UTRGV Could Show You the World
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The International Study Program at UTRGV held a study abroad fair Tuesday in Brownsville to show Vaqueros how they could explore different countries as a college student.
Studying abroad, explained by the Assistant Director of Education Abroad, Adriana Ramirez, will expose students to not only a country’s culture but an experience that benefits their future careers.
“No matter the major or background, we want students to know what opportunities are there for them,” Ramirez said
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Associate Vice Provost for the International Study Program, Caroline Miles, said students should talk to their academic adviser or book an appointment with a staff member in the ISP before considering studying abroad.
Stephanie Rodriguez, a mass communication freshman, said she never thought studying abroad would be an opportunity she could have.
She said she would like to study religion in Spain, but her only worry is the cost, “but other than that, she is ready to explore.”
According to Miles, the cost of studying abroad varies from $2,500 to $5,000 excluding airfare and meals. However, scholarships are offered to students interested in the program.
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“The earlier a student applies, the better chance they have to get one,” she said.
Ana Rios, a physics freshman, said what makes her hesitate from studying abroad is her parents.
Miles and Ramirez said it is common for parents to be worried, but having meetings with them to answer any questions they have helps.
“The university is not going to put students in any unsafe situation,” she said. “We have the whole support of the University of Texas travel risk management if anything were to occur.”
The program will usually hold a pre-departure orientation including information on health and travel insurance, along with safety precautions, what and what not to pack and other travel tips.
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Miles said opportunities such as studying abroad can give students insight on the fact that we do live in a globally connected world.
She shared that students have told her how studying abroad has transformed their way of thinking, and most of them want to go again or end up living in the country they visited.
“I’ve taken students abroad many, many times, and all of them have told me they want to go again and they find other opportunities to go abroad again,” Miles said.
If you’re a Vaquero interested in studying abroad visit Education Abroad’s website for more information.
