100+ TAMIU Students Study Abroad, Celebrate with ‘Global Wrap Up’

This year saw over 100 students from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), many of whom are funded by the Guadalupe and Lilia Martínez Foundation, pack their bags and explore the world through a study abroad opportunity.

Offered through the TAMIU Office of International Experiences, faculty students and staff traveled to over 13 countries and celebrated their experience during a “Global Wrap Up” event held Sept. 4, 2025.

During the celebration, travelers were able to connect with other study abroad students, enjoy a reception and gather for a commemorative group photo.

For Daniel Borrego, a senior Criminal Justice major, the opportunity to travel to Madrid, Spain and study at the Universidad de Nebrija, felt like the experience of a lifetime.

“Studying abroad in Madrid was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that transformed me both academically and personally. Through my Contemporary Spain course, I gained a unique understanding of the country’s history, learning not only about Spain’s political and cultural shifts but also how those changes continue to influence society today. This perspective challenged me to think critically about justice, democracy, and identity in ways that go beyond textbooks,” said Borrego.

He continued, “On a personal level, living in Spain pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me resilience, independence, and adaptability.”

Alexia Conde Ramírez, a senior Biology major who traveled to Paris, France for her study abroad, explained that the experience taught her to be confident in unfamiliar situations and exploring new destinations.

“One of my most memorable experiences was visiting the Louvre. We were taken on a guided tour and after we were able to explore on our own. I think I spent like six hours in the museum, and I was still not able to cover all the artwork. It was a very surreal feeling to see the Mona Lisa painting in real life and the Napoleon apartments,” said Ramírez.

Natalia Camarena, a senior Psychology major, who studied in Seoul, South Korea, said the study abroad experience impacted her life in a way she did not expect.

“Personally, it has made me realize that there's a whole other side of the world rather than just what we are used to and what we know. At first, I thought I was never going to be able to travel so far and be able to do things on my own, but during my time abroad I did do a little of ‘solo traveling,’ going out on my own or with another classmate and found that I don't have to always rely on someone else. It was very easy to get around once I got the hang of how to use the Naver maps and how their transportation worked,” said Camarena.

She continued, “Academically, I learned so much about the South Korean justice system and it's so different from how we function here in the states,” said Camarena.

For University students interested in studying abroad, Carlo Ochoa, a senior Biology major who traveled abroad to Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic, offered some advice.

“Don't be afraid of change, take the leap of faith and experience what the world has to offer even if only for a moment,” said Ochoa.

Borrego reiterated similar sentiments.

“My biggest advice is to apply for scholarships and take advantage of the support TAMIU offers. Studying abroad can feel financially out of reach, but there are many resources to help students like me reach other parts of the world. Scholarships made it possible for me to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don’t let finances hold you back. TAMIU offers opportunities and guidance that can help turn your dream of studying abroad into a reality,” said Borrego.

For more information on studying abroad, contact the University’s Office of International Experiences at international@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.2282 or visit offices in the Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, room 206. Information is also available at https://www.tamiu.edu/international/.

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