Maverick Global Start is a unique study abroad opportunity for incoming first year undergraduate students at UT-Arlington. Students are able to get a jump start on their college career while exploring Dortmund, Germany, and surrounding areas the summer before they begin at UTA.
This program is offered in partnership with UTA's Division of Student Affairs and Division of Student Success, along with Fachhochschule (FH) Dortmund - University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
Please note: Virtual pre-departure sessions will occur from 4:00-5:30 pm CST on Microsoft Teams.
Students will enroll in UNIV 1131 021, a 1 credit course required for all new undergraduate students at UTA. The course focuses on student success and the transition to the university.
Students will be enrolled in Fall 2024 courses at UTA even though the travel occurs during the summer. Class sessions during the trip dates will be held on the campus of our partner university, FH Dortmund.
The course instruction will continue on-campus at UTA during the regular fall semester, During the fall semester, the course will meet on Wednesdays from 10:00-10:50 am.
Students will also be required to attend 4 virtual group meetings prior to departure. The meetings will take place online on Microsoft Teams. Virtual session dates are included in the "Dates at a Glance".
Students will also be required to attend New Maverick Orientation together on campus at UTA June 12-13, 2024.
Students will participate in excursions around Dortmund and the surrounding areas. This may include a Signal Iduna Park (BVB's soccer stadium) tour, visits to the botanical garden, zoo, Port of Dortmund, Dortmund canal, and more. Day trips outside the city will include visits to cities such as Cologne, Muenster, and Altena.
The daily schedule will typically consist of class in the mornings and an excursion in the afternoon. Participants can expect to have at least 1 afternoon, most evenings, and 1 full day free per week. Students will be expected to stay in groups of at least 3 for the duration of the program during free time.
Housing will be provided at DJH Jugendherberge Dortmund. Students will stay with 4-6 participants of the same gender per room. DJH provides all furnishings, internet, and daily breakfast. DJH also has an indoor lounge area and outdoor patio featuring a pool table, table tennis, foosball, and board game rental. DJH is centrally located with easy access to public transportation.
Students must be admitted to UTA in order to apply for the program. Incoming first year undergraduate students from all majors are eligible to participate. No previous German language experience is required.
A maximum of 25 students may participate in the program this year. More students may be eligible than we have space for, and therefore it is important to apply by the priority deadline and to pay the deposit quickly after your acceptance to confirm your participation. A spot will only be reserved for you once the deposit has been paid.
Students under the age of 18 at any stage in the process - from time of application to participation in the study abroad program - must have a parent or guardian sign all legal forms needed for their application, admission, and participation in the program.
The overall costs for this program include a program fee of $2,000 and UTA Tuition*.
Students accepted for the program will be required to accept their space by May 1 by paying a $500 non-refundable deposit. This deposit is your first payment towards the program fee. A second deposit will be required by July 1.
*For resident undergraduate students: If you will already be enrolled for 12-17 credits in Fall 2024, the tuition for this course should not impact your tuition charges for Fall 2024. Note: there may be an impact on tuition for non-resident students or students who are enrolled in less than 12 hours or more than 18 hours. See the tuition charts on the left-hand side of this webpage for how this program will impact your fall tuition.
In addition to your Fall 2024 financial aid package, the following scholarships are available for this program. Please note that if you receive a scholarship, the scholarship amount(s) will be posted to your student account in MyMav. Since the study abroad program is tied to Fall 2024 courses, the funds will not be disbursed until early to mid-August.
Follett Endowed Scholarship:
All students accepted to the Maverick Global Start program are automatically eligible for a $1,000 Follett Endowed Scholarship. Students must pay their first program deposit by the established deadline before the scholarship will be confirmed.
International Education Fee Scholarship (Maverick Global Start)
You can apply for the IEFS through UTA Study Abroad. This scholarship is a separate application, and the IEFS application deadline is April 1. This scholarship is not guaranteed, but your chances of receiving it are extremely high. Be sure to apply for the correct International Education Fee Scholarship (labeled Maverick Global Start), as there is a special application for this program!
NOTE: Students who withdraw or do not complete the study abroad program will have their IEFS and/or Follett scholarships cancelled.
Maverick Passport Grant
Pell-eligible students may apply for a Maverick Passport Grant to help obtain their first US passport. This grant has a separate application, and eligible participants will be contacted with application instructions. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover the cost of a first-time passport application fee ($165) but are responsible for the cost of photos, any mailing costs, and additional fees if they choose expedited processing. The grant amount will be posted to your student account in MyMav with funds disbursed in early to mid-August.
There is a short online application form requiring general information about yourself, 3 short-answer essay responses, and information for 2 references (name, title, email, and phone number). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The application must be fully submitted in order to be considered for the program. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
April 1 - Priority Application Deadline
April 15 - Final Application Deadline
Applicants will be asked to complete a virtual meeting with the program directors after their application has been submitted and reviewed. Applicants will be contacted via email regarding the virtual meeting.
Students accepted to the program will be notified in April and will confirm their participation with a $500 non-refundable deposit due no later than May 1.
If you have any questions throughout the application process, please reach out to the program directors by clicking the link below.