Studying abroad is an emerging trend among students in the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing.
Student participation has increased 36% year-over-year from the 2023-2024 school year to the 2024-2025 year. And now a new program in Barranquilla, Colombia and hosted at the Universidad del Norte, is slated for the summer semester in 2026 and will focus on computer science and information security.
鈥淥ur summer program in Colombia will give students the chance to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges through hands-on labs, simulations and collaborative projects,鈥� said Marbin Pazos Revilla, USF鈥檚 assistant professor of instruction and sponsor of the program. 鈥淢odern cybersecurity challenges cross geographical borders, and study abroad opportunities like this give students a realistic perspective to solving global cybersecurity challenges.鈥�
Students who participate in this specific program learn from USF faculty overseas and earn credits that are applicable to their degree program, meaning that the global experience doesn鈥檛 slow down their progress toward graduation.
The classes offered include CIS 4930 Special Topics in Computer Science 1, COP 4931 Special Topics and CIS 3360 Principles of Information Security. Space is limited and registration for this course closes Dec. 1. Two information sessions are planned from 10 to 11 a.m. on Nov. 6 and 12. Those interested can register .
鈥淪tudying abroad isn鈥檛 all about learning in the classroom,鈥� Pazos Revilla said. 鈥淲hat a student learns during a trip abroad extends far beyond what is taught in the classroom.鈥�
Blending tech education and culture create lasting memories
Another abroad program open to USF students is through Algebra Bernays University: . The program is designed for USF students pursuing degrees in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and computer science engineering.
The four-week immersive program is a mix of academics and culture. The courses, which are taught by faculty from Algebra Bernays University and are industry experts, are aligned with USF鈥檚 curriculum and apply to degree programs.
Computer engineering major Paola Macias-Rocha took advantage of USF鈥檚 partnership with Algebra Bernays University in Croatia last summer and is grateful she had the opportunity.
While there, she studied Croatian Language and Culture and Artificial Intelligence.
鈥淐roatian Language and Culture was the first course that I took in Croatia, and I am so grateful I did,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he class consisted of about 30 students from all parts of the world, and I can confidently say that out of everyone I met; those were the people that I was closest to and shared my best memories.鈥�
Working with teams of international students, the class pushed her out of her comfort zone.
鈥淥n the other hand, Artificial Intelligence was a class that taught me to think outside the box,鈥� she added. 鈥淚 really enjoyed learning how AI is being applied to the real world as well as working with others to complete tasks and projects.鈥�
While class and her studies were a focal point of her trip to Croatia, her experiences outside the classroom and away from presentations are memories she truly cherishes.
鈥淔rom the locals I interacted with at coffee shops, to the students that I met in my class, everyone made my experience a once in a lifetime experience,鈥� Macias-Rocha said. 鈥淚'll never forget the days where my classmates and I would go after school to the beach or the time we took a mini trip to Split.鈥�
For other students weighing their summer options, she recommends experiencing a study-abroad program.
鈥淓ven if you are unsure how your experience will be, you should do it. It is an experience unlike anything else,鈥� Macias-Rocha said. 鈥淚t pushes your boundaries and gives you memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. You will make connections that will stay with you even when you return to the states. I truly believe that studying abroad changed me for the better.鈥�
For more information on USF鈥檚 abroad programs, . Details about how to pay for study abroad opportunities, as well as scholarships to fund them, can be found on the USF World website.