One of the best ways students internationalize their education at the University of Tampa is by taking one of the University’s faculty-led programs. In order to participate, students must enroll in an on-campus course with a travel component. After the on-campus portion of the class is completed or during spring break, the students take off, all while earning UTampa academic credit. Each program's travel component may last from seven days to four weeks and options vary slightly each year.
Where to Begin
Visit the UTampa Study Abroad Portal and explore the program offerings. To only see the Faculty-Led program offerings on the portal filter by Program Type = Faculty-Led and Internal/ Authorized = Internal.
Students may also contact the International Programs Office to discuss faculty-led program opportunities. Please direct all inquiries to abroad@ut.edu.
How to Apply
The application deadline for Faculty-Led Programs in January is Oct. 1 and for spring semester and summer sessions is Nov. 1. Please note that once programs reach full enrollment they will be closed. Students must first apply online through the UTampa Study Abroad Portal. Please note: Instructor permission is required for some faculty-led programs.
Participants are required to register with the Office of International Programs by submitting an application and completing pre-departure instructions. Costs and applications will be available this summer.
UTampa Faculty-Led Program Offerings
JANUARY 2027 – Course and travel take place during January Term (except where noted)
ART 292: Art and Design Immersion – MEXICO (L. Wolff/T. Ridlen)
Jan. 5-15, 2027
ART 292 explores the rich connections between visual art and the cultural heritage of central Mexico, focusing on Mexico City and Puebla. Renowned for their monumental modernist murals, colonial architecture, and distinctive culinary traditions, these cities offer unique opportunities to examine the intersections and slippages between fine art and folk art/craft as well as modern and traditional practices. Through visits to historical and contemporary sites, including museums, galleries, archaeological zones, ceramic workshops, open-air markets, and historical restaurants, students gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationships that shape material and artistic production in Mexican culture. In addition to various site visits, the course centers on multiple hands-on activities, including a Talavera ceramics class, an immersive, day-long workshop painting with natural cochineal dye, and a cooking class centered on the national Mexican dish, mole poblano.
NUR Experiential - Community Health, experiential hours – PERU (R. White/T. Pedroff)
Jan. 7-16, 2027
NUR EXP is open to undergraduate nursing students to visit health care facilities and work with the Indigenous people of Peru. Students will apply community health promotion/ disease prevention concepts in a transcultural environment. Visit both city and rural areas of Peru; take part in guided tours covering history, culture, and health care trends; spend days in the community of rural Cusco, as well as the rural community of Sacred Valley and learn the daily rhythms of Peruvian village life while implementing student and community designed health care-focused projects. As a community health practicum, the service-learning component includes opportunities to practice concepts of health promotion/disease prevention through community education and outreach activities. Students will also learn about traditional Peruvian healing practices.
SPRING BREAK 2027 – (spring semester course, travel over spring break)
SPM 399: Global Sport Management – UNITED KINGDOM: LONDON (S.Gramata/ TBD)
Travel Date: March 19, 2027 Program Dates: March 20-28, 2027
Sport is a 500 billion dollar industry, and while much of the sport industry is housed here in the United States, international sport plays a large role that is often overlooked. It is important to experience the differences in sport facilities, consumer behavior, culture, operations, and organizational behavior. By experiencing these differences firsthand, students will broaden their understanding of the global sport landscape. Additionally, even American sport is becoming more and more international with multiple games and outreach programs from each of the major professional sports leagues taking root overseas. The course can be used for IG credit towards the baccalaureate experience OR for SPM major requirements – it can also be substituted for SPM 375 History of The Modern Olympics or SPM 374 International Sport Management.
HSC 301: Global Perspectives in Athletic Health Care and Sport Science – UNITED KINGDOM: LONDON (JC Andersen/R. McNabb)
Travel Date: March 19, 2027 Program Dates: March 20-28, 2027
HSC 301 a faculty-led travel course that requires travel to selected destinations to study the delivery of athletic therapy and sport science services to teams and individuals. Students travel to these destinations to learn about the role of athletic therapy and sport science in the broader sports performance and healthcare systems. The travel component of the course will include interactive tours covering the history, culture, and athletic therapy and sport science trends of the country visited. Students will participate in class(es), scholarly lectures, and practical experiences with students and faculty of host institutions or organizations. Prerequisite course: HSC 230
THR 205: Oral Performance of Literature - UNITED KINGDOM: LONDON (M. Staczar/K. Foltz)
Travel Date: March 19, 2027 Program Dates: March 20-28, 2027
William Shakespeare said it best when he wrote “All the world’s a stage”. Where better to study oral performance of literature and theatre than the home of so many brilliant playwrights, speakers/orators, and actors? Oral Performance and Theater are sewn into the fabric of life in England and are a hotbed for new theatre productions, so choose London for an unforgettable spring break that will enhance your understanding of theatre, oral performance, and stage craft! A course designed to develop interpretive skills, vocal range and flexibility, understanding of language, and expressiveness of voice and body in the interpretation of literary forms. During this 10-day itinerary students will explore London, attend productions, participate in backstage tours, and will embark in three full day excursions visiting iconic landmarks such as Bath, Oxford, and Stratford-upon-Avon. The students will join together academic value and cultural immersion, while making long-lasting memories. This course is a required course for the Theatre major and is considered a Visual and Performing Arts course for the Spartan Studies core.
Spring 2027
CRM 248 COMPARATIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS – AUSTRALIA (T. Hart/N. Connealy)
May 8 – 23, 2027
CRM 248 provides students with an in-depth, comparative analysis of the criminal justice systems in the United States and Australia. Through a hybrid model that includes on-campus academic preparation and a faculty-led study abroad experience in Brisbane, students examine law enforcement, courts, and corrections across cultural and institutional contexts. The course emphasizes global perspectives, justice outcomes, and culturally responsive practices, with special attention to Indigenous justice, youth rehabilitation, and victim services in Australia. Academic instruction is complemented by site visits to police departments, courts, correctional centers, universities, and community agencies. Students also engage in structured cultural activities to develop cross-cultural competence. Assessments include presentations, a comparative systems research paper, and reflective writing. This immersive learning opportunity is ideal for students interested in international justice systems, comparative policy analysis, and global criminology.
ENS 210: Global Sustainability – FIJI (E. Fernandez-Figueroa/D. Huber)
May 10-21, 2027
ENS 210 examines how humans impact land, water, food, energy, and biodiversity resources and how those resources are, or could be, used in a sustainable manner. These subjects are discussed from environmental, social, political, and economic perspectives with an emphasis on comparative sustainability between different locations on the planet. Fiji, known for its friendly people and breathtaking tropical scenery, serves as an excellent location for studying international issues in sustainability. Prerequisite Courses: Completion of ENS 198, ENS 199, and either MAT 170 or MAT 260 all with a C or better; instructor approval.
HSC 499: Special Topics in Health Sciences – Health Through the Ages– ITALY/UNITED KINGDOM: LONDON (A. Miller/H. Borgeas)
May 13-27, 2027
HSC 499 introduces students to the history of medical science with travel to Italy and England to see medical sites and artifacts. The course begins with a survey of ancient Egyptian and Greek therapeutics, then progresses through the advancements made during the Renaissance and modern day. The class will travel to Italy to see life-like models created out of wax by famous artists like DaVinci. The models expanded our knowledge of the body beyond the work with cadavers. Students will also visit the oldest cadaver dissection theatre in the world, dating back to 1595. Then the class will travel to London to visit the Hunterian Museum and explore the vast collection of preserved anatomical and pathological specimens, antique surgical instruments, and models from the 17th Century to the present day.
MAR 344: Coral Reefs Lab – ROATAN, HONDURAS (M. Middlebrooks/C. Santa Maria)
May 10-25, 2027
Coral reefs are the most diverse marine habitat on the planet. In this course students will examine coral reef ecosystems, including their biology, ecology, chemical and physical characteristics, and the impact of global climate change on this ecosystem. The course requires scuba diving I and international travel to visit a coral reef ecosystem.The travel component of this course is designed to take the information that students learned in the classroom and apply it in the field. Students will travel to the Roatan Institute of Marine Science in Honduras to study coral reefs first-hand via scuba diving. This immersive course will cover three main components while in Honduras: 1) Learning to identify the organisms living on the coral reef 2) Coral reef management and restoration 3) A short research project where students will design their own research, collect data underwater, and present the results of their study.
PSC 222/PSC 222L: Field Research Practicum – GHANA (K. Fridy/E. Durkin)
May 9- 23, 2027
Through class readings, films, discussions, and a travel component, this course focuses on development as part of an academic discourse and as an underlying assumption behind applied service projects. Students begin by questioning what development is and who defines it, and they explore who benefits from it. The culminating experience is a project students and residents of the poor and rural villages of Nabdam, Ghana, put together to spark development. Ghana is called "Africa for beginners" because of its peaceful history, English-speaking population, and traveler friendly infrastructure. It is a destination popular to those simply curious about Africa and those who want to spend years abroad as a volunteer, aid worker, international businessperson, or Foreign Service officer. On our trip we visit the bustling capital of Accra where you will homestay with families along the coast and Damongo where we will explore ecotourism and hopefully see a few elephants. For most the highlight of our trip is the week spent in rural farming communities of Nabdam. Here students attune themselves to the daily rhythms of village life while implementing student and community-designed development projects. Your life will be changed as you learn about the struggles of the world's poor and how to responsibly help your fellow human. This course can be used as an elective and counts for PSC/IST.
HSC 401T: Interprofessional Global Health– THAILAND/VIETNAM (R. Olsen/G. Firth)
May 11-22, 2027
Travel to the beautiful city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Visit the city’s most important temples and markets, while learning about and applying community health promotion and disease prevention concepts. The travel component of the course will include two weeks in Thailand & Vietnam with guided interactive tours covering the history, culture, healthcare, and public health trends of both countries. In addition, students will visit the local humane Elephant Sanctuary to learn about Thailand’s elephant population, experience Thai cooking classes to learn about the cuisine and nutrition of the region, go hiking to visit hill-top villages and have time for exploration. As a community health practicum, the service-learning component will be held in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in a small hill-tribe village in the mountains of Thailand and the National Institute of Hematology & Blood Transfusion and the National Hospital of Traditional Medicine in Hanoi, Vietnam. These experiences will provide students with opportunities to practice concepts of health promotion/disease prevention and giving through community education activities.
CHE 126A: Chemistry and Society – SOUTH KOREA (H. Lee/TBD)
May 9-22, 2027
This course is designed for non-science majors to explore chemistry principles using the real-world examples from everyday life and the current events in South Korea. While traveling, students will make observations on how the concepts learned in lecture are applied in society, and experience the topics discussed in the lecture through various activities. Requires proficiency in mathematics skills developed in MAT 150. Baccalaureate Experience (NS-Chemical/Physical) or Spartan Studies Natural Science Distribution (NSD).
BIO 205/HON 235: Tropical Biology and Conservation – COSTA RICA (M. Meers/A. Ragni)
May 30- June 12, 2027
This course is intended for students interested in the natural history, biology, and ecology of the tropics, the most biologically diverse region of the world. Students will study evolutionary, ecological, and other biological principles of tropical ecosystems and the natural history of the organisms that live there. We will examine conservation programs, sustainable development practices, and the widespread impact of this region of the globe. The course culminates in a two-week travel experience where students will visit places like lowland tropical rain forests, high elevation tropical cloud forests, coastal ecosystems, primary and secondary forests, and more. In the field, students will conduct brief research programs designed to illustrate the possibilities of careers working in the tropics over a broad range of biological specialties, ranging from tropical biodiversity, evolution, and sustainability to agriculture and medicine. This course can count as a Biology upper-level or Category III elective. Pre-Requisites: AWR 101; Pre- or co-requisite HON 100 and AWR 201; Honor students only
SPE 212: Global Speech, Human Rights and Social Justice – PORTUGAL/SPAIN (L. Corey Brown/A. Menzies)
May 10-22, 2027
SPE 212 is designed to explore historical and contemporary human rights violations in Spain and Portugal in order to understand how social trauma and violence are socially orchestrated. Students will also examine how social justice initiatives are communicatively organized within these communities. Before diving deeply into specific histories of conflict, students will first be asked to reflect on their own positionality and standpoint within a geopolitical framework and in their roles as tourists. Finally, through coursework prior to travel, students will analyze how historical and modern systems of power and oppression have shaped Spain and Portugal before engaging with these issues on site.
COM 401: Intercultural Communication – PORTUGAL/SPAIN (A. Menzies /L. Corey Brown)
May 10-22, 2027
COM 401 explores the intersections of culture, identity, and communication across Portugal and Spain. Students will examine how histories of colonization, migration, and globalization shape contemporary life on the Iberian Peninsula. Through guided site visits, lectures, and community engagement, students will analyze how language, media, and everyday practices communicate belonging, power, and difference. Special attention will be given to the cultural meanings embedded in food, art, and performance as forms of intercultural expression. By experiencing local traditions—from Fado music to tapas culture—students will develop a deeper understanding of how communication both reflects and transforms social realities. The course culminates in reflective projects that synthesize theory and lived experience, encouraging students to articulate their growth as global citizens and intercultural communicators.
MAY 2027 – spring semester course, travel in May after semester ends
(group flights are from Tampa to Tampa so you must plan accordingly)
ITM 350: Information Security Principles – UNITED KINGDOM: LONDON (F. Gianvanetti/TBD)
May 10-21, 2027
Explore the critical field of information security in one of the world’s leading technology and cybersecurity hubs, London. Over twelve immersive days, students will examine how organizations protect information assets, gaining a global perspective on cybersecurity challenges and practices. The program features visits to premier institutions such as the UK National Cyber Security Centre, The Alan Turing Institute, as well as leading private British firms, offering direct insights into real-world operations, national security policy, and cutting-edge products and services. Cultural and historical excursions, including Bletchley Park, the Information Age gallery at the Science Museum, and walking tours of Tech City and espionage sites, provide context for the evolution of security and technology. Students will engage with hands-on learning, expert briefings, and interactive discussions, connecting course concepts to practical applications. This program uniquely blends technical knowledge, international exposure, and cultural experience, preparing students to navigate cybersecurity challenges in a global context. Pre-requisite course: ITM 220
ITM 220 – Management Information Systems – CHINA (Y. Shang/J. Wu)
May 10-22, 2027
This course explores how information systems drive digital transformation and business innovation in a global context. Students study data management, visualization, business processes, and the ethical and secure use of information systems. Through classroom instruction and experiential learning in China, they will analyze how organizations integrate technology, data, and analytics to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Hands-on activities using Excel, Tableau, and SAP allow students to apply concepts to real-world business scenarios. Company visits and cultural experiences in Shanghai and Hong Kong provide insight into how information systems support decision-making and strategic management. By comparing global practices, students develop a deeper understanding of technology trends, ethical considerations, and cross-cultural management, preparing them to apply information systems knowledge in international business environments. Prerequisite course: BUS 101
NUR Experiential (clinical hours) – COSTA RICA (J. Royal/T. Pedroff)
May 10-19, 2027
This course is open to undergraduate nursing students who wish to learn about the Latin American culture as well as the health care system and major health issues of the population. Students travel to Costa Rica to apply community health promotion and disease prevention concepts in a transcultural environment. This 10-day faculty-led experiential travel experience includes guided tours covering the culture and history of the country. Three days are spent in the urban center of San Jose exploring the differences between public and private healthcare. The next week is spent in the rural/rainforest areas of Monteverde as an immersion homestay experience. Here, students can interact closely with the local people in the region. This is a community health practicum including patient care, health promotion, disease prevention, and community education activities (Clinical hours awarded for Community Health Course).
FMX 382A: Global Perspectives in Film and New Media Travel Course – FRANCE (T. Ridlen/L. Wolff)
May 9 – 22, 2027
FMX 382A will be focused on the Cannes Film Festival in France. Students will learn about the history of the film festival, as well as its role in contemporary cultural politics and industrial practices. Students will prepare through historical readings, screenings, and discussion before traveling to Cannes for immersive fieldwork. Combing theory with first-hand experience, this course asks how festivals shape the circulation of films, the intersection of art and commerce, and the politics of representation.
GEO 290: Cities, Politics and Hazards in Nepal – NEPAL (A. Grant/TBD)
May 9-23, 2027
Almost every week we read about the devastation that a natural disaster has caused somewhere in the world. Nepal is a country that regularly suffers from floods, landslides, and earthquakes. This class provides an opportunity to travel to this unique Hindu and Buddhist country to learn about how its resilient people thrive amidst uncertainty. The class will examine the unique geography of the country, its ancient but modern megacity of Kathmandu, and highway and hydropower development in the world’s highest mountains – the Himalayas – and how they help create as well as are negatively impacted by natural disasters. Students will learn about environmental adaptation on the roof of the world.
SUMMER 2027 (any program operating group flights are Tampa to Tampa so you must plan accordingly)
MGT 330 Principles of Management – SPAIN (A. Salaiz/L. Faifman)
May 29 – Jun 12, 2027
Part of Spain's rich history includes a strong Arabic and Jewish influence in the culture, food, and architecture up to the 1400s, despite the country being predominantly Catholic/Christian today. Historically, Spain was a significant center of global trade and exploration, which cultivated a strong sense of entrepreneurial spirit. Furthermore, the historical emphasis on family-owned businesses and the Catholic church's teachings on ethics and social justice continue to influence business practices, fostering a business environment that values personal relationships, social responsibility and long-term commitment over mere profit maximization. During the course, we will discover the importance of learning and understanding a culture with a rich history and vibrant international business community. Many large, international organizations are in Madrid and students will visit with four to six international companies during the two-week program, along with two-day trips outside of Madrid. We will see first-hand how business environments differ from the U.S. and witness international business in a real-world setting. Each company visit aligns with one of the four functions of management (planning, organizing, leading and controlling). For example, there is a stark contrast between the focus on individuals in the U.S. and the focus on groups in Spain, which will bring to life concepts that we discuss related to groups, teams and decision making (i.e. planning function). There are also stark differences in human resources processes that you will see firsthand when visiting with a Spanish company and learning about the organizing function. This course will remain in Madrid with day trips to Toledo and Segovia.
MGT 350: International Management – NETHERLANDS: AMSTERDAM (L. Faifman/T. Pittz)
July 5-12, 2027
MGT 350 discusses the complexities of conducting business across borders and illustrates the unique challenges faced in international management, including the cultural, political, legal, and economic environment in the home and host country. It offers a managerial perspective of the strategies employed by companies to grow their businesses in the global marketplace and discusses the impact of culture in managing and leading in an international context. Prerequisite: MGT 330 + prerequisites from MGT 330.
ENT 320: Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Feasibility – Greece (D. Koutromanis/S.Margetis)
July 12-24, 2027
Experience entrepreneurship where ancient trade and modern innovation meet! This immersive travel course takes students to Athens and Crete in beautiful Greece, where they will explore how history, culture, and contemporary business practices intersect in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. Students will develop a feasibility study for a new business venture. While traveling, students will examine the evolution of entrepreneurship from ancient marketplaces to modern startups, assess business opportunities in diverse industries, and engage with local entrepreneurs. Through hands-on learning, students will enhance their understanding of opportunity recognition, innovation, financial planning, legal structures, and risk analysis—all within the vibrant context of the Greek economy and its entrepreneurial spirit. Prerequisites: Sykes College of Business requirements for taking 300-level courses.
MGT 450: Born Global: International Entrepreneurship & Strategy - THAILAND (L. Faifman/T. Pittz)
July 31 – Aug. 14, 2027
MGT 450 combines concepts from entrepreneurship and strategic management and applies them to international ventures, teaching students the intricacies of founding and managing firms that are "born global". Prerequisite courses: all required 100-level and 200-level COB courses and either (a) 8 credit hours in Management or (b) 8 credit hours in Entrepreneurship or (c) 4 credit hours in Management and 4 credit hours in Entrepreneurship
NUR Experiential - Community Health, experiential hours – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (R. White/ R. Delacroix)
Aug. 7-14, 2027
This course is open to undergraduate and graduate nursing students to visit and work with indigenous people in the Dominican Republic. Students will also apply community health promotion/ disease prevention concepts in a transcultural environment. Students will see what urban wealth and poverty look like and how they can exist side by side. We will do this with a tour of Santo Domingo and through the rural travel on the way to San Juan. They will experience how people live and negotiate daily life in an environment that is quite congested and low income. Students will then travel to San Juan de la Maguana. We will spend much of the trip in this environment while witnessing the daily struggles of various socio-economic layers of society. Students will assist with mobile medical clinics for four days in various barrios surrounding the city. Although students will earn clinical hours, no academic credit is earned during the program.
