(Sept. 8, 2017) — Students at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) are encouraged to be world-engaged. One way they can achieve global academic and scholarly excellence is through study abroad opportunities. The UTSA Education Abroad Services office brings outside study abroad-focused organizations and UTSA faculty together at the Study Abroad Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at Sombrilla Plaza on the UTSA Main Campus.
More than 20 third-party organizations and foreign universities will join UTSA faculty and Education Abroad Services to share with students all of the study abroad opportunities that are available to them.
“UTSA is committed to making sure our students acquire the knowledge and skills to work in an increasingly global workforce,” said René Zenteno, UTSA vice provost for International Initiatives.“ Studying abroad gives students a firsthand look at different cultures, which increases understanding and tolerance. Additionally, research has shown that students who study abroad have a nearly 18 percent higher 4-year graduation rate.”
Brandon Lanners, director of UTSA Education Abroad, encourages any student who has thought about studying abroad to attend the fair and talk with representatives.
“Come to get informed and excited. Hear stories from returning students and imagine yourself in places that you might not have thought possible. UTSA will take you there,” Lanners said. “We have programs that cost the same as studying at UTSA—plus we work closely with Financial Aid and we award around $150,000 in study abroad scholarships yearly.”
Since 2013, UTSA study abroad participation has almost doubled to nearly 650 students in 2016 – 2017. During the last academic year, UTSA had 33 faculty-led programs in locations around the globe and across majors that supported 470 students’ dreams of a global education.
“Everyone in our office believes in the transformative experience students have when they study abroad. I was a first generation student when I studied abroad,” said Lisa Marie Gomez, executive director of the UTSA Office of International Programs. “Though I had challenges, including financial, family and fear, it changed my life. Now, it’s great to be part of a university that’s prioritizing these opportunities that every student deserves.”
The increase in study abroad participation at UTSA mirrors nationwide trends as more universities across the country commit to expanding diversity within study abroad programs and integrating study abroad into curriculum.
After the fair, students can attend one of the weekly First Steps meetings, where Education Abroad staff help students pick their program and walk through the application process. Students can also take advantage of walk-in advising hours and individual appointments at the office. Students are encouraged to follow @UTSAEducationAbroad on Facebook for details on the First Steps meetings and office hours.
