Management and marketing senior Kenia Ovalle, right, senior journalism lecturer Geoff Campbell, middle, and Ladonna Aiken, assistant professor of broadcast, smile during the UTA Spring 2026 Study Abroad Fair on Feb. 4 at the Palo Duro Lounge. Campbell said that he enjoys helping students discover things about themselves and the world.
On Wednesday, UTA hosted its spring Study Abroad Fair at the University Center’s Palo Duro Lounge, allowing students to explore global studies programs showcased by ambassadors, faculty and study abroad staff.
LaDonna Aiken, broadcast communication assistant professor of practice and faculty leader of the Postcards From Japan program, spoke with students about the opportunity to create videos, pictures and tell stories found in Japan through the program.
“Our program is a study abroad trip to Japan where we’re creating multimedia travel content,” Aiken said. “Telling the stories that we are finding in Japan and sharing them with our readers.”
Students observe a variety of study abroad programs during the UTA Spring 2026 Study Abroad Fair on Feb. 4 at the Palo Duro Lounge. Study Abroad has programs in locations like South Korea, Italy, Japan and Spain.
She said the program is open to all majors and costs can be covered through the International Education Fee Scholarship.
Many outside opportunities are also available to students.
Tessa Lane, global program manager for the Association of International Education Administration Abroad, informed students about the study abroad and internship opportunities the organization offers.
Architecture lecturer Belen Butragueno, right, smiles at Kenia Ovalle, management and marketing senior, during the UTA Spring 2026 Study Abroad Fair on Feb. 4 at the Palo Duro Lounge. Students inquired about a two-week study abroad trip to Madrid, Spain.
Lane said the organization provides classes and tailored internships in numerous countries. They also offer scholarships and grants for students. Eligibility varies based on the program, and she said the programs are open to all students.
Some students at the fair have already had the opportunity to study abroad.
Isabella Rios, geology and Spanish translation and interpretation major and Study Abroad student ambassador, traveled to Spain and Costa Rica and said she hopes to do the same for graduate school.
Business management junior Angelina Garcia, left, and animation sophomore Jesus Mata look at fliers during the UTA Spring 2026 Study Abroad Fair on Feb. 4 at the Palo Duro Lounge. The event provided attendees with complimentary food, drinks and giveaways.
“A lot of students don’t realize that that’s a really big opportunity they have to learn more about themselves and about other communities,” Rios said.
Linguistics senior Lindsey Terly studied abroad in Taiwan for three months and recommends the program for students to experience a new perspective outside the U.S.
Terly is seeking for a PhD in linguistics, and said the trip helped her get a better idea of her career path and goals.
Marketing sophomore Geraldine Todorov smiles during the UTA Spring 2026 Study Abroad Fair on Feb. 4 at the Palo Duro Lounge. The fair featured a variety of study abroad opportunities for students to explore.
“I feel like other people that I went with there have gotten an idea of what they want to do after college,” she said. “This is helping me realize so many different things, like where I want to go or what I want to do. It’s amazing.”
@kh.kennedyharvey