Take the World by the Horns: First Semester Abroad

Launch your journey to a world-class degree at The University of Texas at Austin with an academic adventure abroad during your first semester. Begin your life as a Longhorn with a select group of globally minded students as you immerse yourselves in a new culture!

Where will your story begin?

Why begin your college career abroad?

• Develop close ties with a cohort of talented students and stay connected to your team throughout your college career.   
   
• Dive deep into one focus area of study by going beyond the classroom to apply knowledge in an experiential, international setting.   
   
• Prepare yourself for an increasingly global marketplace by learning to communicate across cultures, incorporate diverse perspectives into your work, and lead with empathy.

Program Details

Admissions

Take the World by the Horns is a competitive program for students applying to enter their first year of college at the University of Texas at Austin. Criteria for selection is based on academic achievement, extracurricular experience, and a demonstrated interest in international or intercultural learning. Students will be admitted across four international sites for 2025. You must be 18 years or older by August 2025 to participate.

Orientation

Take the World by the Horns participants are required to attend a virtual pre-departure session in April 2025 to learn about program timelines and logistics, and an in-person UT Austin Freshman orientation featuring supplemental programming to prepare for their first semester abroad.

Academics

The Take the World by the Horns program (TWBH) curriculum offers an immersive exploration of global challenges, combining traditional academic and experiential learning opportunities. There is no language requirement to participate. Introductory language and culture classes are part of the program but will not count for course credit. (See individual program detail pages for more details.) Students are expected to enroll in four courses (12 credits).

Cost and Financial Aid

Estimated costs are listed on each program page. Students’ financial aid package will be based on education and program costs, which include registration fees and tuition, overseas insurance, flights, passport, visa, pre-departure costs, housing, excursions, meals, and estimated personal expenses. Students can apply for federal and institutional financial aid to cover a portion or all costs of this program.

Returning to the Forty Acres

Cohorts will return to UT Austin and integrate into campus life for the Spring semester by taking advantage of the following opportunities:

• Enroll in a First-Year Signature Course to deepen and expand global learning
• Attend a re-entry session and welcome event
• Participate in college-specific advising sessions
• Connect at social events
• Learn about first-year Interest Groups
• Attend a Bridging Disciplines information session
• Campus life welcome events

There is limited on-campus housing for the spring semester therefore dormitory housing is not guaranteed. Students can apply for housing on a first come, first serve basis or explore additional options through the Off-Campus Housing Marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to the most commons questions about the Take the World by the Horns Program, please see the First Semester Abroad FAQs page.

 

For more information, contact educationabroad@austin.utexas.edu.