Longhorn Wellness Center Student Assistant Studies Abroad in Switzerland
Published: June 10, 2026
Longhorn Wellness Center student assistant Ciara Burns is taking the skills she built supporting student well-being at UT Austin into an international setting this summer through a study abroad program in Geneva, Switzerland.
Burns, a psychology major in the College of Liberal Arts, is participating in "A Cognitive Neuroscience Immersion in Geneva," a May term program offered through Texas Global. The experience aligns with her academic interests and goal of becoming a clinical neuropsychologist.
While studying abroad has been a longtime goal, Burns said her experience working at the Longhorn Wellness Center helped prepare her for the opportunity in meaningful ways.
“I initially began searching for a student job because I knew I was going to study abroad this summer,” she said. “I wanted to help support myself financially while pursuing something meaningful. At the same time, I hoped to find a role connected to my interests in psychology and clinical health, which made the LWC feel like the perfect fit.”
Beyond helping fund her study abroad experience, Burns said the Longhorn Wellness Center provided professional experience, mentorship and a sense of belonging as a transfer student at UT Austin.
“My role has really helped me feel connected to campus,” she said. “This was very important to me as a transfer student still finding her footing at UT.”
Burns' experience reflects that of many student employees at UT Austin. Research from the University's Bureau of Business Research at the IC2 Institute found that 83% of Division of Student Affairs student employees reported that their on-campus employment positively impacted their overall student experience.
Allison Hernandez, senior administrative program coordinator for the Longhorn Wellness Center, said Burns quickly became an important part of the team.
“Ciara has been such a great addition and a natural fit to our LWC Student Admin team,” Hernandez said. “She is always willing to learn and try new things and brings a kind, welcoming warmth to our space.”
Burns also credits her role with strengthening communication, interpersonal and adaptability skills that have been valuable while navigating life abroad.
“Because so much of the role involves connecting with students from different backgrounds, I became more comfortable interacting with new people and adapting to unfamiliar situations,” she said.
In Geneva, Burns is studying at Campus Biotech, a research and education center focused on neuroscience and biotechnology. The program allows students to learn from researchers, participate in graduate-level studies and explore the relationship between the brain and behavior.
“I hope to become a clinical neuropsychologist, so the opportunity to study cognitive neuroscience in an international research setting was incredibly exciting,” she said.
After returning to Texas, Burns plans to continue working at the Longhorn Wellness Center. She will also begin work as a research assistant in The Pestilli Lab.
Looking back on her experiences, Burns said both studying abroad and working on campus have helped her grow academically, professionally and personally.
“Studying abroad has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my college career,” she said. “At the same time, working on campus gave me a stronger sense of belonging at UT and helped me develop valuable professional and interpersonal skills.”
“Especially as a transfer student, both experiences helped me build community and find a greater sense of purpose.”