International Business students gain direct experience with diverse cultures throughout their course of their studies, but not more so than during their International Experience. IB students learn to analyze and work within different cultures by spending a significant amount of time in a cultural background that varies from their own.
Students pursing an international business major or global management minor are required to spend time abroad, and many international business minors often choose to take advantage of completing an optional international experience.
International Experience Options
In the event that a student is unable to travel abroad due to circumstances outside of their control (e.g. public health or other extenuating circumstances) they may be able to complete an research project or internationally-facing internship to satisfy the requirement. If you are find yourself in this situation, please meet with CGB to discuss the your options.
Most IB students complete their International Experience by studying abroad, either through McCombs or Texas Global. These programs are generally either semester-long exchange/affiliate programs, or Faculty-Led May Term/Summer programs.
Semester-Long Exchange Programs
Students looking to get the most out of their international experience often spend a full semester abroad. By participating in an exchange program, students often have access to more financial aid, and coursework taken is often considered in-residence. Priority deadlines for exchange programs can be as early as a year in advance, so plan early.
Semester-Long AFFILIATE Programs
Students wanting to spend a semester abroad also have access to affiliate programs across the globe. Although sometimes more expensive than exchange programs, affiliate programs offer students ready access to education across the globe.
Summer Faculty-Led Programs
Formerly known as Maymesters, these short-term study abroad programs take place immediately after the spring semester ends and typically last four weeks. Due to their limited duration, May Term programs cannot be counted towards a Global Management minor or IB major (Language Track).
Faculty-Led May Term Programs
Formerly known as Maymesters, these short-term study abroad programs take place immediately after the spring semester ends and typically last four weeks. Due to their limited duration, May Term programs cannot be counted towards a Global Management minor or IB major (Language Track).
Non-UT Study Abroad Programs
Students occasionally complete study abroad experiences through other domestic universities. These students must ensure transfer of their courses from the host institution in order to satisfy the International Experience requirement.
Traditional Internships
Students looking to satisfy their International Experience requirement with an international internship should meet with a CGB advisor as soon as possible to discuss their options. Students pursuing this option must:
- Complete an International Experience Approval Form prior to starting their internship and will be required to provide a letter from their employer confirming employment upon conclusion of the internship.
- Complete an internship that’s at least 6 weeks in duration and 160 hours total with direct, daily supervision and meaningful projects with learning components that align with their program.
- Either receive academic credit for the internship through their college (e.g. BA 353 credit) or complete the zero-credit hour course EXP 000 through UEX to use the internship toward their International Experience.
Students are responsible for securing their position, arranging their own transportation/housing, and ensuring that all other documentation (e.g. visa, passport) are completed prior to the start of their internship.
Global Career Launch
This UT program teams both undergraduate and graduate students with faculty to work together and conduct research abroad on an issue or topic related to their host country. The program typically includes a stipend of up to $4,000 for students with demonstrated/documented financial need in addition to other financial support.
Learn more about Global Career Launch
Internationally-Facing Internships
Students in the Skills Track of the IB major may be able to satisfy their International Experience Requirement through an internationally-facing internship, where they are based in the United States but have a predominate focus on internationally-based projects.
If you’re interested in pursuing this option, meet with a CGB advisor.
Occasionally, students satisfy their International Experience requirement through an alternative experience, such as volunteering abroad. Any alternative is expected to have sufficient structure and cultural exposure to ensure the requirement is met.
If you’re interested in pursuing this option, meet with a CGB advisor.
Funding for International Experiences
Funding for international experience is available from a variety of sources. Some assistance is based on financial need, while other options are based on where you plan to travel or what you plan to do while you are there.
The below list is not exhaustive, and students are encouraged to contact the Office of Scholarship and Financial Aid with questions.
Global Change Maker Scholarships
Global Change Maker Scholarships are offered by CGB and are open to all students regardless of their major/minor. Multiple awards of up to $5,000 are given every semester to support international experiences.
Funding for foreign language and area studies
Centers and institutes across UT offer scholarships for international experiences via Department of Education grants for both undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines to study foreign languages and cultures.
Participating centers and institutes include:
- Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
- Center for Middle Eastern Studies
- Center for European Studies
- South Asia Institute
- Teresa Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies
Applications for these scholarships generally open in early-mid November and close in early-mid February.
Financial aid information for Study Abroad
Financial aid may be available to assist with your study abroad experience.