Texas Global Education Abroad

"Studying the history and culture behind Mediterranean foods has changed the way I understand nutrition. Food is not shaped solely by health science; it’s also shaped by geography, migration, religion, politics, and trade. Without understanding the cultural and historical context behind these dietary patterns, it would be difficult to fully understand why the Mediterranean diet has remained so influential in the Mediterranean region."

Read more about Global Ambassador Kamin Katherine Klieopatinon's experience studying in Sicily, Italy through the faculty-led program "From Prehistory to the Present: The Mediterranean Diet": https://utx.global/4aKhNp4

College of Natural Sciences, UT Austin, UT Nutritional Sciences, College of Liberal Arts - University of Texas at Austin, UT Austin Human Ecology, UT Classics

Meet Global Ambassador Victoria Palma, participating in the faculty-led program "Latinx Identities Across España" in Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada in Spain!

"Hola from España! 🇪🇸

Studying abroad in Barcelona was an incredible experience and it flew by so fast! Between visiting iconic spots like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, catching sunsets by the beach, and exploring the city with new friends, I learned so much about how to live in the moment and to lean into the unknown! I am beyond thankful for every part of the experience and for the people I met along the way. Although studying abroad often means traveling with a class, it remains a deeply individual journey, and I feel that I grew immensely from it. One of my favorite parts was simply taking the time to watch the sunrise and sunset, allowing myself to just slow down and cherish my time in Barcelona.

If any other students are even slightly considering studying abroad, I encourage you to make the jump and go for it! It is entirely worth it and an experience you definitely will not regret!"

Moody College of Communication - UT Austin, Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences - UT Austin, The College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin, Project M.A.L.E.S.

"Studying abroad in the country I was born in has ultimately helped me realize that returning 'home' hasn’t meant to me what I thought it would. Before coming here, I initially thought I wanted to reclaim a past version of my identity. But instead, I now understand both parts of me, the British roots I came from and the American culture that shaped who I became. Rather than feeling divided between the two, this experience has helped me see that both can coexist."

Read more about Global Ambassador Amelia Wilkinson's experience participating in the faculty-led program "Social Change: A Critical International Perspective" in London, England: https://utx.global/4ejf4Fl

College of Liberal Arts - University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work

"When my friend and I ate at an Italian restaurant in Seville, the waiter asked if I was from America. I said yes and told him that I was from Texas. He said he loved American accents and asked if we actually say 'y’all.' I told him yes and taught him how to use it in a sentence. While I learned from him about language and culture, he also learned from my friend and me. This experience helped me understand why studying abroad is so beneficial. It gives people the opportunity to break cultural stereotypes through exposure to new situations and to learn from one another."

Read more about Global Ambassador Rachel Crandall's experience on the faculty-led program "Latinx Identities Across España" in Barcelona, Madrid, and Granada, Spain: https://utx.global/4xB3MUr

The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, The College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin, Project M.A.L.E.S.

Meet Global Ambassador Sloane Farber participating in the faculty-led program "Latinx Identities Across España"!

"Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the incredible privilege of studying abroad in Spain. Through both ASA and Texas Global, I’ve been able to complete my UGS core credit while participating in an immersive learning experience centered around identity, culture, and self-discovery. What makes this program so unique is the way it blends academics with real-world exploration.

For example, we discuss our identity and growth in the classroom, and then we connect these ideas with the places we visit for further self-exploration and understanding. Every excursion has helped me better understand not only Spanish culture, but also who I am and who I want to become.

Our journey began in Barcelona, which serves as our home base. During our first week, we immersed ourselves in everything the city had to offer—from trying tapas to exploring iconic sites like Park Güell and learning about Barcelona's history by walking through the Gothic Quarter. We have had the opportunity to engage with locals and experience what it's like to not just be in Barcelona, but live there. By the end of the week, I was surprised with how comfortable I felt navigating in the city and how somewhere so unknown became so familiar.

We then traveled from Barcelona to Madrid and are continuing to explore different regions of Spain. We are heading to Seville and will take day trips to Toledo and Córdoba. Each city has its own unique atmosphere, history, and culture, and I am able to see the different layers Spain has to offer and what makes each city so special. I have enjoyed so many parts of this trip so far, but my favorites are the amazing people I have met, the tapas, and the beautiful art and architecture in Madrid.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study abroad and for the chance to participate in such a meaningful and immersive program. This experience has already taught me so much, and I cannot wait to see where the rest of this adventure takes me."

The College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin, Project M.A.L.E.S.

Living with a host family abroad? It might feel unfamiliar at first, but it can become one of the most meaningful parts of your journey.

From embracing cultural differences to building real connections, these tips will help you make the most of your homestay experience.

Read more about it in our blog: https://utx.global/49Atm1H

"As Magnetic Island became a silhouette in the distance, I remembered the parting message of a panel we attended with residents of the island community: 'Every place has a story, and you can be a part of it.' As we continue our travels, I am collecting stories, pictures, and memories of life in North Queensland."

Read more about Global Ambassador Sara Allen's experience studying in the faculty-led program "The Politics of Protecting the Great Barrier Reef" in Townsville, Australia: https://utx.global/4vKvIn3

College of Liberal Arts - University of Texas at Austin, UT Department of English, Edward A. Clark Center for Australian & New Zealand Studies

Meet Global Ambassador Mia Vera, participating in the faculty-led program "The Politics of Protecting the Great Barrier Reef" in Townsville, Australia!

"Australia, a country with so much to offer and so much to protect. From wetlands to rainforests, from the cities to the Great Barrier Reef, every place taught me something new.

One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was learning from Aboriginal communities and gaining a deeper understanding of the culture, history, and connection to the land that has existed for generations.

At the same time, this trip showed me how real the impacts of global warming are on environments like the Reef and the ecosystems surrounding it. Seeing these places firsthand made the need for protection feel far more personal than anything I could have learned in a classroom.

This experience gave me a new perspective on the responsibility that comes with protecting places like this. It’s hard to leave somewhere that has taught me so much in such a short time. This isn’t goodbye, just see you later. 🇦🇺"

College of Liberal Arts - University of Texas at Austin, Edward A. Clark Center for Australian & New Zealand Studies

"While self-discovery is usually mentioned when others talk about their experiences abroad, I never thought that it would play such a large role in my experience with the program. Thankfully, these memories — along with others — have completely changed how I want to show up in the world for myself and others."

Read more about Global Ambassador Caris Gray's experience participating in the faculty-led program "Social Change: A Critical International Perspective" in London, England: https://utx.global/4eg6qq4

College of Liberal Arts - University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work