RISE students expand horizons with study abroad experience
While students flock to the University of Texas at Arlington College of Business for a well-rounded education and high-quality programs, they are offered opportunities to gain worldly experience and put their skills to work during the course of their curriculum.
Recently, students of the RISE Academy explored Spain during a study abroad experience to learn about the navigation of cultural differences in international business, meet international business partners face-to-face, and expand their global awareness for cultural differences abroad.
RISE Academy, which stands for Resilience, Integrity, Selflessness, and Excellence is a program that provides students of various demographics an opportunity to jumpstart their careers with experiential learning opportunities such as networking events, travel abroad programs, and developmental workshops.
During their trip to Spain, the RISE Academy students visited various companies and universities in Madrid and Bilboa, including Mondragon University and the University of Deusto, as well as experienced cultural immersion tours by visiting the Guggenheim and Prado Museums and taking various cultural classes.
RISE Academy Students hold a banner representing their Academy at the Santander Group Financial City in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jhonniece Meeks)
“The purpose of the RISE Academy’s trip to Spain was to expose students to experiences beyond their local environment. By immersing them in a different culture, we provide opportunities for personal growth, cultural appreciation, and academic enrichment,” said Philisa Stanford, UTA College of Business Director of Access and Achievement. “This trip was designed to help students understand global perspectives, develop intercultural communication skills, and inspire them to think critically about their own lives and communities.”
These travel abroad opportunities give students new experiences they may have never had before; while coupling memorable life events with curriculum, students were able to enjoy their time abroad while contributing to their education at the College of Business.
"Everything was amazing, it was my first time being outside of Texas, so it was about getting out of my comfort zone. It left me with a drive to try new things and see things with a different perspective,” said Leslie Vega, Business Management, Sophomore. “I feel like that drive will follow me throughout my whole career and propel me to get myself out there.”
Along with the cultural immersion, the RISE students visited five businesses while in Spain, including Expedia, El Cortez Ingles, Globant, Urbegi, and Santander Group Financial City to gain a better understanding of how international business is conducted and how various businesses are run.
“By visiting those companies and gaining firsthand experience and insight onto how they operate, I see how important versatility and diversity in culture are, both internally and externally,” said Daniel Lamptey, Information Systems, Junior. “Now, when I'm approaching internships and future jobs, just making sure that the culture that I’m joining is something that I'm willing to stay there for in the long run and willing to participate in.”
While the UTA College of Business offers many opportunities for travel and study abroad experiences, the RISE Academy expands the opportunity to travel and be immersed in international perspectives to students who may not have had those opportunities before.
“For students from underrepresented demographics, this trip provides invaluable benefits such as networking opportunities with international professionals, exposure to global business practices, and the chance to develop a global mindset,” said Philisa. “These experiences are transformative, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones.”
These lasting memories and experiences lead to life changing lessons and new perspectives within the students who attend this study abroad programs.
“I told our tour guide that the best teacher in the world is the experiences we get to live, like this trip. I feel like these lessons and experiences will stay with me forever,” said Leslie. “The knowledge I gained on this trip will help me navigate challenges in business and life. Everything from navigating workplaces and presenting business presentations to implement financial pillars.”
While the RISE Academy students gained invaluable information and experiences during their trip abroad, the UTA College of Business offers plenty of opportunities to gain hands-on experience and international opportunities.
“You don't know how you can impact the next person with what you’ve learned. This trip inspired me to talk to other students and let them know about these great opportunities,” said Daniel. “The trip was a networking opportunity for all of us who went on it. We were in a safe school setting but got the chance to connect with somewhere new and still rely on each other for support. I would definitely push for other students to take on a study abroad opportunity.”
RISE Academy Students listen to business leaders during a visit to Globant, a software development company, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jhonniece Meeks)