready to go. Yay, your semester abroad in Florida is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the new (university) culture, make new friends, soak up everything around you, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime! One thing is certain: the experience of studying abroad in the USA will stay with you forever and you will return a new person.
After your semester abroad, you will return to Munich Business School and complete your bachelor's degree after one to three more semesters (depending on when you started your studies).
To qualify for a business degree at Munich Business School and thus also at Flagler College you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. It is advisable to apply early, as the number of places is limited.
Studying at Flagler College in Florida is a dream for many young adults – and with good reason! At the same time, studying abroad in the USA is a big step that needs to be well planned and financed. To help you with the organization, this FAQ provides answers to frequently asked questions about studying at Flagler.
For students who value dedicated teaching, personal attention, and a strong campus community in a smaller setting, Flagler College is considered a good and recognized college – especially in the regional context of the US. The Princeton Review regularly lists Flagler College as one of the best colleges in the US, and Flagler is consistently ranked among the top three regional colleges in the south in the US News & World Report rankings. The college stands out with strong ratings, particularly in the area of undergraduate teaching. Flagler College does not rank at the top in national, broad-based rankings, but this is normal for smaller, specialized colleges.
Flagler College is best known for its historic campus in the former Ponce de León Hotel in St. Augustine, Florida. The building is considered an architectural landmark of the Gilded Age and is known for its Spanish Renaissance architecture, Tiffany stained glass windows, and elaborately designed interiors. In addition, Flagler College is known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and diverse liberal arts programs.
No, Flagler College has no formal religious affiliation. The private college is not affiliated with any particular church or religious community, but rather offers a general academic education, like many other liberal arts colleges. Nevertheless, Flagler College allows its students room for various spiritual and religious activities, for example through (inter)religious student organizations or as part of the Philosophy and Religion study program.
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