Global Growth: Longhorn Parent Reflections
Texas Global’s Take the World by the Horns offers incoming freshmen the opportunity to study abroad during their first semester as Longhorns.
Charlie West, now a junior psychology major, spent his freshman year abroad in Seoul, South Korea.
At The University of Texas at Austin, the boldest adventures can begin before freshmen have even settled into campus life. For those eager to make the most of every moment, the University offers an uncommon invitation: Start college by stepping beyond the Forty Acres and across the globe with Take the World by the Horns.
Texas Global launched the groundbreaking initiative during Fall 2024 in collaboration with UT’s Office of Admissions. Student response doubled during the two years since the program’s inception, bringing the overall total to 349 participating students.
Take the World by the Horns empowers incoming freshmen to launch their academic careers overseas by spending their first semester in one of five destinations abroad: Athens, Greece; Copenhagen, Denmark; Panama City, Panama; Seoul, South Korea; and Stockholm, Sweden.
Each location pairs specialized areas of study with cultural enrichment and social opportunities that combine to prepare first-year students to lead in a global marketplace. Delighted by the transformations in their children, Longhorn parents responded with great enthusiasm.
“This program has honestly exceeded anything we imagined. The organization, the communication, the support — especially for first-semester freshmen studying abroad — was incredible,” wrote Suzanne Tavolacci, mother of sophomore Ethan Tavolacci, who studied in the 2025 Seoul cohort. “The team … provided exactly the kind of scaffolding the kids needed to adjust to life in a new country. Knowing they were there gave us so much peace of mind as parents.”
Cultivating Personal, Cultural Growth
Immersion in new environments acts as perhaps the most powerful catalyst for student learning and growth, prompting the cultural expansion and emotional development that emerge as dramatic transformations in students of Take the World by the Horns.
“Harrison’s experience through the program was formative — not just academically, but personally,” said Rebecca Temple, mother of Harrison Temple from the 2025 Panama cohort, whose younger brother Weston embarked in 2026 to the same destination. “The growth we saw in his confidence, independence, and global perspective affirmed for us how thoughtfully this program is designed.”
Parents applauded the growth of their children’s worldviews and interpersonal perspectives during the program.
“Prior to [Charlie’s] arrival in Seoul, I hoped he would grow and embrace this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Charles West, whose son is now a junior psychology major. “From the pictures we’ve seen and conversations we’ve had, he far exceeded our expectations. The things he’s done and the people he’s met will live with him for the remainder of his life.”
Creating Connections and Friendships
By design, Take the World by the Horns develops close ties between fellow students who share the same sights and sounds, the same fears, revelations and funny moments abroad. Supported and emboldened by the cohort’s built-in companionship, students often engage more deeply with the local culture and academic options alike.
“Charlie has made lifelong friends with many in his cohort, as well as at least one of his professors,” said West. “The confidence he now has as a freshman will make transitioning to Austin a lot easier.”
Leaders encourage participants to remain connected with these peers after returning to campus and throughout their college careers, increasing their chances of maintaining a robust social and professional network after graduation.
