tcu travel abroad

AddRan College of Liberal Arts

Study abroad.

Where will your learning take you?

Do you dream of studying a foreign language in Spain? Exploring Athens and learning about ancient religion? Or is trekking across the Scottish countryside more your thing?  

No matter which adventure is calling your name, you'll find endless opportunities for learning and exploration through study abroad. Explore our programs below. 

The COVID-19 global pandemic has temporarily stopped our study abroad programs, although we expect them to resume as quickly as possible. Here are a few of our past programs that may be offered again in the future:

Past Programs

Students will spend 26 days in stunning east-central European cities that are bucket list destinations for visitors from around the world. From dramatic history, flamboyant architecture, imperial palaces, and landscapes featured in Game of Thrones, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria and Croatia have much to offer. Many students who have participated in this program have found it to “a life altering experience.” Apply early to secure your spot!

Join us for an inspiring journey deep into the majestic rainforests of Indonesian Borneo to observe orangutan, proboscis monkeys, two species of macaque and a host of other amazing forest animals and exceptional flora. Our trip will take us into the forests of Tanjung Puting National Park to Camp Leakey, where students will learn first-hand from experts involved in orangutan rescue and rehabilitation about the social and cultural drivers of species endangerment and the extraordinary ongoing commitments of local people and non-profit conservation groups to save the orangutans and their forests. As we explore, we will have many opportunities to learn from locals about their deep connections to the forests and the culture and history of the area. The course is open to students from all majors and minors, but is especially relevant for Human-Animal Relationships minors, and majors and minors in Anthropology, Environmental Science and/or Sociology. Graduate students studying in areas related to environmental science or science education may enroll with special permission.

We invite students to live with Chilean families in Santiago from December 26 - January 10, to learn from interactions with people, hands-on activities, visits to historic/cultural sites, and simply enjoying this lovely city. Leave the cold behind! 15 days of beautiful summer weather awaits us in Santiago, so students may get adventurous in the city and get a true immersion experience of Hispanic language and culture.

This two-week course introduces students to Chinese history, politics, economics, and civilization through visits to important sites primarily in Beijing and Shanghai. Students will have an opportunity to visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, among other places of cultural, historical, and political significance. We will also meet with locals to discuss urban planning, economic and cultural issues affecting modern China, and traditional Chinese medicine. Through these experiences students will gain a better understanding of China and see how one of the world’s most rapidly developing countries is adjusting to the demands of globalization. Click the button below for more information!

A three-week adventure into the jungles of Costa Rica for a philosophical exploration of mind, consciousness, and self. A large part of discovering who one is involves understanding one’s interconnectedness with other people and the natural environment. Citizens of Costa Rica refer to the beauty, simplicity and easy pace of life as la pura vida or “the pure life,” and the Nicoya Peninsula is designated as one of the world’s five Blue Zones, where people tend to enjoy the longest and the healthiest lives. You will immerse yourself in topics such as attention and awareness, embodiment, social/environmental “situatedness,” interpersonal neurobiology, and animal minds. The course offers you a unique opportunity for self-understanding and self-discovery! Click the button below for more details about this program!

Join us on a journey back in time to experience the rich and influential cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. We will focus on examining the beliefs and religious practices that can be witnessed through the art and archaeological remains of these great Mediterranean civilizations. As we explore, we will seek to understand how the Greeks and Romans answered the deepest questions of human existence -- questions about the meaning of life, about what lies beyond the grave, and about the existence and nature of the divine. We will travel to several important religious and historical sites throughout Greece – including Athens and Corinth, before taking an overnight sea voyage to Italy to see Pompeii, Herculaneum, and finally Rome. To find out more about this exciting program, click the button below!

Experience what it’s like to live for 3 weeks in iconic London, a truly global city and the source of revolutionary ideas and events that have shaped social and political life for humankind time and time again. Through site-based learning, students develop a social justice lens for viewing leadership and the pressing challenges we face as global citizens. London’s historic sites, cultural traditions and conflicts, diverse communities, and laws & public policies provide us with the perfect context for learning about transformational leaders, the drivers of social change and the progression of human rights. The program will culminate in the Netherlands, where we will tour the International Criminal Courts, where war crimes and human rights violations are investigated and prosecuted. To find out more about this program, click the button below!

This program will provide students with the opportunity to improve their Spanish language abilities and deepen their appreciation and understanding of Spanish culture and history. A primary focus of the program is to study Granada’s remarkable history as a center of convivencia (“living with”/ “coexistence”) between Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Through a combination of intensive classroom instruction and carefully chosen cultural excursions, students will return to TCU with a solid understanding of Spanish convivencia as a strong example of cross-cultural and interfaith engagement and mutual respect— a supremely important and evocative lesson for today’s global citizen. Studying with TCU in Granada results in six hours of upper-level credit.

Spain’s rich cultural heritage and language will come alive as you experience life as a global citizen on the Iberian Peninsula. After visiting major sites in Madrid and Toledo, we will travel to Salamanca where we will spend the next three weeks living with a Spanish host family while studying the Spanish language, history, and culture. You will also learn how to cook one of Spain's most typical dishes and observe how the Spanish flamenco guitar is made. Not only will you visit the main attractions in Salamanca, but you will also visit other important cities in Spain to experience the rich and varied traditions of this beautiful land firsthand. Besides gaining a better understanding of Spanish culture, you will also gain more confidence in your Spanish-speaking abilities. ¡Olé! – Click on the button below for further details.

Modern Scotland is a country long contested and long the origin of many aspects of western civilization. This program offers two courses, The Rock Cycle and War and Society: Forming Scotland to explore key aspects of Scotland's history and influence. The Rock Cycle explores geology in the physical and historical context of the country in which its examples and principles were first developed. Students learn about basic geological principles that have shaped the geography and the people of Scotland. War and Society: Forming Scotland begins with the Roman occupation of northern England; continues with a discussion of Scottish customs, culture, and institutions; explores the Wars for Scottish Independence; the fourteenth century Anglo-Scottish Wars, the fourteenth and fifteenth century Wars of the Three Kingdoms, and the seventeenth century English Civil War and Jacobite Uprising; finally with the Act of Union in 1707 Scottish forces merged with English forces, fighting in all British wars from the eighteenth to today. Click the button below to discover more about the details of this exciting program!

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Archives: FAQs

Will tcu academic policies apply to my host program.

No. As a study abroad student, you are subject to the rules, regulations, and academic policies of the host university / program. TCU cannot intervene, change, or provide exceptions to their academic policies. This may include: Add / drop processes and policies Attendance / absence policies Grading structure Grade disputes Dates, times, and locations of… Read more »

How do I request academic accommodations abroad?

If you wish to request academic accommodations while studying abroad, contact the Student Acces & Accomodation Center staff. They can be reached by email or by calling 817-257-6567. They are located in the Harrison, Suite 1200.  Requests for accommodations should be made at least 3 months before departure, following university procedures.

Where should I keep important health information?

If you feel comfortable, please disclose health information, including serious and chronic conditions, allergies, and mental health concerns, with your Program Leaders. We recommend storing medical information on your phone using a Medical ID app: Put Emergency Info on Your Phone’s Lock Screen Please keep in mind that health care access, delivery, and structures may… Read more »

Which TCU program require/do not require me to be fully vaccinated to participate? (updated 6/15/2022)

Please refer to the Global TCU brochure for the program you are interested in to learn more about vaccine requirements. We will continue to monitor changes to host country COVID-19 regulations and update as appropriate.

If I am traveling on behalf of TCU but not with a program (i.e., conference, research), what do I need to know?

You are responsible for monitoring all vaccine requirements for all venues and places you  may visit. COVID conditions and requirements are extremely fluid and changes to policy may result in travel disruptions, additional costs, and my ability to access venues or activities.

What if the vaccine requirements change after I commit to a program?

International and domestic regulations regarding COVID-19 are extremely fluid. All TCU students will be expected to fully comply with vaccine requirements of the host country or any host country/third party provider. In addition, if proof of vaccine becomes necessary to access program facilities or participate in required activities, students will be expected to provide proof… Read more »

What does it mean to be “fully vaccinated” with respect to domestic and international programs?

COVID-19 policies of the host country will determine what is considered “fully vaccinated.”  At this time, most countries recognize all vaccines available in the US, and typically require a period of 14-28 days to be considered fully vaccinated.  We anticipate additional requirements surrounding booster doses to follow. Vaccines are available at the TCU Health Center.

If I am international student, can I study abroad?

Yes! Many international students study abroad. Please work with International Student Services to ensure your eligibility to leave and return to the U.S. It is your responsibility to research the entry requirements for traveling to your study abroad country(ies). If you need a visa, you will need to gather the requisite materials and submit the… Read more »

What happens if I don’t register?

Failure to submit Travel Authorization and Registration may result in delayed or denied reimbursements as well as denial of future travel for TCU.

What type of trips do I need to register?

All international travel supported by TCU, including conferences, research, creative activities, study abroad, teaching, site visits, athletics, recruitment, etc.

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TCU Neeley offers you a global perspective on business with opportunities to travel to Asia, Europe and South America, where you’ll learn about fascinating international challenges from business execs in technology, supply chain, pharmaceuticals, banking and more. TCU Neeley professors teach these 3-semester-hour elective courses between regular semesters – and TCU's travel grants make the trips affordable.

MBA/MS Supply Chain – Vietnam

Dates Abroad: January 6 - 14, 2024 Deadline to Register: September 22, 2023 Open to Neeley Graduate Students

Enhance your international business perspective by traveling to Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang, Vietnam. You’ll interact with various global companies, conduct a global business project and explore cultural sites, including a tour of Cholon, the War Remnants Museum and a cooking class.

Explore Program

The Impact of Cultural Lens on Business - Santiago, Chile

Dates Abroad: May 11 - 18, 2024 Deadline to Register: January 30, 2024 Open to Neeley Graduate students

Experience multinational business issues in Santiago Chile! We will explore firsthand global business issues such as bilateral trade between US and Chile, sustainability in agriculture and mining, challenges in the retail and technology sector and more. Students will also have the opportunity to “learn while doing” through a “Business Challenge” consulting project with a local company. We will learn about the business challenge in our pre-trip classes and then visit the company when we are in country. A variety of cultural visits will also be provided. This program will meet for 3 classes prior to travel.

MBA Online – South America

Dates Abroad: January 6 - 13, 2024 Deadline to Register: September 22, 2023 Open to Online PMBA Students

Experience multinational business issues in two dynamic cities in South America – Santiago, Chile and Sao Paulo, Brazil. We will explore global business issues in the two cities, such as managing across cultures and addressing current and future challenges that companies and industries may face.

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Find Your Future at TCU

Every Horned Frog’s educational journey is flexible and unique. Not sure about a major? Some of our students choose more than one. We offer customizable paths to promising outcomes—and this is just the beginning.

Majors & Minors

What can you do with a liberal arts degree? Anything. The flexible degree programs in AddRan allow you to choose from a wide variety of subjects and study what you’re passionate about — with real-world applications.

Named for TCU’s founders, brothers Addison and Randolph Clark, AddRan may be our oldest college, but it might just be the most forward-looking in terms of careers. AddRan graduates learn to be the leaders and innovators who will step into jobs that haven’t been invented yet, lighting a fire of the mind and mastering the critical thinking skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce.

Courses include cinema studies, film and television production, health communication and media, interpersonal communication, journalism, sports broadcasting, and strategic communication. Students can get practical experience in KTCU radio, student news media, speech and debate teams, and at Roxo, our student ad/PR agency. You’ll find Schieffer alumni working at   The Washington Post , JPMorgan Chase, CBS News and the New York Mets.

The College of Education offers exceptional preparation for the most inspired and inspiring educators, with paths to focus on early, middle-school or secondary education, or youth advocacy. You’ll get hundreds of hours of real-world experience, including opportunities to teach and travel abroad.

TCU is the only university in the nation whose campus is home to two special education laboratory schools, and the teacher education program boasts a 100% teacher placement rate. Graduates of our nationally-recognized programs are prepared to lead and be passionate about teaching to change the world.

At TCU, the creative spirit is even bigger than our school spirit. TCU’s College of Fine Arts combines world-class faculty and facilities with a rich artistic tradition and vibrant cultural scene. Offering more than 30 areas of concentration in art, music, theatre, dance, design and fashion merchandising, the college enjoys close working relationships with regional arts organizations, including museums and professional music, dance and theatre companies.

Partnerships with these and other institutions allow students unparalleled access to internships and other professional development opportunities that place them at the leading edge of their fields.

The College of Science & Engineering provides a personalized educational experience with hands-on research opportunities that help scientists and engineers meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and connected world. Our engineering grads achieve some of the highest passing rates on the National Fundamentals of Engineering Exam in the state, and are generally offered full-time positions or acceptance to graduate school prior to graduation.

Our pre-health program has helped prepare students for post-graduate study in dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and optometry, as well as physician assistant and pharmacy programs since 1913, and our students are accepted into health professions schools at rates nearly twice the national average.

Students in the storied Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences learn to make a difference for others through innovative curricula and hands-on training in clinical agencies and state-of-the-art simulation facilities. Integrated clinical practice, professional and community service, and research activities prepare health care leaders who are competent, compassionate and in demand in the workforce.

Harris College graduates consistently exceed national pass rates in professional certifying exams for professional licensure.

With majors in entrepreneurship and innovation, accounting, marketing, finance, finance with real estate, management, supply chain and information systems, they embark on careers prepared to make a difference. More than 96 percent are employed or enrolled in graduate school within 90 days of graduation.

All TCU. All the time.

Study abroad is back and expanding into new places

The view at night in Rome. (Photo courtesy of Hannah Metez)

By Riley Hovis , Staff Writer Published Feb 28, 2023

Students wanting to study abroad in the fall should start their applications before the March 15 deadline approaches.

First, they need to decide where they want to travel.

Europe is a popular study abroad destination, but TCU students are also branching out to locales such as Australia, New Zealand and various countries in Asia.

TCU study abroad offers a range of destinations, said Tracy Williams, the program’s associate director. The study abroad experience offers summer sessions, which allow students to live abroad for up to 11 weeks. Summer has become an important option for students who want to go abroad but face falling behind in their studies if they leave for a semester. 

“There is no right time to study abroad, because every person is unique,” Williams said.

She also said that students need to consider their maturity, openness and flexibility before making the decision to study abroad.

“Students who want an extra layer of security that comes with being with a group, two TCU program leaders, and a lot of structured time,” will gain the most from a summer abroad experience, Williams said.

Jenna Wisler, a junior nursing major, said studying in Rome last summer was “a life changing experience.”

Wisler said while she was in Rome for five weeks, there was less stress about academics, and it was exciting for her to have many new experiences during the condensed period. As a nursing major, she said the timing was perfect and fulfilled her expectations without having to leave for an entire semester. 

Wisler said she gained global competencies, understood their role in the world and the interconnectedness of people all around the globe.

A student’s major is a factor to consider when contemplating studying abroad, Wisler said. Certain majors, such as nursing, might only allow students to go abroad before their junior year when coursework becomes heavy.

Business majors may need to complete all courses required to be accepted to the Neeley School of Business before they consider  studying abroad, Williams said.

Lili Nunez, a junior business major, is currently studying in Madrid.

“The best time to go abroad is a student’s spring semester of their junior year because of the ability to fully embrace the city they chose,” said Nunez. Her advice to anyone considering abroad is to not worry about going with friends but rather choose to go to a place they truly want to.

Mafe Guzman, a junior communications major, said going abroad was the best decision she ever made. The different people she met and the various perspectives she gained from being outside of America were not only eye-opening but also made her appreciate TCU more. She also explained how she realized to not hyper-focus on aspects of her life that were once a big deal.

Wisler, Nunez and Guzman all gave the same advice to students who are planning to study abroad: meet and talk with all the people there, because students grow close during their time abroad, they said. They said that while all the students studying in the location might not know each other before, they will come back with a new group of people to call some of their closest friends. 

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Study Abroad

Expand your horizons through TCU’s study abroad programs in more than 50 countries, plus service-learning trips overseas and internships around the globe. In addition to TCU’s semester, summer and short-term programs, interior design and fashion merchandising students explore the world through global courses:

New York Study Program

New York is a major center of trade, culture, and fashion. Meeting with New York-based industry professionals will give you an awareness of New York’s global impact on design, apparel and textile industries.

This program is offered during odd years (2021, 2023, etc.) during the three-week summer session in May. Students travel to New York for seven days followed by two weeks of online course study. The program fee typically includes hotel lodging, subway card, museum and appointment fees, one Broadway show ticket, and one afternoon tea.

Program-related costs include individual program fee in addition to:

• TCU tuition and fees
• Personal expenses and independent travel expenses
• Departmental scholarship opportunities are available.

Paris and London Study Abroad Program

Paris consistently is a strong influence on design and fashion worldwide. You’ll meet with industry professionals and visit various museums that provide exposure to both historic and contemporary fashion, architecture and design, as well as cultural trends and influences.

This program is offered during even years (2020, 2022, etc.) during the three-week summer session in May. Students travel to Paris and London for 14 days followed by one week of online course study. The program fee typically includes hotel lodging (breakfast included), a metro card, transportation for sight visits outside the city, a museum pass and appointment fees.

• Meals (lunch and dinner)
• Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available.

Learn more about other TCU study abroad options.

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Student Domestic Travel

Student travel in the us (with overnight stay).

All domestic student travel with at least one overnight stay must be registered and confirmed through TCU Global prior to committing funds.

Examples include:

• Research, Conference, or Similar Activity
• Class Activities / Excursion
• Study Away Programs
•   The faculty sponsor starts the process, regardless of whether accompanying the student(s) or not. Register Student Travel
• TCU Global will follow up the faculty or staff sponsor with next steps in the registration process, including a link for students to compete required forms and materials.
• If faculty/staff are accompanying the students, please review details under Lead Domestic Programs

Student Travel in the DFW area (no overnight stay)

Until further notice, all students participating in off-campus activities should sign the form below. Students must complete this form for each excursion .

• Off-Campus Informed Consent Assumption of Risk

Colleges, schools and units must retain signed forms and maintain a log detailing names, locations, dates and purpose of student activities around the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Honors Abroad

Honors Abroad 2024

Games and Culture in Japan - Summer 2024

We are excited to announce Wendi Sierra , Ph.D. and Jason Helms, Ph.D.,  will be leading a study abroad trip in Japan in summer 2024. This course will explore both the culture of gaming in Japan and how Japanese culture is represented in video games. Participants will explore the history of video games, including the rise of two of gaming's biggest companies, Nintendo and Sony, and learn about how Japanese culture has shaped their business practices. Watch the Interest Session Recording here. For more information and Application dates, please visit TCU Global . 

Cultural Routes: Rome - Honors Abroad Spring Break

Honors Cultural Routes: Rome will explore the cultures and histories that gave rise to our current understanding of Rome.  More specifically, students will explore intensely the eternal city to understand how this unique urban center—sometimes referred to a historical lasagna—was and continues to be shaped by philanthropic acts associated with religious, political, and cultural movements. Students will spend time traveling throughout Rome and interacting with locals.  Employing a traveling classroom that privileges experiential learning, this spring-break study will challenge students to extend their understanding of themselves and their capabilities to a more global perspective, one where they regard themselves as part of a larger global narrative and where they begin to imagine the ways in which they can help change the world. Join Ron Pitcock , Ph.D. Dean and Stacy Landreth-Grau , Ph.D. Associate Dean of the John V. Roach Honors College on this exciting experience. For more information, click here . To apply, please visit TCU Global .