On Sept. 18 the Office of International Programs & Study Abroad transformed the Union breezeway into a mini airport for its annual study abroad fair. Students checked in with their UTEP IDs, picked up their boarding passes and “flew” toward their future destinations abroad.
The fair, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., aimed to spark student interest in global experiences and encourage applications to study abroad programs. Study abroad adviser and head contact for the study abroad office Jennifer Pitre remained clear on the purpose the fair served.
“The study abroad fair is to get students, of course, excited, but also applying,” Pitre said. “The main goal is to get students to study abroad with one of our programs.”
UTEP offers more than 1,000 programs in over 50 countries, ranging from semester-long exchanges to short term faculty-led trips. Europe, particularly Spain, remains a popular destination, but students also pursue programs in Mexico, Italy and beyond.
For some students, the draw to travel comes from personal passions. Cassandra Garza, a kinesiology major, said her love of soccer and travel fuels her interest in studying abroad.
“I’ve played soccer my whole life, so travel has been a big part of my life,” Garza said. “I think being able to have a new experience in a whole different country builds independence and helps you learn a lot.”
Garza added that her top concern was the price tag, a worry she shares with many students. Cost is often the biggest barrier to studying abroad, but Pitre emphasized that financial aid and scholarships can make programs more accessible.
“Students sometimes feel like it’s always too expensive or they can’t afford it,” Pitre said. “But there’s also different types of scholarships and grant opportunities, as well as external scholarships that we help our students also apply for.”
The International Education Fee Scholarship awards $800 to $1,000, and federal or state aid can apply to many programs.
For Laura Acosta, a linguistics major, the fair provided the push she needed to start seriously considering the possibility of studying abroad.
“I just think it would be such a good experience for me. [I am excited to] build community, and even, you know, see if I want to live there one day,” Acosta said. She hopes to travel to Spain, particularly Barcelona.
Like many students, Acosta admitted she was nervous about the application process, but the office’s support has made it less intimidating.
“I learned it’s okay to take your time and let things process,” Acosta said. “They’re really warm and welcoming.”
That support extends beyond the fair itself. Students can find more information through the study abroad website, by attending information sessions and meeting with advisers. Once accepted into a program, Miners will complete mandatory pre-departure orientations covering health, safety and cultural preparations. For those without a passport, UTEP even operates its own Passport Acceptance Facility inside Union East, simplifying one of the first steps to going abroad.
Beyond the adventure of travel, Pitre said studying abroad helps students stand out after graduation.
“This is something that you can add onto your resume,” Pitre said. “This is not an experience that all students have. So, it does stand out, especially during interview processes.”
With hundreds of programs across more than 50 countries, UTEP’s study abroad office hopes to remind students that the chance to see the world may be closer than they think.
Jewel Ocampo is a Staff Reporter and may be reached at [email protected].
