Twenty United Independent School District students will embark on a life-changing educational journey to Spain from June 6-20 as part of the district’s Study Abroad Program.

This summer, a select cohort of twenty rising seniors will participate in an intensive two-week academic residency at the Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. Founded in 1218, the Universidad de Salamanca is recognized as the oldest university in Spain and one of the oldest institutions of higher education in continuous operation worldwide.

The students’ curriculum will focus on rigorous academic and cultural coursework centered on the Spanish language, culture and speech. The immersive experience is designed to expand students’ global awareness and strengthen academic proficiencies by placing them alongside peers from diverse international backgrounds while fostering independence and cross-cultural communication skills.

“This exceptional opportunity opens the door to the world for our students and aligns with our vision of developing responsible global leaders,” said UISD Director of Guidance and Counseling Melissa Ramirez. “By studying alongside international students and engaging directly with Spain’s culture and history, our students gain invaluable experiences that prepare them to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”

In addition to classroom instruction, students will participate in cultural excursions to the historic cities of Segovia and Toledo. These visits will provide firsthand exposure to Spain’s rich architectural, cultural and historical heritage.

The program is made possible through the unwavering support of the parents, Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz and the UISD Board of Trustees.

“The Study Abroad Program has quickly become a transformative initiative for UISD students," added Ramirez. “The Summer 2025 program marked the first study abroad experience in district history, taking sixteen students to Spain, with four students selected from each high school. Following the trip, participants described the experience as life-changing and expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity.”

Building on the success of the inaugural program, UISD expanded the Summer 2026 cohort to twenty students, selecting five students from each high school through a competitive application process.

The students selected for this year’s program are eager to embrace the opportunity for global learning and personal growth.

Pablo Marroquin, a senior at Alexander High School, said he is “looking forward to a real-life simulation of the college experience alongside international students” and views the trip as an “opportunity for personal growth through an exposure to a different culture and networking.”

Andrea Charles, a senior at LBJ High School, shared her excitement about the experience.

“I am looking forward to all the new things in Spain, learning a new culture, eating new foods, and meeting new people,” Charles said. “I am happy to carry on this legacy for my family.”

Students selected for the 2026 UISD Study Abroad Program are: 

From Alexander High School: Pablo Marroquin, Feran Nacher, Carlo Regalado, Jose Pablo Alvarez, Izel Contreras.

From Lyndon B. Johnson High School: Kayla Salinas, Irvin Vielma, Stephanie Ritt, Andrea Charles, Alejandra Gonzalez.

From United High School: Claire De La Garza, Daniela Escorza Herrera, Eduardo Aguirre, Camila Medellin, Athena Trottman.

From United South High School: Giana Aguilar, Sireeth Cantera Pena, Perla Palacios, Aylin Santos, Angela Martinez.

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