Learning Beyond the Classroom... and Campus

Part of an exciting college career is the learning opportunities that take place outside the classroom.

UT Dallas offers a variety of programs that enable students to gain invaluable academic and life lessons while having an amazing experience beyond our campus, including through our Alternative Spring Break program and our options for study abroad.

Through Alternative Spring Break, your student can engage in hands-on service projects that will introduce him to pressing social issues such as hunger and homelessness, ecosystem restoration, disaster relief, social outreach, sustainability and education. Students travel in groups of six-to-12 and are accompanied by a UT Dallas staff member. The cost of Alternative Spring Break typically ranges from $100 to $500, depending on the location and scope of the trip. Costs cover transportation, lodging and three meals per day.

Alternative Spring Break is set for March 11–17, 2012, and registration begins in mid November. For more information, visit utdallas.edu/springbreak, or contact Monalisa Amidar at monalisa.amidar@utdallas.edu or (972) 883-6393.

Another growing trend with college students is the desire to study abroad. This is also true for students at UT Dallas, who are traveling to countries in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa. Our Office of International Education provides numerous options for study abroad experiences, including:

• Exchange programs.
• Internships.
• Independent study.
• Faculty-led programs.
• Research programs.

If your student is considering to study abroad, you will want to discuss:

• The goals and location of the program he has chosen.
• Money management in a foreign country.
• Staying healthy and finding medical care abroad.
• Getting around in an international city.
• Keeping in touch while she is away.

With a worldwide focus on the importance of developing global citizens, we encourage our students to pursue enriching cultural and educational opportunities abroad. As they prepare for their study abroad, the Office if International Education makes every reasonable effort to ensure that students are knowledgeable about the potential risks of traveling to foreign countries.