Ariana Gallardo | Vaquero Radio
UTRGV students hold the Vaquero flag in Winter 2023 in Switzerland.
Study abroad offers students the possibility of study in a foreign university for a period of time. A UTRGV professor encourages students to apply for the upcoming fall opportunities.
Director of Education Abroad and Professor of English Caroline Miles said study abroad not only provides opportunities for educational experiences but also internships.
“We encourage students to take advantage of internships abroad,” Miles said. “Go to conferences abroad, and any other kind of experiential learning opportunity abroad. So, one of the things that I’m doing while I’m working on implementing a study abroad programs is to try to build on these other education abroad opportunities for UTRGV students.”
Miles said the program makes student resumes stand out, which can lead to higher payment and quicker employment. She said studying abroad allows for professional and personal benefits.
“I hope to see more students going abroad, participating in education abroad,” Miles said. “It’s so important. employers really want to see it. We live in a globally connected world. Research shows that students who have gone abroad, they get better jobs quicker, higher salaries. There are so many not just professional benefit, but personal benefits.”
She said she is looking forward to seeing students develop soft skills while they are in the program.
Miles said it is rewarding to see students experience abroad education. She said the program is not for a specific major but a variety.
“I have personally witnessed the critical thinking skills that students gain from this experience and also it opens up other opportunities,” she said.
Miles encourages students to look out for opportunities in the upcoming fall and summer semester, especially incoming freshmen.
“That all UTRGV students should try to plan to make going abroad part of their UTRGV education experience,” she said. “And I think with coming freshmen, knowing about it and having some time to plan it can really happen.”
For information, visit the UTRGV Study Abroad website.
This is Ariana Gallardo for Vaquero Radio
