Tapas, tabling, and turning study abroad dreams into reality — the University of South Florida Judy Genshaft Honors College’s 2025 Tapas Night Study Abroad Expo brought the college’s 10 study abroad programs to life with Honors flair. Each program was highlighted through conversations with program leaders, information posters, colorful brochures, and interesting memorabilia, then students enjoyed small plates representing each study abroad destination after they completed a tour of at least three study abroad programs.
Students filled the building while visiting the upper floors and stopping to chat
with program alumni and other students. Some program leaders even wore cultural attire.
“I was surprised at how immersive the event was. The South Korea trip wasn’t originally
on my radar, but now I’m interested in learning more about the culture!” said Honors
student Galia Galicia.
Invaluable Experiences
Current Honors students and seasoned travelers encouraged new students to step out
of their comfort zone and be open to new experiences. Germany Beyond the Classroom alum Belinda Solis was excited to share the impact of study abroad on her personal
growth.
“Germany Beyond the Classroom was my first time being away from home, and to see another
country in the Honors program has been life-changing. It broadened my world view,”
said Solis.
Some Honors alumni even returned to the college to highlight their favorite study abroad programs. Catherine Ugwu, now a graduate student at USF, encouraged students to take a chance on study abroad.
“Studying abroad was very eye-opening in a cultural sense. I made so many new friends
from it, and I wanted to tell others to come and experience it,” said Ugwu.
Student energy was contagious, with program leaders fielding questions, sharing memories,
and connecting with students. Poland and Germany: The Holocaust and Europe Today program leader and Vice Provost at USF St. Petersburg Thomas Smith looked forward
to building his next cohort of students for the summer.
“Tapas Night was terrific,” said Smith. “The Poland and Germany trip attracts all
kinds of students looking for something a little different, a little bit more adventure.”
Opening Doors to Study Abroad
Although coordinating an event like Tapas Night is a rigorous process for program leaders and the college’s faculty and staff, Judy Genshaft Honors College Student Engagement Coordinator Dan Woods said the effort is always worthwhile.
“Study abroad means a lot to me, for myself and for working with students. I look forward to Tapas Night every year, and now we are excited to see students apply and go on our programs,” Woods said.
Honors Advancement Administrator Marco Nardiello noted that Tapas Night is especially valuable for students who may not initially see study abroad as an option. “All Honors students participating in their first study abroad experience at USF qualify for a 25% scholarship toward their program and travel,” Nardiello said. “We encourage students to connect with their Honors advisor to start their adventure abroad.” That support, he added, helps make global opportunities accessible to every Honors student, regardless of background.
Judy Genshaft Endowed Honors Dean Charles Adams echoed the importance of the event’s
impact on students.
“Tapas Night is such an important tradition because it gives our students the chance
to connect with one another, learn about study abroad opportunities, and celebrate
the global perspective that is central to the Honors experience. This is a longstanding
Honors tradition, and we are glad that it has been able to grow in the new building,
giving students the opportunity to make meaningful connections and explore the outstanding
possibilities that the college and USF provide,” Adams said.
To learn about the Judy Genshaft Honors College study abroad programs, check out the study abroad home page.