Why Study Abroad?

Why not?  Studying Abroad is a great opportunity for you to explore the world, have an adventure, immerse yourself in a new culture, meet interesting people, gain independence, learn or perfect a foreign language and become a global citizen.  It will not only enhance your academic career, but it will also help you to gain valuable international experience which is appealing to employers and graduate and professional schools.

Remember, studying abroad is first and foremost an academic experience and therefore it requires an appropriate level of academic effort by you throughout the application and acceptance phases and also while abroad. 

Study Abroad at UTEP

There are a number of study abroad opportunities available for UTEP students.  Since every program is different, it is essential that you do extensive research before you apply to study abroad.  You can browse our website, visit our Resource Library (in the Study Abroad Office) or speak with returning study abroad participants, but please remember that not every program is ideal for every student.  Therefore, the Study Abroad Office is committed to assisting you to find a program that meets your academic and personal needs. Once you have attended an informational session, create an account on UTEP’s Study Abroad Office website and research the available programs. Finally, please schedule an appointment with the Study Abroad Office to discuss your application.

UTEP’s Study Abroad Requirements*

Requirements for UTEP, CONAHEC, or ISEP programs:

• Must be in good standing at UTEP
• Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA
• Undergraduates must have completed 36 hours (minimum 12 hours at UTEP) before applying
• Graduates must have completed 9 hours at UTEP before applying

Requirements for Third Party Provider programs:

• Must be in good standing at UTEP
• Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA for Undergraduates, 3.0 GPA for Graduates
• Undergraduates must have completed 36 hours (minimum 12 hours at UTEP) before applying
• Graduates must have completed 9 hours at UTEP before applying

* Please note, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee you acceptance into any Study Abroad program.  Certain programs may have higher acceptance criteria.  All applications are reviewed by a Study Abroad Selection committee. Selection is based on a number of criteria, including but not limited to your total educational and disciplinary record, educational objectives, level of preparedness and interpersonal maturity, recommendation letter, well-written essays, and quality of your overall application.

Types of Study Abroad Programs

Faculty-led programs

Faculty or Departments may offer courses which are taught abroad as part of the UTEP curriculum.  Course length varies depending on the program.  For these courses, you are assessed normal tuition and fees and are charged additional fees to cover program costs.  You will receive UTEP grades and credit and financial aid can be used if you qualify. Please see the Faculty-led programs section for more information.

UTEP or CONAHEC Exchanges

You attend an international partner university for one or two semesters. You pay UTEP tuition and financial aid can be used if you qualify. Credit earned may be transferred back to UTEP with permission from the departments and your academic advisor.

ISEP Exchanges or Direct Programs

You attend an ISEP partner university for one or two semesters.  For ISEP Exchange, you pay UTEP tuition, room and board  and financial aid can be used if you qualify.  Credits earned may be transferred back to UTEP with permission from the departments and your academic advisor.  For ISEP Direct, you pay a program fee determined by the host university, financial aid can be used if you qualify.  Credit earned may be transferred back to UTEP with permission from the departments and your academic advisor. 

Third Party Provider Programs

You are also able to participate in study abroad programs that are offered by private, third – party providers approved by UTEP SAO. These programs, offered in numerous locations around the world during the semesters and summer of the academic year, are usually less competitive and you are required to pay a program fee to the providers.  Many providers also provide scholarships for which you are able to apply. You will have to check with the Office of Student Financial Aid to see if you are able to use your financial aid to help cover the costs of your program.  Credit earned may be transferred back to UTEP with permission from the departments and your academic advisors. 

Application Deadline

Deadlines vary depending on the program.  Please visit the Announcements page for current application deadlines.