By Julia Drossell
The University of Tampa hosts a Study Abroad Fair, weekly Study Abroad Application Workshops, Walk-in Hours, and Peer Advising Hours each semester for students looking to study abroad. From New Zealand to Italy, students at UT can choose from 40 different study-abroad opportunities.
“If students are considering studying abroad, the earlier they start the process, the better,” said Autumn Brucato, University of Tampa Assistant Director of Education Abroad. “With some majors, students have much less flexibility the farther they go into their degree.
At the Study Abroad Fair in Fletcher Lounge this past week, each program had a table set up with a representative. Students were encouraged to speak with Partner, Exchange, Affiliate, and Internship program representatives.
Although Study Abroad Fairs do not occur every week, Study Abroad Application Workshops are held weekly. In a one-hour session, applications, deadlines, and financial requirements will be provided.
“By attending just one abroad application workshop, I was able to figure out exactly where I wanted to go and all of the information I could need,” said Ellen Chromy, a senior study abroad attendee at the University of Tampa. This past summer, I spent six weeks in Florence, Italy, and I would encourage every student to experience a new culture in their college career.”
To participate in an international program, students must work with the Office of International Programs, attend one of the application workshops, and meet certain requirements by specific dates. Additionally, students must have completed 12 credits at UT with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
The UT Study Abroad Portal found on MyUTampa can be utilized after attending a workshop to start the process of going abroad. For any unanswered questions, students can attend walk-in hours with Autumn Brucato every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or with Lisa Yarmosh every Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
“I always considered going abroad, but I never knew where to start,” said Lauren Batt, a sophomore at The University of Tampa.
Peer Advising Hours are also available for students who work in the Office of International Programs in Plant Hall, room 300. Students can walk-in with no appointment needed Mondays from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesdays 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., and Fridays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
A student may be eligible for federal, state and institutional aid for education abroad experiences in most cases. While some programs are held through UT, many are also affiliate programs. Through affiliate programs, students are still billed through UT tuition.
The University of Tampa’s website provides additional information for students looking to study abroad. Students may visit https://www.ut.edu/international-programs/education-abroad and attend workshops to gain an understanding of which study abroad program might be suitable for them.