UA in Panama
Business Access Program

Want to study abroad with your peers?

The UA in Panama: Freshman Business ACCESS Program is designed to provide a study abroad opportunity for students who might not otherwise have the resources for such a program. This program, a cohort-model, is intended to create shared learning experiences to enhance personal and professional growth. Selected students will meet monthly throughout the Fall term and enroll in a GBA Special Topics course associated with the program in Spring term.

60%

of students who are first generation

UA in Panama 2024

90%

students who have never been abroad

UA in Panama 2023

Student perspectives

Zoi Moon
2023-2024 Freshman

“I’d say this visit {MSC} really made the biggest impact on me. This visit was a real-world lesson for us in global logistics and operations that textbooks just can’t match...we were able to gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of how business operates across such a global and international scale.”

Camila Ramirez
2023-2024 Freshman

“Movimiento Nuevo Generacion, which is a non-profit organization that provides after school services for underprivileged youth, really impacted me..speaking with these youth and really seeing what their dreams and aspirations were and encouraging them and showing them that they could achieve those dreams and aspirations too. That’s a visit that’s going to stay with me forever.”

Ciara Laird
2023-2024 Freshman

“My overall impression of this experience really exceeded my expectations. As someone who has never been out of the country before, I didn’t expect to be immersed into the culture and the conditions..it made a great impact on me... One takeaway from this program is the importance of adaptability and cultural sensitivity. Skills like that in today’s world are very crucial and makes you stand out as an employee.”

Hugo Rodriguez
2023-2024 Freshman

“At Pandora, I enjoyed learning about culture affects business, as well as what steps they take to accommodate their marketing skills like using music to connect to their Latin audience.”

“Take risks and always be accepting of new things. I learned to always be grateful, stay humble, and finding the joy of giving back to others.”

Tyler LeValley
2023-2024 Freshman

“I’m very much a person who operates with prior research and planning to know exactly what I’m getting into. This trip took me outside of that comfort zone and forced me to adapt and that is a really important skill to continue to build throughout my professional career.”

Kelley Pham
2023-2024 Freshman

“This experience enhanced my understanding of international business through understanding the idea of localization and target audience.”

“In addition to all these business opportunities, I not have friends for a lifetime who I know that I’ll have by my side as we tackle what Culverhouse and The University of Alabama has to offer...I feel so fortunate to have a good cohort around.”

Frequently Asked Questions

This program is for incoming freshman Culverhouse College of Business students and is designed to provide a study abroad opportunity for those who might not otherwise have the resources to do so.

Although all incoming freshman Culverhouse College of Business students are eligible to apply, preference will be given, to the extent allowed by law, to students who (a) are in-state, (b) have not traveled abroad previously, (c) are first generation students, and/or (d) have demonstrated a financial need.

This program, a cohort-model, is intended to create shared learning experiences to enhance personal and professional growth. Selected students will meet monthly throughout the Fall term and enroll in a GBA Special Topics course that meets once a week in the Spring term.

Students and faculty will travel abroad during Spring Break. Check the UA Academic Calendar for more details.

Students will enroll in a GBA Special Topics course during the Spring term and will receive academic credit for the international focus course requirement.

The benefits of studying abroad go beyond curriculum. It is an opportunity for students to gain independence, confidence, and a greater knowledge of different cultures. This study abroad opportunity will be an invaluable experience that fosters community and provides students with needed business skills in a globalized commerce arena. Our primary goal is to help students connect Culverhouse business majors with international career opportunities by exposing them to global business perspectives and practices in hopes to explore their interests and goals.

With the assistance from Culverhouse College of Business, contributions from donors, and scholarships, this program attempts to remove much of the financial burden of studying abroad so the student can focus on learning and immersing themselves in the experience. Students should expect to pay a nominal fee plus some meals in country.

Culverhouse College of Business students interested in learning more about opportunities abroad should have a recent DegreeWorks plan completed by their academic advisor in Culverhouse detailing at least three (3) semesters in order to determine their academic needs for studying abroad.
 
After selecting a program, students must complete all application requirements for the Education Abroad office, Culverhouse, and other entities as necessary. This includes submitting materials for UA course approval and equivalencies prior to going abroad. Credit for any study or work completed abroad is reviewed and awarded by Culverhouse and the Office of the University Registrar.
 
**Please note: Culverhouse declared Majors and Minors that are international students are prohibited from taking any “business courses” in their home country.

Contact our team

Samantha Young

Assistant Director for
Faculty-Led Programs

Diana Gomez

Sr. Instructor of
International Business

Ready to take the next Step?

Contact the Education Abroad office (135 B.B. Comer Hall) to learn more about program offerings and select a suitable program abroad. To schedule an appointment with an education abroad advisor, students may call (205) 348-5256.

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