Who We Are
In an increasingly interconnected society, international education is more important than ever. UT is committed to educating global citizens and carrying out research that changes lives while addressing the world’s greatest challenges. Texas Global advances UT Austin’s academic mission by expanding our international reach, fostering strategic partnerships on campus and abroad, bringing talented students and scholars to the university, and creating opportunities for students and faculty engage with institutions around the globe.
What we are fundraising for
During UT Austin’s day of giving, Texas Global invites you to be part of the university’s global engagement efforts by supporting scholarships for international students at UT and students pursuing international internships.
Texas Global supports a community of 7,500 students and researchers from 140 countries on campus. International student scholarships help draw the world’s most brilliant students and scholars to campus, which gives all Longhorns the opportunity to learn in an intercultural academic environment.
Each year, more than 4,400 students learn and intern abroad. With your contributions, we hope to double this number. Scholarships for international internships make transformative professional experiences possible for UT students eager to learn in a country and academic field that align with their passions.
Not only will your gift transform the lives of Longhorns, but you will expand the university’s international reputation and impact. “What starts here changes the world” is not just our motto, it’s our way of life.
Your Impact
Scholarships for International Students
When Marifer heard about The University of Texas at Austin and its motto “what starts here changes the world,” she knew it was the place for her. Inspired by her father, a businessman, she wanted to be an innovator and entrepreneur to positively impact her beloved home community in Mexico and to set an example for her four younger sisters. When she was accepted into the marketing program at the McCombs School of Business, she made her dream of being a Longhorn a reality with the support of her family and a few small scholarships.
She quickly became an active member of the UT community, serving in student organizations, working as a resident assistant and interning at local Austin businesses. But when her father’s business suffered a setback, her future at UT was uncertain. She was unable to afford tuition and living expenses to complete her degree until she came across a unique scholarship opportunity for international students. Thanks to the support of the scholarship, she continued her studies at UT. Marifer graduated in December 2019 with an impressive academic record, and as she launches her career, she is determined to give back and make the same opportunity available to other students in the future.
“As international students we sometimes face a lot of hardships, but just having this financial support helps us to study more, to develop as people and to be able to give back to society. All of your help has changed my life” –Marifer, international student from Mexico.
The diverse perspectives of international students like Marifer enrich the university’s academic experience and advance its mission. International students are ineligible for federal, state and need-based university financial aid, and tuition and living costs can make it challenging for outstanding students from around the world to come to UT. Your gift will strengthen the university’s commitment to include more students of intellectual promise like Marifer, regardless of geography and financial means, ensuring they are able to participate fully in their education.
Scholarships for Student Internships Abroad
In a recent poll of UT alumni, eighty-five percent ranked their study abroad experience as the top contributor to their post-graduation success, ahead of any other activity. Close behind was participation in a job or internship and collaborating closely with faculty on research. International internships combine these experiences, giving emerging young leaders critical professional experience that strengthens their resumes and prepares them for career success after graduation.
A study by the Institute of International Education showed that study abroad helps students develop desired job skills such as intercultural skills, confidence, and course or major-related knowledge, while giving students a broader understanding of career possibilities and contributing to career progression and promotion in the future.
But it can be challenging for students to pursue an international internship. Over 60 percent of UT students who study abroad depend on some form of financial assistance. Your support will help ensure that more UT students have the opportunity to obtain an international internship whether virtually or abroad.
“Interning abroad helped me market myself in more ways than one. Aside from the skillset that comes with my majors, now I have more job opportunities open to me because of the skills I learned during my internship abroad. I underestimated how interested employers are in applicants with foreign work experience. There has not been a single interview where the conversation didn’t spend at least 20 minutes talking about what it’s like working in another country. ”—Justin, interned in China.
“I had never traveled to Asia before, so this experience was completely new. My first time studying abroad, first time interning, first time planning weekend trips, all the firsts taught me that I am capable of trying and succeeding.” – Melodie, interned in China.
"Interning abroad has had a tremendous impact on me personally. I have become more confident. I've grown in ways I really hadn't expected. My scholarship allowed me to study abroad and have a once-in-a-lifetime university experience. I am now applying to work in South Korea. I could never have made this long-term life decision had I not had so many amazing and inspiring experiences during my study abroad and internship." – Hailey, interned in Korea
You can make international internships possible for more Longhorns like Justin, Melodie, and Hailey, changing the trajectory of their careers and futures.
