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.

70%

students who demonstrate a financial need

UA in Panama 2025

100%

students who have never been abroad

UA in Panama 2025

70%

students who are Alabama residents

UA in Panama 2025

Student perspectives

Connor Lanier
2024-2025 Freshman

Studying abroad in Panama was an incredibly rewarding experience that a classroom can’t match. I was able to immerse myself in a new culture while also getting out of my comfort zone and developing my interpersonal and leadership skills. I can’t recommend this opportunity enough!

Victoria Evans
2024-2025 Freshman

Going in, I was open-minded, excited, nervous, but coming out, my expectations of the culture, the experience, and my personal growth were exceeded in every way. Meeting CEOs, both male and female, in high-level leadership roles inspired me as an upcoming entrepreneur and businesswoman.

Andrew Boggs
2024-2025 Freshman

I came to Panama to experience the culture and learn about international business, but what I left with was a new perspective and the motivation to serve many communities, give back to those less fortunate, and discover what makes each community unique. This once in a lifetime opportunity has changed my life forever and I am incredibly grateful to have been chosen to represent The University of Alabama.

Roman Lott
2024-2025 Freshman

I discovered a resilience and an adaptability within myself I never knew existed. This program’s unique opportunities allowed me to connect with Latin American business leaders as well as the local community on a deeper level, which broadened my perspective an fostered a lifelong appreciation for different ways of life.

Iyana Richardson
2024-2025 Freshman

Studying abroad shattered the limits I once placed on myself. I walked in afraid of change, by I walked away confident, empowered, and certain of my potential. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort – it happens when you dare to show up, even when it’s hard.

Ava Stewart
2024-2025 Freshman

This program is a life changing experience! From the educational experience to the culture exchange, UA in Panama offers an enriching experience for freshman Culverhouse students looking to expand their horizons!

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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