Short-Term Study Abroad
The International Study Programs – Education Abroad team oversees and manages student applications for all international programs that award academic credit. The study abroad application process is designed to be clear, efficient, and accessible. Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs offer short-term, affordable, and academically enriching global experiences led by UTRGV’s distinguished faculty.
All programs, including the EA scholarship and Program Fee Appeal Form, are listed in Via TRM under "Explore Programs".
Students please note: the courses listed below provide a general idea of the curriculum offered on each program. EA works with faculty members to build course options necessary for the UTRGV "Stay on Track" policy. Please email the faculty leader of the program for information on other courses offered for each program.
Some of the courses in the short-term programs may have prerequisites. If you are unsure, please confirm with your Academic Advisor.
Approved Programs Academic Year 2026
Click on the term below to see the programs offered.
New programs will be added to this page as they are approved. Please check back regularly for the latest updates.
Course(s): FINA 4300 - Topics in Finance
Course(s): FORL 3311 Communicative Korean
Course(s): COMD 4375 Global Perspectives: Communication and Healthcare, COMD 6380 Special Topics
Course(s): ARTS 4392: Individual Problems/Museum Studies & Introduction to Art Restoration
Course(s): MEDH 2311 Intro to Medical Humanities MEDH 4301 Medical Humanities Capstone HONR 4388
Course(s): MARK 4370, MARK 6390
Course(s): ARTS 4388 Design Thinking in Sustainable Science
Course(s): ACCT 4348 Special Topics
Course(s): PSYC 4383 Special Problems: Cross Cultural Approaches to Health and Well-being
Course(s): FREN 1312, FREN 2382 FREN, 3330, FREN 4339
Course(s): CSCI 3351 History of Computing
Course(s): ENVR 4370/5370 Human Environmental Interactions in the Galapagos Islands
Course(s): SOCW 3333, SOCW 6399
Course(s): BMED 4290 Medical Immunology
Course(s): POLS 2305: US Federal Government and Politics, POLS 2306 Texas Government and Politics, POLS 3323: Middle Eastern Politics, POLS 4393: Special Topics in World Politics
Course(s): MGMT 4300, MGMT 6300, ACCT 4348
Course(s): PHIL 3352 Religion, Spirituality, and Ecology
Course(s): EDCI 3334 Teaching Mathematics to Elementary Students
Course(s): NA. This program is for experiential learning
Course(s): ARTS 1303, ARTS 6354
Course(s): HOST 3316 Culture and Cuisine
Course(s): MARK 4370 Special Topics in Marketing, MARK 6390 Marketing Seminar
Course(s): POLS 2305 United States and Federal Government, POLS 2306 Texas Politics, POLS 4323 Mexican Politics, POLS 4320 Politics of Debt
Course(s): MARK 3310 International Marketing MARK 3320 Personal Branding and Communication, MARK 4370 Topics in Marketing - AI in Marketing, MARK 6383 - AI in Marketing, MARK 6390 Graduate Field Study in Italy
Course(s): ARTS 1312 3D Foundations, ART 1316 Drawing I
Travel Disclaimer
International Study Programs is not responsible for any travel disruptions, including but not limited to flight cancellations, delays, or missed connections, that may occur during a student's travel to or from the designated study abroad location. Students are solely responsible for managing and resolving any such disruptions, including associated costs.
Students may be eligible to submit claims for certain travel-related expenses through On Call International Travel Insurance, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. It is the student’s responsibility to retain all necessary documentation and to initiate any claims directly with OnCall International.
International Study Programs does not process, manage, or guarantee reimbursement for any travel-related insurance claims.
Plan early
It is never too early to begin planning your study abroad experience. Short-Term Study Abroad programs are typically offered during the Winter, May Minimester, Summer I, and Summer II terms.
Students are encouraged to speak with an Education Abroad team member and their academic advisor to begin planning and ensure their program aligns with their academic goals.
Benefits
There are many benefits to participating in Study Abroad Programs
- Led by UTRGV Faculty
- Affordable
- Typically 1 - 3 weeks total
- International experience is valued by employers
- Earn 2 points towards the Global Vaquero Distinction
For more questions, please schedule an online Teams meeting or in-person meeting with EA staff.
EA does not offer walk-in appointments.
To participate in a Short-Term Study Abroad program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be an actively enrolled UTRGV student.
- Most programs are available to undergraduate students.
- Some programs may offer graduate-level coursework.
- If you're scheduled to graduate before your term abroad, please consult with your academic advisor to discuss options, such as enrolling as a non-degree seeking student.
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- Students from other universities may participate during the summer term as transient students, pending approval
- Have completed at least 12 credit hours prior to the time of travel.
- Transfer credits accepted by UTRGV and reflected on your student record may count toward this requirement.
- Transfer credits accepted by UTRGV and reflected on your student record may count toward this requirement.
- Be in good academic standing.
- Meet the following minimum GPA requirements:
- Undergraduate Students: 2.5 or higher
- Students with a GPA below 2.5 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Graduate Students: 3.0 or higher
- Undergraduate Students: 2.5 or higher
- Possess a valid passport book that will remain current for the entire duration of travel, or be in the process of applying for one.
- Proof of passport application will be accepted during the application period.
- Some countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the dates of travel.
- Some airlines may deny boarding if passport validity requirements are not met.
- Students are responsible for reviewing country-specific passport and visa requirements on the U.S. Department of State Country Information Page.
- Complete any required course prerequisites for the specific study abroad program.
- Some short-term study abroad courses may have prerequisites. Students are responsible for confirming prerequisite requirements with the program’s faculty leader and, if necessary, their academic advisor.
- Students with questions regarding UTRGV Stay on Track requirements or financial aid implications should consult with their academic and/or financial aid advisor prior to participation.
Step 1: Study Abroad Begins with your Passport.
You Must Apply in Person if:
- You are applying for your first U.S. passport.
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16.
- Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
- Your name has changed and you are unable to document your name change.
Renew by Mail if Your Most Recent Passport:
- Is undamaged and can be submitted with your application.
- Was issued when you were age 16 or older.
- Was issued within the last 15 years.
- Was issued in the exact same name as your previous passport or you can legally document your name change with original or certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document.
Step 2: Study Abroad Application
- Applications will be processed through Via TRM.
- Refer to the program list above for links to applications, or browse from the "Explore Programs" page in the Via TRM site.
Step 3: Approval
You will receive an automated message from Via TRM that your program application has been approved! Your faculty leader will be in contact with you an your peers.
- You will be charged a non-refundable $125 application fee only after the following 3 items have been completed:
- Your application must be approved/conditionally approved by EA staff and faculty leaders.
- You must sign a commitment form on Via TRM after your application is approved/conditionally approved.
- Your program meets its enrollment numbers
- If your program is canceled, you will be given the option to transfer your application to another program or withdraw without program fees.
Step 4: Cost Commitment and Dean of Students Travel Form
Students approved for study abroad programs will sign the necessary cost commitment form for their financial responsibility to the program and their conduct as a representative of UTRGV abroad. Students will be required to complete a Cost Commitment Form in Via TRM to be considered committed to their program of choice. The link to the Commitment form will become available after your application is approved and the program fee is published on Via TRM. See HOW TO ACCESS FORMS IN VIA TRM for more guidance.
Please see our International Study Programs Refund Policy for more details.
Program fees and application fees will be applied to student accounts during the term of travel. Refer to the UTRGV academic calendar for payment deadlines. Study abroad courses are still subject to mandatory campus fees, such as the student union and the rec center.
Students who need to withdraw from a program due to extenuating circumstances must complete a Education Abroad Program Fee Appeal Form on Via TRM (under "Explore Programs") within 4 weeks of withdrawal notification. Each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Travel coordinators (faculty leads for programs) will work with students to complete a Release and Indemnification Agreement - International Travel and an Authorization for Student International Travel Form.
Please see the Dean of Students - Student Travel page for more information and review the Student International Travel Guidelines.
Step 5: On Call Travel Insurance Enrollment
Students will be enrolled in On Call International Travel Insurance after all necessary forms are submitted, including a legible copy of their passport.
On Call is available at no additional charge to students traveling on university-sponsored programs. Information necessary for On Call enrollment is required to complete student travel forms. Please review the UT System On Call for information on plan IDs and coverage information at: Student International Travel Accident and Sickness Policy.
Students who require a Proof of Coverage (POC) form should email education.abroad@utrgv.edu with a POC request. The Plan ID and Policy Brochure are also available for documentation.
Step 6: Register for UTRGV course
See the UTRGV academic calendar for registration dates and deadlines. Faculty will publish their courses and request permissions for students to have access to register for study abroad courses.
Step 7: Pre-Departure Orientation
Faculty leaders will arrange pre-departure information sessions for students.
Students are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) - a free service that sends you emails with updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate.
Step 8: Bon Voyage
Travel and explore with UTRGV! Please email your pictures to education.abroad@utrgv.edu.