Global Ambassador Program

Major: Management Information Systems, McCombs School of Business 

Program: Chinese University of Hong Kong Exchange Program in Shatin, Hong Kong 

I’m a senior in the McCombs School of Business, majoring in management information systems with a computer science certificate and Chinese minor, from Sugar Land, Texas. This fall, I’ll be heading to Hong Kong for the first time to explore my Cantonese heritage, travel across China to practice Mandarin, and better understand the cultural complexities that make Hong Kong so unique! This program gives me the opportunity to see the world while ensuring I graduate from The University of Texas at Austin on time by allowing me to fulfill some of my remaining business core classes and Chinese minor electives. 

Major: Public Relations, Moody College of Communication 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, DIS Abroad in Stockholm, Sweden 

I’m a freshman majoring in public relations from Miami, Florida. This semester, I’ll be studying abroad in Stockholm, Sweden. I was drawn to this program because it’s so different from anything I’ve experienced before. As a public relations major, it’s important to build connections with others, and this experience is an amazing opportunity to do so through conversations with locals, learning about sustainability, and picking up the Swedish language! 

Major: Government, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, SIT Study Abroad in Panama City, Panama 

I’m an incoming freshman majoring in government on a pre-law track from San Antonio, Texas. For my first semester of college, I’ll be studying energy and the environment in Panama. This unconventional start to college will push me out of my comfort zone and give me real-world skills that will help me throughout college. I’m looking forward to immersing myself in Panamanian culture and further developing my Spanish-speaking skills. This program stood out to me because of its interactive learning opportunities. We won’t only learn in a classroom; we’ll also venture throughout Panama to study different ecosystems, learn about preservation efforts in the country, experience the diverse cultures throughout Panama, and much more. I’m excited to document and share my experience abroad with my fellow Longhorns! 

Major: Social Work, Steve Hicks School of Social Work 

Program: University of Edinburgh Exchange Program in Edinburgh, Scotland 

I’m a sophomore majoring in social work from Austin, Texas. This fall, I’ll be studying at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland! As someone who is fascinated by how the past has shaped communities, people, and modern social systems, being able to study in a city like Edinburgh is a dream come true. I can’t wait to get lost on the old cobblestone streets and wander through museums and historical sites to learn how the past has influenced society today. I’m excited to share what I find along the way. 

Major: Psychology, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, DIS Abroad in Stockholm, Sweden 

I’m a freshman psychology major from Austin, Texas. I’m so excited to study abroad, explore Sweden, learn Swedish, and travel to other countries around Europe! I’ve always wanted to study abroad, and the Take the World by the Horns program attracted me because of its focus on health and well-being, which I’m very interested in learning more about. I can’t wait to document and share my experience with all of you! 

Major: Public Relations, Moody College of Communication 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, EF Abroad at Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea 

I’m an incoming freshman from Cedar Park, Texas, planning to major in public relations. This fall, I’mstudying health and well-being in Seoul, South Korea, through the Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad program. I chose this program because it allows me to combine my passion for education and travel while gaining unique hands-on learning experiences. 

Major: Kinesiology & Health Education (Applied Movement Science), College of Education 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, DIS Abroad in Stockholm, Sweden 

I’m a freshman from Coppell, Texas, studying kinesiology & health education on the pre-med track at The University of Texas at Austin. I’m excited to study abroad in Stockholm, Sweden, through the Take the World by the Horns program because it gives me the opportunity to experience a new culture while continuing my academic studies. I was especially drawn to this program because of its focus on global learning, cultural immersion, and exploring different perspectives on health and education. I’m looking forward to meeting students from around the world, experiencing life in Sweden, and bringing what I learn abroad back with me to The University of Texas at Austin. 

Major: Economics, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, EF Abroad at Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea 

Hello! My name is Maximilian de Ybarrondo and I’m apart of the Take the World by the Horns program in Seoul. I’m taking my UT classes at Hanyang University as a part of the Take the World by the Horns program in Seoul. I’m so excited to share my experiences and get others interested in studying abroad!

Major: International Relations & Global Studies, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: Sciences Po Exchange Program in Le Havre, France 

I’m a rising junior majoring in international relations and global studies on the culture, media, and arts track. I’m from Mexico City, and this fall I’ll be attending Sciences Po at its Le Havre campus in Normandy, France. I’ve been learning French for two years, and I’m excited to continue learning and practicing. I chose this program because I’ve always loved visiting new places. I also expect to learn more about political science, international relations, and their connections to the arts and media. Le Havre interested me because of its history. Monet, one of my favorite painters, spent his early years there, and the city has many opportunities to explore his connection to the region. During my time abroad, I hope to learn more about the city and its culture. 

Majors: Economics, College of Liberal Arts, and Finance, McCombs School of Business 

Program: University of Copenhagen Exchange Program in Copenhagen, Denmark 

I’m a senior studying economics and finance and currently spending a semester abroad at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark! I graduated as a salutatorian of my high school, and I’m currently working in the sales and finance industry. Coming to Denmark, I honestly didn’t know exactly what to expect. I just knew I wanted to experience new cultures, meet new people, try new cuisines, and step outside my comfort zone, and it’s been all of that and more! For the first time in my life, I truly felt like a stranger in a new place. Not being able to speak the language or fully understand the traditions and cultural differences was a little intimidating at first, but I was surprised by how quickly you learn to adapt and become comfortable in a completely new environment I’ve tried to make the most of every opportunity while I’ve been here. I’veexplored Copenhagen, met people from different backgrounds, and traveled to four other countries so far, including Belgium, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. It’s genuinely been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my college career. My only regret is that I didn’t plan to do another semester abroad! 

Major: Government, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, DIS Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark 

I’m a first-generation college student and government major at The University of Texas at Austin. Raised in Houston, Texas, my desire to pursue law grew out of high school debate, where analyzing policy sparked a deep commitment to systemic justice. Through the Take the World by the Horns program in Copenhagen, I’m excited to explore international perspectives on energy policy and governance. Outside of academics, I’m currently working toward my Texas real estate license and love challenging my physical limits through high-intensity training and running. 

Major: Psychology, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, DIS Abroad in Stockholm, Sweden 

I’m a psychology major and a rising freshman from Denton, Texas! I’m kicking off my college experience in Scandinavia, a program that invites students to look outside the lines and explore new perspectives. I was drawn to this program because I’ve never had the opportunity to travel much outside my home state, and I believe new perspectives and change are important for personal growth. I can’t wait to start this semester and share this opportunity with all of you! 

Major: Public Relations, Moody College of Communication 

Program: University of Edinburgh Exchange Program in Edinburgh, Scotland 

I’m a junior from Rockwall, Texas, studying public relations with a minor in arts management and administration. This fall, I’ll be studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland as an exchange student. I’ve always dreamed of studying in the United Kingdom, and I’m especially excited to experience life in Scotland while studying at one of the world’s leading universities. Travel has always been an important part of my life, and I look forward to immersing myself in Scottish culture, exploring the country and surrounding areas, and sharing my experiences abroad! 

Major: Economics, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, EF Abroad at Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea 

I’m an incoming freshman majoring in economics at The University of Texas at Austin, originally from Coppell, Texas. This fall, I’m studying at Hanyang University in Seoul through the Take the World by the Horns program, where I’ll be immersed in Korean language and culture alongside my coursework. I chose to study abroad to push myself somewhere completely outside my comfort zone, and Seoul felt like the perfect place to do that. As one of the fastest-moving, most innovation-driven economies in the world, it offers a front-row seat to exactly what I want to study. Korean fried chicken and cafe hopping are definitely bonuses, too! 

Major: Government, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, EF Abroad at Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea 

I’m a freshman majoring in government in the College of Liberal Arts and part of the 2026 Take the World by the Horns cohort in Seoul, South Korea. I’m originally from the Washington, D.C., area and come from a rich South Asian heritage. I’m excited to study abroad for the global connections I’ll be able to make, from professional relationships to friendships. I’m especially excited about the Take the World by the Horns community and the connections I hope to build within my cohort. Having a group of around 50 students from the start of college is a great way to get acclimated and find your people! I’m so excited to be a global ambassador and make amazing memories during my semester abroad! 

Major: Economics, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: Tecnológico de Monterrey Exchange Program in Mexico City, Mexico 

I’m a senior economics student with a minor in finance and a certificate in business Spanish. I’m thrilled to be studying abroad in Mexico City this fall, where I can become more in touch with the Mexican cultural influences that continue to shape Texas. Having lived in Austin, Texas, my whole life, I’m excited to experience something completely different for four months. I’ll be taking mostly finance and Spanish classes while here in the capital city, which allows me to build on both my personal interests and language abilities. I can’t wait to explore the city’s rich history and food scene while getting to know locals and people from all over the world! 

Major: Public Health, College of Natural Sciences 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, DIS Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark 

I’m an incoming freshman majoring in public health, and I’m very excited to be studying abroad in Copenhagen this fall! I’ve always been interested in learning more about health care and how different countries make care accessible to their communities. During this program, I’ll be taking classes on health care systems and Danish for health care professionals, which I’m really excited about because it combines my academic interests with the chance to learn about a new culture. I’m especially looking forward to seeing how health care in Denmark compares with what I’m familiar with in the U.S. I hope to take what I learn from this experience and use it in my future career in dentistry while also growing more confident and open-minded along the way. 

Major: Economics, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, SIT Study Abroad in Panama City, Panama 

I’m an economics major at The University of Texas at Austin from El Salvador. I’ll be studying abroad in Panama City, Panama, through the Take the World by the Horns program in fall 2026. I’m especially excited to experience Panama while learning in a new environment and sharing my experiences with the UT community. I’m looking forward to highlighting both my experience as a Longhorn and the culture, people, and opportunities that make studying abroad so meaningful, especially the welcoming nature of people in Latin America and the incredible wildlife and natural beauty that make the region so special. 

Major: Government, College of Liberal Arts 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, SIT Study Abroad in Panama City, Panama 

I’m a freshman from Austin, Texas, studying government with plans to pursue a career in law and politics. I’m especially excited to study abroad because I want to experience a new culture firsthand, strengthen my Spanish, and better understand societies beyond my own. I was drawn to the Take the World by the Horns program because of the unique opportunity to go abroad for my first semester and combine academics with immersive experiences. I’m excited to spend this semester in Panama and connect what I learn in the classroom with the world around me! 

Major: Social Work, Steve Hicks School of Social Work 

Program: Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad, EF Abroad at Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea 

I’m an incoming freshman studying social work from Houston, Texas. I first discovered the Take the World by the Horns program while applying to The University of Texas at Austin. When I saw a section asking if I was interested in studying abroad during my first semester of college, I immediately checked “yes.” I was drawn to the program because I loved the idea of beginning college immersed in another country’s culture while traveling alongside other incoming freshmen and forming close friendships along the way. I’ve always been fascinated by cultures across Asia, from technology and traditions to food, religion, and everyday life, and I’m especially excited to experience the unique combination of these things in Seoul, South Korea. More than anything, I want to learn beyond what I can find in books or online by living within another community, learning about its people and their experiences, and gaining perspectives that will shape my future career in social work.  

Major: Corporate Communications, Moody College of Communication 

Program: Pôle Universitaire Léonard de Vinci, MICEFA Exchange Program in Paris, France 

I’m a corporate communications major at The University of Texas at Austin heading to Paris, France, for the fall semester through the MICEFA program! I’m especially excited to immerse myself in French culture, explore creative communications in an international setting, and connect with students from around the world. I chose this program because of its strong academics and the unique opportunity to experience Parisian life firsthand. I look forward to sharing my experience with the Longhorn community. Hook ’em!