Who's Flying?

Each year, UIW faculty and their students FLY from the Cardinal Nest to interesting and faraway places. As part of their course or service mission program, students experience the host country’s culture, food, way of life and other experiential learning activities that further enhance the UIW course or purpose of the service mission program.

Do you want to fly?

Simply identify which faculty-led programs are accepting applications and email the faculty or send our Study Abroad team an email at studyabroad@uiwtx.edu to receive more information. If you do not see a faculty-led program within your major or minor on the list, you may still be eligible to take certain courses as electives.

Just for fun, we also highlighted previous programs and mission trips!

Fall 2022

Dr. Caroline Goulet

Oaxaca, Mexico, from Sept. 3 - 11, 2022

Dr Caroline Goulet

Dr. Caroline Goulet, Interim Provost, in collaboration with the Ettling Center's Director, Dr. Ricardo González, will lead a group of 23 students and 17 faculty from UIW health professions schools on a service mission trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, from Sept. 3 - 11, 2022.

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, University of the Incarnate Word health professions faculty and students will resume their participation in the Quijotes of San Antonio Interprofessional Health Mission. The organization conducts an annual medical mission trip every September in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, where participants partner with local medical professionals to provide care to impoverished communities.

Spring 2023

Dr Oyedele and Dr MorenoDr. Segun Oyedele and Dr. Jose Moreno

March 12 - 19, 2023

Dr. Segun Oyedele, Associate Professor, International Business Professor and Dr. Jose Moreno, Associate Professor, Finance, H-E-B School of Business Administration, will lead a group of 16 students to Guanajuato, Mexico, from March 12 - 19, 2023. Selected participants will receive a scholarship that covers up to 95% of the program cost. All majors are welcome to apply.

This faculty-led program complements the course titled Startup Models Beyond Borders (BINT 4360) offered in Spring 2023.

Email Dr. Oyedele for more information.

No longer accepting applications

Guatamala

Dr. Lalon Alexander

London, U.K., from May 8 - 15, 2023

Dr Lalon Alexander

Dr. Lalon Alexander, Associate Professor, Department of Fashion Management, will be leading 20 students to London, U.K., May 8-15, 2023. Students will be studying UK fashion brands and retailers while immersing themselves in the local culture.

This faculty-led program complements the course titled Fashion Study Tour (FMGT 4392) offered in Spring 2023.

Email Dr. Alexander for more information.

No longer accepting applications

Sr. Martha Ann Kirk and Dr. Beth Sunne-Duff

Guatemala City, Guatemala, from May 12 to 26, 2023

Sr. Martha Kirk and Dr Sunn-Duff

Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, Professor of Religious Studies, and Dr. Beth Sunne-Duff, Associate Professor of Nutrition, will be leading a service mission program to Guatemala City and surrounding areas. This program also offers students the opportunity to earn service-learning hours by assisting indigenous villagers through activities organized by the non-for-profit foundation, Little Angels of Mary. The mission program will also include several cultural excursions, such as Antigua, a World Heritage City, Lake Atitlán (Panajachel), the ruins near Santa Apolonia, and much more!

This mission program does not complement a UIW course; however, students will earn service-learning hours required to graduate.

Email Sr. Martha Ann Kirk for further information

Application Deadline: TBD

Summer 2023

Dr. Brian Foutch and Dr. Robert Onofre

Strasbourg, France, and Heidelberg, Germany, from May 17 - 28, 2023

Drs Foutch and Onofre Dr. Brian Foutch, Associate Professor, RSO, and Dr. Robert Onofre, Clinical Assistant Professor, will be leading 15-35 optometry students to Strasbourg, France and Heidelberg, Germany, from May 17 - 28, 2023. Students will be completing the course while visiting important museums and facilities related to the practice of optometry.

The study abroad experience will complement the course titled Legal Aspects and Public Health Optometry (OPT 7329) offered in Summer I.

Email Dr. Foutch for more information.

Application Deadline: Feb. 13, 2023

strasbourg 2

Dr. Irene Gilliland and Dr. Briana Williams

Turkey and Greece from May 17 - 31, 2023

Dr Irene Gillilandand Dr Briana Williams

Dr. Irene Gilliland, Professor Emerita of Nursing along with Dr. Briana Williams, Assistant Professor FSOP, will be leading a group of 52 pharmacy and nursing students to Turkey and Greece in May 2023. Students will be examining local healthcare practices, roles of pharmacists and nurses, level of professional education, and hospital systems. Students will also have an opportunity to learn about the history, culture, religion and cuisines of Turkey and Greece.

The study abroad experience will complement the course titled Interprofessional Study Abroad for Healthcare Professions (PHAR 5372) offered in Spring 2023.

View the Trip Itinerary here.

No longer accepting applications

the coast of Turkey

Dr. Trey Guinn and Dr. Raymond Blanton

Strasbourg, France, from May 26 – June 8, 2023

Drs Guinn and Blanton

Dr. Trey Guinn, Associate Professor and Program Director, Communication Arts and Dr. Raymond Blanton, Associate Professor of Communication Arts, will be leading students to Strasbourg, France, from May 26 – June 8, 2023. This dynamic program invites undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students to exchange ideas in one course. During their excursions, Dr. Guinn will lead his class to museums, businesses and the European Parliament. All activities promise a culturally rich and immersive experience that will complement the course’s effective communication and leadership lessons.

The study abroad experience will complement the course titled Organizational Dynamics and Leadership (COMM 3383, 6342, or 7399) offered in Spring 2023.

Email Dr. Guinn for further information.

Application Deadline: Monday, Feb. 20, 2023

Instructor Lauren Cotner Francis

Strasbourg, France, from May 27 - June 24, 2023

Lauren Francis HeadshotLauren Francis, a lecturer from the Department of Art and seasoned European traveler, will guide a group of students as they explore art history in Strasbourg. From an 18th-century château near Strasbourg, France, students will conduct a survey of artworks from the Renaissance to the contemporary era. This program welcomes art majors, budding art historians and students seeking an elective or arts credit. No previous art background is necessary, and all majors are encouraged to join the multidisciplinary cultural adventure. Instructor Francis will accompany students on excursions to architectural sites, museums and a European Union art collection to witness the masterworks of art history in person. In our lectures, discussions and activities, students will learn to describe what they see and become familiar with major art styles.

This faculty-led program will offer two courses titled Survey of Art Two (ARTH 2362) and Culturology and Cross-Cultural Communication (BINT/SOCI 3332) offered in Summer I. The courses will be taught in English.

E-mail Instructor Francis for more information: lcfranci@uiwtx.edu

Application deadline: TBD

Dr. Rachel Pittman, Dr. Arunabh Bhattacharya and Dr. Leticia Vargas

Antigua, Guatemala, from June 3 to 10, 2023

Dr. Rachel Pittman, Dr. Arunabh Bhattacharya and Dr. Leticia Vargas

Dr. Rachel Pittman (Assistant Professor of Pharmacology) and Dr. Arunabh Bhattacharya (Associate Professor of Anatomy) in the Department of Clinical and Applied Sciences Education, and Dr. Leticia Vargas (Core Site Director) at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, will be leading a medical mission program to Antigua and surrounding areas. This program offers the 16 participating UIWSOM medical students the opportunity to earn service-learning hours by assisting indigenous villagers through medical mission activities organized by DOCare physician, Dr. Thomas Shima. The mission provides a unique experience that truly encompasses the entire spectrum of medical care with limited resources. The participants will be able to personally experience both the opportunities and challenges of third world medical care medicine, and also participate in cultural excursions in the surrounding area.

This mission program does not complement a UIW course; however, students will earn service-learning hours required to graduate.

Email Dr. Rachel Pittman for further information

Application Deadline: 17 March 2023

Dr. Georgen Guerrero

Strasbourg, France, June 24 - July 22, 2023

Dr. Georgen GuerreroDr. Georgen Guerrero, Criminal Justice Department Chair and Professor, will be leading a group of students to Strasbourg, France. Dr. Guerrero's course titled Contemporary Criminal Justice promises to give students opportunities to examine and compare the American and European criminal justice systems. Current national and international topics such as the death penalty, wildlife crimes, art crimes, environmental crimes, white-collar crimes and many more will be explored. The students will also have the opportunity to visit various museums and facilities related to criminal justice issues.

This faculty-led program will offer two courses titled Contemporary Criminal Justice (CRJU/SOCI 3323) and ST – Leading for Impact + Innovation (BMGT 4399) offered in Summer II.

Email Dr. Guerrero for more information.

Application deadline: TBD

Strasbourg France

Dr. John Kainer

Strasbourg, France, June 24 - July 22, 2023

Dr John Kainer Headshot

Dr. John Kainer, Sociology Department Chair and Assistant Professor, will be leading a group of students to Strasbourg, France in the Summer II summer session. His course, the Sociology of European Cuisine, will provide students opportunities to examine, compare, and taste the differences between French, British, Italian, and Spanish cuisine. The role of appropriation, assimilation, trade, religious beliefs and other critical topics will be explored as forces that shaped and continue to shape the cuisines of Europe. Students will have opportunities to taste and see how core dishes in several of these cuisines are made through a combination of field trips and demonstrations.

This faculty-led program will offer two courses titled Sociology of European Cuisine (SOCI 3399) and Experiential Learning in Europe: Designing Creative Communities (BINT 3340) offered in Summer II.

E-mail Dr. Kainer for more information.

Application deadline: TBD

Strasbourg city center

Dr. Ricardo González

San Cristóbal, Guanajuato, Mexico, from July 17 – 21, 2023

Under the leadership of the Ettling Center's Director, Dr. Ricardo González, a group of 15 nominated student leaders will participate in a service mission trip to San Cristóbal, Guanajuato, Mexico, from July 17 - 21, 2023. The service mission program includes leadership conversations with former President of Mexico Vicente Fox and his wife, Marta Fox, who both continue to spearhead several service initiatives to help their community.

This mission program does not complement a UIW course.

Email studyabroad@uiwtx.edu for further information

Application Deadline: By nomination only

Guanajuato, Mexico

Dr. Erlinda Lopez-Rodriguez

Oaxaca, Mexico from September 2 - 10, 2023

Dr. Erlinda Lopez-Rodriguez headshotDr. Erlinda Lopez-Rodriguez, Associate Professor, Community Health Education Program Director, in collaboration with the Ettling Center's Director, Dr. Ricardo González, will be leading a group of 24 students and 8 faculty from UIW health professional schools on a service mission trip to Oaxaca, Mexico from September 2 - 10, 2023.

University of the Incarnate Word health professions faculty and students will resume their participation in the Quijotes of San Antonio Interprofessional Health Mission. The organization conducts an annual medical mission trip every September in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, where participants partner with local medical professionals to provide care to impoverished communities.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2023

Image of Oaxaca, Mexico

Who's Flown?

Dr. Segun Oyedele and Dr. Jose Moreno

Guanajuato, Mexico, from March 3 - 13, 2022

Drs Oyelde and MorenoDr. Segun Oyedele, Associate Professor, International Business Professor and Dr. Jose Moreno, Associate Professor, Finance, H-E-B School of Business Administration, led a group of 19 students to Guanajuato, Mexico, from March 3 - 13, 2022.


Dr. Brian Foutch and Dr. Robert Onofre

Strasbourg, France, and Heidelberg, Germany, from May 10 - 21, 2022

Drs Foutch and Onofre Dr. Brian Foutch, Associate Professor, RSO, and Dr. Robert Onofre, Clinical Assistant Professor, led 31 optometry students to Strasbourg, France, and Heidelberg, Germany, from May 10 - 21, 2022. Students completed the course, while visiting important museums and facilities related to the practice of optometry.


Dr. Mark Stringham

London, U.K., from May 16 - 24, 2022

Dr Mark Stringham Dr. Mark Stringham, Associate Professor, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, led 10 students to London from May 16 - 24, 2022. The study abroad experience complemented the student's course titled British Theatre THAR 4199.


Dr. Matthew Eaton

Guatemala City, Guatemala, from May 21 - 28, 2022

Matthew EatonDr. Matthew Eaton, Assistant Professor, School of Osteopathic Medicine, led a group of 10 UIW medical students on a faculty-led program to Guatemala from May 21 - 28, 2022. The mission program teamed up with iHelp Foundation, which leads mission programs to help those in need throughout various parts of the world. This was the first international program in the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine.


Dr. Ricardo González

San Cristóbal, Guanajuato, Mexico, from May 30 – June 3, 2022

Under the leadership of the Ettling Center's Director, Dr. Ricardo González, a group of 10 students participated in a service mission trip to San Cristóbal, Guanajuato, Mexico, from May 30 – June 3, 2022. The service mission program included leadership conversations with former President of Mexico Vicente Fox and his wife, Marta Fox, who both continue to spearhead several service initiatives to help their community.


Dr. Gabriel Saxton-Ruiz

Alicante, Spain, from June 4 – July 2022

Dr Gabriel Saxton-Ruiz Dr. Gabriel Saxton-Ruiz, Professor, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, led six students to Alicante, Spain, June 4 – July 2022. Students were enrolled in Spanish language courses while immersing themselves in the local culture.


Dr. Maria Felix-Ortiz

Mexico City, Mexico, in June 2022

Dr Maria Felix-Ortiz Dr. Maria Felix-Ortiz, Professor, College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, led a group of six students from UIW San Antonio and UIW’s two campuses to Mexico City, Mexico, in June 2022. Dr. Felix-Ortiz was awarded the 2020 Mexico-U.S. Innovation Fund, Competition of the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund, and funding through the Partners of the Americas Foundation for a project titled Alianza Bienestar Comunitario (Alliance for Community Wellness): Cross-Cultural Collaborations for Community Mental Health.


Dr. Kathleen Tilton

Paraguay from June 6 - 25, 2022

Dr Kathleen Tilton Dr. Kathleen Tilton, Assistant Professor in the Ila Faye School of Nursing and Health Professions, led two students to Paraguay from June 6 - 25, 2022. The service and clinical observation faculty-led program allowed students to engage in experiential learning activities.