Short-Term Study Abroad
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Office of Education Abroad (EA) oversees student applications for all international programs that offer academic credit. The study abroad application process is quick and easy. Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs provide a short, affordable and memorable connection with the world through our world-class faculty.
Approved Programs Academic Year 2026
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.
Most study abroad program courses can be taken as electives for any major, and many prerequisites can be waived for these programs. Email the faculty leader if you have any questions about academic qualifications.
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.
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Plan early
It is never too early to start planning to study abroad. Vaqueros programs typically run in the Winter, Minimester, Summer I, and Summer II terms. Speak to an International Programs Specialist and with your Academic Advisor to begin planning your study abroad experience.
Benefits
There are many benefits to studying abroad and participating in a Vaqueros program.
- Led by UTRGV Faculty
- Affordable
- Typically 1 - 3 weeks total
- International experience is valued by employers
For more questions, please schedule an online Teams meeting or in-person meeting with EA staff.
EA does not offer walk-in appointments.
Student Requirements:
- Actively enrolled UTRGV student.
- Most programs are available for undergraduates, but there are some graduate level courses as well!
- If you're graduating before your semester abroad, please reach out to your academic advisor to discuss options, such as enrolling as a non-degree seeking student.
- Students from other universities can travel the summer with UTRGV as a transient student.
- 12 credits completed before the time of travel.
- Credits transferred into UTRGV and listed on your student profile will be accepted.
- Credits transferred into UTRGV and listed on your student profile will be accepted.
- In good academic standing
- Students with a GPA below 2.0 require faculty approval.
- Students must have a 2.0+ GPA for the Education Abroad Scholarship. Students with a GPA below 2.5 will require special approval from the Scholarship Committee for award.
- In possession of a passport book that will be current during the entire time of travel, or in the process of applying for a new passport.
- Proof of passport application will be accepted in lieu of a passport copy during application period.
- Some countries require that your passport have at least six months of validity beyond the dates of your trip.
- Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
- Check the U.S. Department of State Country Information Page to learn how long your passport needs to be valid.
- Complete the necessary prerequisites of the specific course provided by the study abroad program.
- Most courses can be taken by any major as electives, and many prerequisites can be waived for study abroad programs.
- Reach out to the program faculty leader(s) for clarification on prerequisite courses.
- Please speak with your academic and/or financial aid advisor if you are concerned about UTRGV Stay on Track requirements.
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.
Faculty-Led Study Abroad Proposals
Please see our Information for Faculty page.