Mariajose Garza/THE RIDER PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
With more than a dozen programs available, UTRGV officials have approved 260 students to participate in upcoming study abroad programs and encourage students to explore future opportunities that can enhance both academic and career prospects.
Adriana Ramirez, assistant director for education abroad in the Office of International Study Programs, said the office’s mission is to make UTRGV international.
“We’re wanting to provide our students with opportunities to become global leaders, global thinkers, and we’re providing these opportunities through education abroad,” Ramirez said.
The university has short-term and long-term programs available, and opportunities for faculty to work with other universities around the world.
“Most of them are set in Europe,” she said. “… It’s different disciplines as well. … They’re all credit bearing.”
Ramirez said most programs are open for all majors but “some programs might be more specific, like the [biomedical sciences] program in Chile.”
She added students should know studying abroad is not just about travel but also an opportunity to grow and step outside familiarity.
“Academically, you’re going to be able to take courses … tied to your degree, but you’re also learning outside the classroom,” Ramirez said. “While you’re learning outside the classroom, you’re going to be able to see different cultural contexts.”
She said the opportunity may help students grow in confidence, navigate new environments, problem-solving skills and communication.
“These skills are something that can translate directly into their careers and their personal lives,” Ramirez added.
Peter Magnusson, department chair of Marketing in the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, said the department offers four study abroad programs for 2026.
“Studying abroad is a life-changing experience for many students at UTRGV,” Magnusson said.
He added the department had a study abroad program in London during the last winter break and will have three more during Summer 2026.
“A lot of people just kind of had limited opportunities,” Magnusson said. “A lot of our students before their study abroad trip have to get their first passport, and it’s the first time leaving the country, and you really just learn so much about the world.”
He said having international opportunities helps students learn about themselves and gain confidence.
“These [opportunities] tend to make people more tolerant, more open-minded, more focused on being inclusive and showing respect for all different cultures, all different viewpoints, all different perspectives,” Magnusson said.
Ramirez said all programs have different fees based on the itinerary the faculty leading the program builds, and the cost does not include airfare, tuition and mandatory fees.
There is also a $125 non-refundable application fee.
Ramirez added sometimes students find other resources to be able to pay.
“Some students do tell me ‘Oh, you know, I’m going to fund it by raising money by doing sales.’ Or they’re saving money, or they have their family that supports them,” she said.
Magnusson said most of the study abroad trips have four components: standard classroom time, business visits (specific for the College of Business and Entrepreneurship), cultural experience and own experience.
Ramirez said it is normal if students are hesitant about studying abroad.
“Usually it comes down to the comfort zone, and that’s where the growth happens,” she said.
Ramirez added she encourages students to attend the office’s information sessions to learn about the support it has and the steps students should take to study abroad.
“I just remind students that there’s never a perfect time to study abroad; there’s always going to be reasons to wait,” she said. “The opportunity itself is just something really unique, and it’s something that, even if you’re thinking about, it’s worth exploring.”
