Office of Student Affairs

TAMIU Service Abroad

SERVE • LEAD • EXPLORE

Program Overview

The TAMIU Service Abroad Program offers students the opportunity to travel internationally while engaging in meaningful community service projects. Through hands-on volunteer work and cultural immersion, students gain global perspectives, enhance their leadership skills, and contribute to positive social impact in communities around the world.

Upcoming  Program

SOUTH KOREA 2026

March 6–15, 2026

Seoul, South Korea

Are you ready to make an impact beyond borders? 

• Only 10 students selected
• Volunteer with local non-profits
• Explore Korean history, culture, & community
• Build global leadership skills
• Scholarship available (flights, housing & more!)

Discover What Makes a Strong Applicant — Get Ready for Next Year

What We Value

The Service Abroad Program values students who actively invest in their growth as leaders and engaged community members. Strong applicants often demonstrate the following:

• Ongoing participation in campus service opportunities, such as The Big Event and Make a Difference Day, with a willingness to step into Team Leader roles

• Leadership involvement in student organizations, including progressing into higher-level leadership roles within the SGA L.O.V.E. Committee or other campus student organizations

• A consistent record of volunteering and community engagement, both on and off campus

• Pursue university recognitions such as the TAMIU President’s Service Award

• Curiosity about global issues, cultural learning, and international experiences

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered, applicants must:

• Be an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral student who is currently enrolled at TAMIU

• Maintain a minimum acumulative GPA of 2.0 

• Possess a valid passport for international travel

• No conduct record or violations

Past Programs

Costa Rica 2025

TAMIU students participated in a transformative Service Abroad program in Costa Rica from June 21-27, 2025. Ten students-four graduate and six undergraduate-traveled to San José and Sarapiquí to engage in meaningful community service and cultural exchange. Partnering with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation, they supported vulnerable communities in La Carpio through food bank services, educational activities, and a school supply donation drive. Students also volunteered at CECUDI daycare, enhancing facilities and donating essential items. The experience, coordinated with the Office of International Engagement and AIFS, reflects TAMIU's commitment to global citizenship, service, and hands-on learning aligned with its new Quality Enhancement Plan.

Reflection Videos

The following videos showcase students’ reflections on their experiences in the Costa Rica 2025 program.

Emrys Garcia 

Alejandra Flores

Alejandra Herrera

Adriana Anderson

Student Testimonials

Elisa Saldivar '26

"Volunteering in Costa Rica offered a unique learning experience shaped by the meaningful connections I made with the locals and my fellow TAMIU team members. Our hands-on projects and school supply donations created a small but meaningful impact on the children of the Costa Rica Humanitarian Foundation and Child Care and Development Center. The experience has inspired me to remain an active and dedicated volunteer in my community and worldwide. Pura Vida!"

Sebastian Aguilar '25

"My trip to Costa Rica showed me that our world is in urgent need of empathy, compassion, and collective support. Even in the most overlooked places, there are people striving for a better life-reminding us that our actions, no matter how small, can create a global impact. This experience deepened my understanding of how service and solidarity can transcend borders and inspire meaningful change."

Alejandra Flores '26

"Painting a restroom at the Costa Rica Child Care and Development Center alongside a group of dedicated fellow students was more than just completing a task-it was a collective effort to create a space that felt welcoming and valued. Each brushstroke was a reflection of our teamwork and the pride we felt in contributing something meaningful to the community."

Become a Service Abroad Amabassador

• Represent the Service Abroad Program at information tables to help recruit future participants

• Share your experience at the annual LEARN Expo and other campus events

• Receive a certificate of completion and a country patch to wear on your graduation stole

• Complete one required component toward earning the Global Engagement Trailblazer Patch

• Please note: Students who have previously served as Service Abroad Ambassadors may be considered; however, participation in the ambassador role is limited to a maximum of two experiences.

Program Highlights

• Locations previously served: Costa Rica

• Typical duration: 7-10 days over spring break or summer

• Focus areas: Youth development, environmental sustainability, education, public health

• Group travel with TAMIU staff and student cohort

• Pre-departure training and reflection sessions

Why Apply?

• Develop global citizenship

• Strengthen leadership & teamwork skills

• Make a meaningful impact in underserved communities

• Earn potential volunteer hours

• Enhance your resume and grad school applications

Additional Program Details

Passport Application

To get involved in the Service Abroad program, all participants must have a valid U.S. passport to travel internationally. Those without a passport are encouraged to apply early to avoid processing delays. The Office of International Experiences, located in Zaffirini Success Center 206, serves as a passport facility where U.S. citizens can submit a passport first-time application form to obtain a new passport.

Visit: https://www.tamiu.edu/international/passport.shtml

Program Cost

Students selected for the program receive a scholarship that covers the full cost of the program and travel expenses. Some meals and personal spending are not included.

Open to All Majors

Students from all majors are encouraged to apply. Having different academic backgrounds strengthens the experience.

Professional Development

Although the program is not a credit-bearing course, students will gain valuable service hours, enhance their resumes, and develop professional and global skills that support career readiness.

Contact

For more information, please contact Priscilla Cadena at 956.326.2286 or priscillaa.cadena@tamiu.edu.