by Dina Gustin 9/1/2026
For many students, the biggest barrier to studying abroad isn't crossing an ocean—it's crossing the threshold of believing they can. The University of Houston’s Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) is helping students take the first step toward experiences that once felt impossible. That’s where speaking to a Learning Abroad advisor in the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) can assist students who are curious or nervous about going abroad.
Questions about cost, safety, belonging and whether they'll succeed in an unfamiliar place can make an international experience feel out of reach long before a passport application is ever started. At the University of Houston, those perceived obstacles are becoming opportunities, as students discover that global learning begins with confidence as much as curiosity.
First Gen Paving the Way
Damien Gonzalez, a UH Bauer College of Business senior and an incoming Global Guide,
is a First-Generation college student who had a curiosity to learn abroad but feared
being away from everything he knows at home in Houston. At the beginning of his journey
Damien expressed, “I’ve overcome a lot to get to where I am now, and with the push
of all the staff at the IGE, I [got set] and ready to go overseas.”
IGE makes global education experiences accessible, and global learning initiatives
easier and more available to our students. “Many students don't realize how academically,
and financially feasible learning abroad can actually be. Semester learning abroad
students are often able to use their existing financial aid to go abroad, and there
are many learning abroad-specific scholarships available, including our in-house International
Education Scholarship. Our office is here to support students in identifying scholarships
they are eligible for as well as crafting compelling scholarship applications,” said
Adrian Carruthers, Senior Learning Abroad Advisor.
Other Global initiatives like ‘Passport for Coogs’, supported internally by the Office of the Provost, have made a difference by removing
practical barriers—offering free passport photos, application support and, in some
cases, reimbursement. Damien Gonzalez was a learning abroad student in June at Università
degli Studi della Tuscia in Viterbo, Italy, through USAC. He is excited to share his
positive experiences. Damien states, “Over the past month and a half, I had the incredible
opportunity to study abroad in Viterbo, Italy. During my stay, I built lifelong friendships
and connections and learned a lot about myself while developing skills that I know
will benefit me both personally and professionally. Looking back, this experience
has given me much more than a heart full of memories. It helped me evolve into a more
confident, adaptable, and resourceful person. I’m excited to carry these lessons and
experiences into my future career and whatever opportunities come next.”
At the University of Houston, integrating career readiness preparation into global
learning, students are learning not only how to navigate new cultures, but also how
to communicate the professional value of those experiences long after they return
home.
Damien expands upon the experience, “Living abroad taught me to be more intentional
when managing my time and finances. Experiences like planning trips to several cities
while abroad like Rome, Naples, Florence, and Venice strengthened my organizational
and coordination skills. This also taught me to adapt when plans changed unexpectedly,
which sharpened both my problem-solving and decision-making abilities.”
Supporting First-Gen students to pave their way for success is an integral part of the Center for Student Empowerment, as well as the IGE’s mission to create global citizens through academic and co-curricular
programs.
“Whether I was exploring a new city or navigating daily life in Viterbo, I naturally stepped into leadership roles. Oftentimes, I was guiding groups of four or more people, which strengthened my confidence and initiative in unfamiliar situations. Studying abroad also challenged me to become more independent, communicate effectively across cultures, and embrace new perspectives with an open mind,” Damien illustrated.
Discovering Your Potential
Overcoming self-doubt and other psychological barriers can empower students to achieve milestones they may have once believed were out of reach. When a student returns home from a learning abroad program, there is an opportunity to serve other students by becoming a Global Guide and empowering others. The IGE team understands how globally relevant experiential opportunities, as well as local cross-cultural engagement, cultivate the adaptability, resilience and intercultural competencies that today's employers value.
Contact the Institute for Global Engagement for more information:
Email: uhglobal@uh.edu or learningabroad@uh.edu
Need a U.S. passport?
Schedule an appointment on campus at uh.edu/passports
Learn more about UH First-Gen:
First Generation Coogs