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 group of 20 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. Sixty students will be admitted across three international sites for 2024. You must be 18 years or older by August 2024 to participate.

Orientation

Take the World by the Horns participants are required to attend a virtual pre-departure session in April 2024 to learn about program timelines and logistics, and an in-person UT Austin Freshman orientation during the week of June 20 or July 8, 2024, featuring supplemental programming to prepare for their first semester abroad.

Academics

The program curriculum offers exposure to global challenges. All participants are enrolled in 12 credits (four courses) during the Fall 2024 semester. In addition to academic study, students apply learning to real-life contexts. There is no language requirement and all courses are taught in English. Foreign language learning will be incorporated into the program, but will not be counted as course credit (see individual program detail pages for more details).

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.

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.