Programs and Facility Information
Study abroad at Casa Herrera is a unique experience. Serving as the academic base for some UT faculty-led study abroad programs in Antigua Guatemala, the Casa is a beautiful example of Spanish Colonial architecture, equipped with modern amenities and comfortable classroom/study space. Current UT students have the opportunity to participate in UT faculty-led study abroad programs that explore various topics such as Guatemalan cultural heritage, archaeology, history, and education.
Antigua Guatemala is located high in the volcanic highlands about 45 minutes from Guatemala City. This charming colonial town is one of the most beautiful communities of Latin America. It was founded by Spanish settlers in 1543, and soon thereafter became the seat of Spanish colonial government for the Viceroyalty of Guatemala. In the eighteenth century, the capital was moved to present-day Guatemala City, thus preserving much of Antigua’s present charm. As one of the most important cultural and artistic centers in Central America, Antigua was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, and it continues to draw a large number of national and international visitors every year.
To learn about UT Education Abroad opportunities hosted at Casa Herrera, please visit UT Education Abroad and search for UT faculty-led May Term and summer programs in Antigua Guatemala! You can also read and learn about the study abroad experiences of past UT/Casa Herrera students by checking out this blog.
Why Study Abroad?
10 reasons why you should considering studying abroad next semester!
- Obtain credit for all approved academic coursework abroad. Take the opportunity to break out of your academic routine; go abroad and still graduate on time.
- Studying abroad is the most effective way to learn a language. By immersing yourself in a different culture, you will continually hear and practice speaking the language you are trying to learn in its natural context.
- You will get to know another culture first-hand. Personally experiencing another country will allow you to expand your understanding of its culture beyond the surface-level differences in food, language, and appearances.
- Develop skills and gain experiences a classroom setting will never provide. Being in a new cultural setting gives you an opportunity to discover new strengths and abilities, conquer new challenges, and solve new problems.
- Make friends and contacts around the world. You will get to meet and mingle with the locals as well as other international students.
- Learn about yourself. Return home with new ideas and perspectives about yourself and your culture. The encounter with other cultures enables you to see your own culture through new eyes.
- Expand your view of the world. Studying abroad provides you with an informed and much less biased perspective toward other cultures and peoples.
- It can cost the same or less than spending the same time at UT. Consider studying in a country that has a lower cost of living and save. Also if you qualify for financial aid at UT, you can still receive aid while studying abroad.
- Study abroad enhances employment opportunities. To an employer, a student who has studied abroad is self-motivated, independent and willing to embrace challenges. Your experience in a foreign country will all set you apart from the majority of other job applicants.
- It's a once in a lifetime experience. Once you graduate new responsibilities come up like a job, buying a car, rent payments, a mortgage, and other family responsibilities. It will be difficult to get away for any length of time and immerse yourself in a foreign culture.
Safe Travel Abroad
The University of Texas at Austin proudly supports its students, faculty and staff who travel the world in pursuit of research opportunities, outreach initiatives, and scholarly experiences. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or taking your first trip abroad, careful preparation can maximize your ability to enjoy a safe and successful travel experience. These UT resources provide useful information for pre-departure preparation, risk awareness, emergency assistance, and more.
UT Health and Safety Resources
Liability Disclaimer for Casa Herrera Program
The University of Texas at Austin students, faculty, or staff cannot be required to travel to a UT Restricted Region. Any participation in travel to a Restricted Region is strictly voluntary, and the participant assumes full responsibility for all risks associated with this travel. Participants have the option to withdraw from participation in this program at any time.
As a condition of Participant's involvement with or participation in the program activities, the Participant will release, waive, discharge, and agree to hold harmless The University of Texas at Austin from all liability arising out of or in connection with Participant's involvement with and/or participation in the program activities at Casa Herrera. Participants of all Casa Herrera programs must acknowledge that the country/countries in which Casa Herrera program activities may take place in whole or in part, or any other country through which the Participant may travel when involved with and/or participating in the substantially lower than those enjoyed in the United States. Participant must further acknowledge the inherent hazardous and dangerous nature of the program activities as well as the above-reference risks of participating in the program activities or in traveling to, through or from the country/countries in which the program activities will take place, and must agree to assume all risk of illness, injury, or death from Participant's travel to or from the program activities and participation therein.
To review UT's Risk Notification Statement, please visit here.