Embark on a Global Journey: Exploring UGA Study Abroad Programs

The University of Georgia (UGA) offers a diverse array of study abroad programs designed to provide students with transformative global learning experiences. Facilitated through the Office of Global Engagement, these programs cater to a wide range of academic interests and offer opportunities for students to immerse themselves in new cultures, enhance their career prospects, and broaden their perspectives. More than 3,000 UGA students study abroad each year, selecting from over one hundred programs led by UGA faculty. One in three graduating seniors has studied abroad for academic credit during their time at UGA.

The Allure of UGA Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad during college is a unique and exciting experience, allowing students to immerse themselves in a new culture while continuing their education. A recent study from the University System of Georgia found education abroad had positive effects on graduation within four and six years and on cumulative GPA. UGA sponsored study abroad programs are particularly popular among students for several reasons. Students and parents appreciate the security that comes with UGA endorsement. They also value the presence of UGA professors as instructors and group leaders.

Sustainability in a Global Context

The overarching theme of all UGA Discover Abroad Programs is sustainability, but in a global context that considers the nature of progress. These programs target students of all disciplines who want to better understand the interdependence of environmental, business, and social sciences and how they influence our thinking about complex global problems. At each location, a key issue is examined that reflects how progress has been made for things that really matter in society. Credit is available in a range of courses and we apply an experiential education approach in the field applying what you have learned in the classroom.

Signature UGA Programs: Oxford and Cortona

In addition to the numerous faculty-led programs, UGA boasts two year-round global residential campuses for study abroad in Oxford, England, and Cortona, Italy.

UGA Oxford: A Legacy of Academic Excellence

The UGA at Oxford Study Abroad Program has been in existence for more than 25 years and is one of the most successful programs on campus. UGA has its own campus located in the center of Oxford and offers more than 100 courses over a variety of majors and subjects. All courses in the program have the benefit of direct UGA credit, in-state tuition and use of financial aid.

Read also: Expanding Horizons with VCU

UGA Cortona: A Hub for Arts and Culture

Since 1970, UGA's Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy has been a leader in international arts education. UGA Cortona is one of UGA’s oldest study abroad programs, having been in existence for over 50 years. Both the Cortona program and UGA Classics in Rome were founded in 1970. The medieval hill town of Cortona offers a rich historical environment where students can easily integrate with the lifestyle of a typical Italian community. With a variety of art history, studio art, and cultural classes year round, the Cortona Program continues a tradition of excellence. UGA Cortona offers courses in art and art history during the spring, summer and fall academic terms.

Diverse Program Options: Tailoring the Experience

UGA offers study abroad programs led by UGA faculty during the fall and spring semesters, as well as Maymester and Summer terms. With 70+ study away programs including 50+ study abroad programs across five continents and 57 countries and 20+ domestic field studies programs covering dozens of cities and national parks throughout the United States, Franklin College offers a diverse range of experiential learning opportunities - bringing classroom learning to life. Whether you are looking for a week, a month (Maymester), a summer, or a semester, we have something perfect for you. From exploring ruins in ancient Rome, to an immersive internship in a Buenos Aires hospital, to dancing on Broadway, or participating in an active field study, join us.

Semester-Length Programs: Immersive Cultural Exploration

In the semester-length programs, classes are taught by both UGA professors and instructors from the host country, and program participants earn a full load of credits. In most cases, students live in a residence hall with other UGA students, and perhaps, local students. One of the advantages of the semester-length programs is that students have plenty of time to discover what the country and culture have to offer and make connections with the local population. Furthermore, there may be opportunities for independent travel during weekends or breaks.

Short-Term Programs: Focused Academic Experiences

The short-term (Maymester and Summer) opportunities offer strong academic programs with classes taught by UGA professors, as well as field trips and excursions that utilize the resources in the host country. Maymester and Summer session programs are 2-8 weeks in duration, and students earn resident credit for the coursework completed while abroad. A wide variety of academic disciplines and geographic locations are represented in the UGA program offerings.

Global Reach: Destinations Around the World

UGA sponsors over 70 different study abroad programs in 30 countries, including Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, Fiji, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Venezuela, and programs that travel to multiple countries.

Financial Considerations: Making Study Abroad Accessible

All students pay in-state tuition and fees, and HOPE and other scholarships and financial aid can usually be applied to study abroad costs. Federal financial aid, the HOPE Scholarship and some other forms of financial aid may be applied to UGA-sponsored study abroad and exchange programs, as well as those offered by other universities.

Exchange Programs: Immersive Cultural Exchange

Exchange programs are an ideal option for students who wish to spend a semester or academic year abroad and immerse themselves in student culture in another country. The University of Georgia exchange partnerships enable UGA students to enroll as visiting students at a partner university and earn transfer credit for their academic work. Meanwhile, students from the partner university enroll at UGA. Typically, only one student or small group from UGA participates in each exchange during a given semester, which allows for student independence and cultural immersion opportunities. Exchange students take classes with local students or international students, live in residence halls, apartments or home-stays, participate in student activities along with local students, and travel independently during weekends and breaks. Exchanges also represent one of the most affordable ways to spend a semester abroad. Participating students work with the Office of International Education and a host university coordinator to make arrangements for housing, course selection, registration and other pre-departure details. UGA participants pay in-state tuition and fees to the OEG and pay for housing and meals on site. Currently, exchanges are offered in Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. Some exchanges are limited to specific disciplines; others offer a wide range of courses. Some exchanges in non-English speaking countries offer courses in English; others require language proficiency. Exchanges last a semester or an academic year.

External Programs: Expanding the Horizons

In addition to UGA-sponsored study abroad and exchange programs, many other colleges and universities, language institutes, and international organizations offer opportunities for overseas study, travel, work, teaching, and volunteer experiences. Study Abroad Programs sponsored by the University of Georgia offer resident credit, but students can earn transfer credit for participation in exchange programs and external study abroad programs. To obtain credit for these programs, students must complete the UGA Study Abroad Credit Approval Form before departing. The Admissions Office and/or the academic departments will make final determination of the transfer of credit upon completion of the program and receipt of the official transcript.

Connect Abroad: A First-Year Global Immersion

Connect Abroad programs give first-year students a bold start at UGA through meaningful, short-term study away experiences. Designed with community and discovery in mind, each faculty-led program pairs students with UGA faculty, staff, and fellow new Dawgs to explore global cultures, engage in real-world learning, and build lasting connections-all within the first year of college. This is experiential learning in action: immersive, unforgettable, and uniquely yours.

Connect Abroad: Discover

Designed for first-year students looking for a short, high-impact experience during Spring Break. Connect Abroad Discover offers broad, cross-disciplinary exposure to a new culture through hands-on activities, local excursions, and shared adventures with fellow students, faculty, and staff from across campus.

Connect Abroad: Explore

Ready to go deeper? Connect Abroad Explore programs take first-year students on a longer journey (typically two weeks) to dive into a global culture through the lens of a shared academic theme. With more time on the ground, you’ll experience a richer, more connected understanding of the world around you.

Connect Abroad: Immerse

Designed in partnership with specific UGA colleges or majors, Connect Abroad Immerse connects your academic path with global experiences. These short, intensive programs offer first-year students an opportunity to grow their academic and career vision while exploring how their field of study comes to life in a different cultural context.

Career Advantages: Building a Competitive Edge

Enhance job or graduate school applications with international or domestic experience, internships and research showcasing adaptability and professional competence. Sociology faculty often teach classes in UGA study-abroad programs in the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. This makes it possible for majors and minors to study abroad and get credit toward their major or minor at the same time. The Department of Sociology is also proud to offer the Sociology Study Abroad Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to help defray some of the costs of a UGA study abroad program for exceptional students with financial need. More information on the Sociology Study Abroad Scholarship will be coming early Fall 2025 from the Undergraduate Coordinator, Dr. Anna S. Rogers.

The Office of Global Engagement: Your Gateway to the World

The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) is dedicated to preparing you to become a global citizen equipped to respond to the changes and challenges that affect our local and global communities. The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) is the primary campus resource for information on study abroad programs lasting an academic year, semester, quarter, summer, or Maymester. OGE is available to support your journey to global citizenship by offering academic opportunities in over 60 countries, as well as domestically. The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) takes great pride in highlighting the significance of global citizenship for first-year students. OGE is dedicated to connecting with UGA's newest global citizens and fostering their cultural skills and studies. Whether it’s through immersive programs like Connect Abroad or the First Year Odyssey Global Citizenship cluster, OGE remains steadfast in its commitment to engaging with and nurturing intercultural skills and studies.

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