Pete Mendoza
Pete Mendzoa / Vaquero Radio
Hundreds of students had the opportunity to learn what study abroad programs will be available at UTRGV, how long they would last and how they can be paid for during an information fair last week.
Director of Education Abroad and Global Affairs Caroline Miles explained the types of terms available with the programs.
“What we’re doing here is showcasing all of our education abroad programs,” Miles said. “And we have longterm programs, which means that students study for a semester and then we have 24 shortterm study abroad programs being offered this summer.”
She said some of the programs offered included studying in South Korea, France, Austria, Spain, Brazil, among others.
Miles said many students have no idea they have the opportunity to study abroad or believe they could afford it, to which she says that is not true.
“Our office has a scholarship,” she said. “The Gilman Scholarship is up to $5,000. The [Engaged Scholarship & Learning] office has travel funds up to two thousand and most students that apply get most if not all of the study abroad paid for.”
Miles said the program also gives a variety of course options for almost all majors. Each course is being taught by professors from multiple different colleges and disciplines.
She said studying abroad creates countless opportunities and improves students’ critical thinking, problem solving and provides a great experience.
UTRGV marketing senior Karla Medrano mentioned her key takeaway from a study abroad course she took.
“It’s not better or it’s not worse, it’s just different,” Medrano said. “It’s really important to us to remind ourselves how every culture is distinct and whether whatever way you take it, it’s a learning experience.”
Miles said safety is a priority when studying outside the country.
“This is the safest way for young people to travel,” Miles said. “You are chaperoned by faculty that know the country. The UT System has a very sophisticated risk management system that does not allow anybody to go anywhere where there’s any danger.”
She also mentioned students who return from studying abroad say it was the most amazing experience of their life.
For more information on study abroad programs, visit utrgv.edu/ga.
This is Pete Mendoza for Vaquero Radio.
