International Exchange (UT-Pharmobility)

The program is funded with College Special Funding from the B. Berard Matthews Endowed Scholarship and the Davis Family Pharmobility Student Support Endowment Travel Stipends to support your travel (provided before departure). Generally, each of our exchange students will be funded with this stipend. The amount of the stipend is contingent on number of students participating and availability.

Students in the Pharmobility Program must be officially enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin. This is accomplished for our P4 students by registering for your first (elective) APPE to cover the summer you are abroad. Students must be in good academic standing to participate.

• P4 (current P3’s): Summer of your P4 year. Rotation block 1 will be OFF with Rotation block 2 scheduled as an APPE Elective since the experience is 6-10 weeks. Please plan ahead for this.
• You are registered as UT students, not registered at the host institution.
• University arrangements for the Pharmobility Program (once you are selected) are now made through the TEXAS Global Office.

University of Bath, England
The program at Bath, coordinated by Dr. Andrew Thompson, is a research-based experience. Typically, the student will spend most time at the University in a wet lab conducting research. There is typically a comparison of practices between the UK and the US. Students who apply should have an interest in the pharmaceutical industry, research, and have plans to pursue post-graduate education and training.

University of Barcelona, Spain
Students participating with Barcelona, coordinated by Dr. Cecilia Fernandez-Lastra, typically includes a variety of experiences where the students spend time in community practice, hospital practice, and time at the University. A conversational level in Spanish is required. Most of the people who live in Barcelona are bilingual and speak Catalan and Spanish. There is typically a comparison of practices between Spain and the US. Students who apply should have a strong interest in clinical practice.

The University of Sydney, Australia
The program at Sydney, coordinated by Dr. Jonathan Penm, is a research-based experience. Typically, the student will spend most time at the University conducting research on medication safety, with a focus on opioids and/or transitions of care. Opportunities will be organized to observe pharmacy practice in Australia. Students who apply should have an interest in clinical practice research and publishing their research.

Europe to the UT College of Pharmacy:

• 1 student each year in 2001, 2002, and 2004
• 2 students each year in 2006 and 2007
• 3 students each year in 2003, 2005, and 2011
• 4 students each year in 2008, 2010, 2012
• 5 students each in 2009
• 6 students each year in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015
• 5 students in 2015
• 8 students in 2016
• 2 students in 2017
• 2 students in 2018
• 1 student in 2019
• 3 students in 2023
• 4 students in 2024
• 4 students in 2025

UT College of Pharmacy to Europe:

• 1 student each year in 2004
• 3 students each year in 2005, and 2006
• 4 students each year in 2007, 2008, 2011
• 5 students each year in 2003, 2009, 2010
• 6 students each year in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016
• 4 students in 2017
• 6 students in 2018
• 4 students in 2019
• 4 students in 2023
• 4 students in 2024
• 5 students in 2025

UT College of Pharmacy to Australia:

• 2 students in 2025

The application cycle for Summer 2026 will open in the fall semester.

• Once the application opens, the deadline to apply is October 31st of the P3 year.
• The Pharmobility experiences are primarily researched based with some patient care. Applicants will be asked to select the site that best fits their career goals. Be as complete and specific as possible as to the type of experience you want to have and how it will impact your future practice. Please do not contact our Pharmobility partners at this point as they find it confusing (they don't know if you have been selected for the program or not). If you need University-specific information, contact pharmexperiential@austin.utexas.edu.­­
• We and our Exchange Partners will review all applications. If you are “Approved to Proceed,” you will be notified. Coordinators in Europe and Australia contact students and help you start making appropriate arrangements.
• International paperwork (e.g. visa and all UT requirements) is started and completed through TEXAS Global.
• Final assessment of language skills will occur (if necessary) to ensure a sufficient level of fluency.

All policies and procedures for an APPE apply. The student must complete all APPE requirements for an Elective and must be registered with UT for an APPE Elective. In order to successfully complete the Pharmobility APPE, the student must complete the following:

1. Complete APPE Student Pre-Rotation: Interests, Goals, & Information
   1. UT mentor/preceptor with review in CORE ELMS.
   2. Student should email a copy to global preceptor.
2. Complete virtual meeting with UT preceptor at beginning, midpoint, and final of APPE.
3. Complete all required evaluations for an Elective APPE in CORE ELMS.
4. Submit a 1-2 page written report on experience:
   1. Patient interactions (if applicable)
   2. Research (if applicable)
   3. Projects/Assignments (if applicable)
   4. Impressions of culture (required)
   5. Similarities/Differences in healthcare compared to U.S. (required)
5. Required to complete the “Description of preceptor/site” in CORE ELMS: Write a one or two paragraph testimonial to provide information about the experience to future students.
6. Be available for P3 Admin Session (if possible) to share about experience.

“My Pharmobility rotation in Spain was a phenomenal and enriching experience that I will carry with me throughout my career. I learned so much about pharmacy practice through a balanced mix of time spent in community, hospital, and academic settings, each giving me a new perspective on patient care and the role of the pharmacist. Beyond the clinical knowledge I gained, what made the experience especially meaningful was the opportunity to fully immerse myself in and embrace Spanish culture. From navigating daily life to engaging with patients and healthcare professionals, I grew from this experience just as much outside the pharmacy as I did inside. Over the course of the rotation, I gained confidence and strengthened my communication skills in Spanish, which will be an invaluable asset not only in my pharmacy career but also throughout my lifetime. Experiencing the warmth of the people, the generosity of the culture, and the value placed on community helped me broaden my perspective, deepen my empathy, and grow both personally and professionally. Additionally, by learning about how pharmacy is practiced in Spain, I hope to one day take these lessons and skills on a more global scale to reach and positively impact more people. This rotation not only strengthened my foundation as a future pharmacist but also reminded me of the importance of staying open to new experiences and embracing the ways that different cultures shape healthcare and human connection."
- Nora Abifaraj, Pharm.D. Class of 2026

"I loved every second of my Pharmobility experience. Studying abroad gave me more than just a different way to learn, it let me see the innovative thinking that drives pharmacy and healthcare forward. In the lab, we helped create a molecule that will be tested later this year in cancer research, which is an incredible feeling knowing our work will have an impact beyond us leaving the rotation. I also appreciated how the program reacquainted me with organic chemistry by teaching the background behind each reaction and why we were doing it, which made the experience even more meaningful. This program went beyond what I imagined, and I encourage any student thinking about it to apply for it. You will come back with skills, memories, and experiences that will stay with you forever."
– Sydney Bryant, Pharm.D. Class of 2026

"My Pharmobility experience at the University of Bath was the most rewarding of my life. Unlike a traditional pharmacy rotation, this was hands-on wet lab research in organic chemistry which challenged me to problem-solve in new and creative ways. What stood out most were the people, from the lifelong friendships I formed to our wonderful preceptor who truly cared about us as individuals and encouraged us to make the most of the rotation. For future applicants, I recommend being financially prepared since living abroad can be much more expensive than expected. This experience gave me not only research skills but also personal growth, meaningful connections, and a deeper appreciation for global collaboration."
- Parmida Moses, Pharm.D. Class of 2026

"At the Universitat de Barcelona, I was encouraged to learn beyond pharmacy and embrace the Catalan culture through its people and traditions. I was exposed to the major pillars of pharmacy—community, clinical, and industry—from a Spanish perspective. More importantly, I collaborated with amazing teams, mentors, and peers who helped me truly embrace the Catalan lifestyle and healthcare system. This rotation can be molded to fit what a student hopes to gain from it. For me, it was an opportunity to grow personally and professionally, becoming a more adaptable, resilient, and collaborative pharmacist, whether in the United States or across the world in the Mediterranean."
- Victor Alfonzo Herrera, Pharm.D. Class of 2025

"The Bath Pharmobility experience was an amazing way to step outside my comfort zone and learn about pharmacy practice in the UK. The main part of the rotation is organic chemistry research, but the professors teach you a lot about the pharmacy program in Bath. While I loved dusting the cobwebs off my old chemistry knowledge, my favorite part of the experience was exploring the differences between pharmacists in the UK and the US. This is a great rotation if you’re interested in research or working abroad after graduation."
- Grace Clark, Pharm.D. Class of 2025

“The experiences I had during this Pharmobility rotation have allowed for me to realize that patient care can take many forms. I will take what I have learned here in Barcelona and use it to better my role as a pharmacist so my future patients may have the best patient-care possible.” 
– Mina El-Sharif, Pharm.D. Class of 2024

“My 6-week APPE in Barcelona, Spain, was an unforgettable journey of personal and professional growth. Immersed in the vibrant culture, I had the privilege of experiencing the Spanish healthcare system firsthand and understanding how pharmacy practice works in a different country in comparison to the United States.”
– Natasha Wang, Pharm.D. Class of 2024

“My dream of being in the Pharmobility program was everything and then some, and I look forward to advocating for pharmacy students to apply for this unique experience. The international lessons gained in and out of the University of Bath are invaluable for anyone pursing a pharmacist role.”
– Javier Granados, Pharm.D. Class of 2024

“Being within the UK has shown me how much the US has to grow in terms of trusting pharmacists with more responsibilities and opportunities. I am very excited to see what the future has in store for the US. This experience has consistently reminded me of how important it is to advocate for the future of our profession. Throughout my career, I hope to continue being part of and learn from different avenues of pharmacy across the world to grow within my own professional development.”
– Nicole Aldover, Pharm.D. Class of 2024

What expenses should I anticipate participating in the rotation?

• Travel expenses include the following:
  • Roundtrip airfare from U.S. to host country.  This will vary depending on the location.
  • Housing – this will vary depending on location, exchange rate, etc.  Most students have secured housing using Airbnb/Vrbo.  UTCOP does not arrange housing for students.
  • Transportation costs, e.g., airport transfers, local transportation
  • Meals and any items needed during your rotation.

What are the document requirements?

• Current passport with expiration good for a year post rotation.  If you do not have a current passport, it is recommended you apply for one as it may take an extended period for your application to be processed.
• Some countries require student VISAs.  The program can provide you with information as to the VISA requirements.

When will I know what funding will be available from the College?

• This is determined based on the yields of the endowments.  This information is provided in early spring.  Students selected for the Pharmobility rotation will receive the travel stipend prior to departure.