
“For my first APPE rotation this summer, I will travel to Lisbon, Portugal, as part of the Pharmobility program. Learning how pharmacy functions in a foreign country will help me apply concepts from multiple classes, ranging from antimicrobics to pharmacoeconomics. I look forward to seeing the similarities and differences and also to experiencing everything in a different language. I expect to struggle some with the language barrier, but this hurdle will help me understand the experience of patients whose first language is not English. With pharmacists on the frontline of healthcare, it is important to understand language and cultural barriers. I expect Pharmobility to help me better serve all my patients, regardless of their background."
– Baneen Noorali, Class of 2018
Program Overview

The UT-Pharmobility international exchange program provides an opportunity for international exchange of pharmacy students (US <-> Europe or Japan) to enhance cooperation and understanding of the similarities and differences in pharmacy education, research, and practice.
In addition, the program offers an opportunity for our P4 students to study abroad for a summer APPE rotation in a structured program designed to enhance student development and meet the student’s specific professional (pharmacy) interests. International education through exchange programs is now a major emphasis of the University.
Exchange Locations

European partners are Bath/UK and Barcelona/Spain. Each of these Universities also sends us their students during the academic year on this official reciprocal exchange program.
We continue to work with other international universities and UT’s International Office to add additional exchanges (a lengthy process).
Program Details
How is the program funded?
The program is funded with College Special Funding from the Matthew’s Endowment Travel Stipends at $1,500 to support your travel (provided before departure). Generally, each of our exchange students will be funded with this stipend (but it is contingent on number of students participating and availability).
- University funding through travel scholarships (see the Texas Global funding page for application details).
- Loans (since you are a registered student, you are eligible for financial aid).
- Additional Personal funds (loans, savings, etc).
- Most students report a total cost of $3,000-$5,000 for the experience.
What is my student status while traveling?
Students in the Pharmobility Program must be officially enrolled at the University of Texas. 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.
When would I go during the upcoming program year?
- P4 (current P3’s): Summer of your P4 year. This counts as your first rotation (elective). 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 International Office.
What are the experiences provided by the Pharmobility Partners?
Bath University, England
The program at Bath, coordinated by Dr. Andrew Thompson, includes a variety of experiences in pharmacy practice, including community, hospital, and industrial. Typically the student will spend about 1 week in each setting that is arranged between the student and the sponsor. The UK government also has a requirement that part of the experience be on campus with a faculty sponsor to conduct a project. This is typically a comparison of practices between the UK and the US.
University of Barcelona, Spain
Students participating with Barcelona, coordinated by Dr. Cecilia Fernandez-Lastra, typically choose a single setting for their experience (e.g., hospital practice). Supplementary components (e.g. national practice governance) can be arranged as well. A basic level of fluency in Spanish is required.
How many students have participated in Pharmobility?
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
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
How do I apply? What happens next?
The application cycle for 2023 is closed. The next application cycle will open in fall 2023 for the 2024 experiences.
- It is important that you complete and submit the application electronically (PDF). Email the completed form to pharmexperiential@austin.utexas.edu.
- Fill out the application completely, but be judicious with your info.
- 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 info, 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 contact students and help you start making appropriate arrangements.
- Language proficiency (if relevant) is validated. At that point, the student commits to participate.
- International paperwork (e.g. visa and all UT requirements) is started and completed through the International Office.
- Final assessment of language skills will occur (if necessary) to ensure a sufficient level of fluency.
How do I complete the experience?
Write your report. It will be evaluated in collaboration with the host institution, and a grade will be assigned. Complete the online evaluation for program improvement.
For More Information
For further information about the Pharmobility Program, please send questions to the Pharm.D. Experiential Education office.
Program Co-Directors
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Diane B. Ginsburg, Ph.D., M.S., R.Ph., FASHP
Associate Dean for Healthcare PartnershipsClinical Professor of Pharmacy PracticeG.D. Searle & Co. Endowed Fellow in PharmacyProvost's Distinguished Service Faculty -
Nathan D. Pope, Pharm.D., FAPhA
Assistant Dean for Experiential EducationClinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Experiential Education Coordinator
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Lisa Hemphill, M.S.Ed., CPhT
Experiential Education Program Coordinator