Opportunities for International Study

You could go on a safari or a tour of Europe after you graduate, but do you really want to follow a tour guide around, making check marks on your itinerary list? You don't have to wait to go to another country, or become another tourist. Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to be immersed in a new culture in a way that tourism can not compete with. You can actually live a different culture, not just take pictures of one.

Xalapa Cathedral

Studying Abroad Will Affect Your Future

A study abroad experience is characteristic of a well-rounded, open-minded and involved student. Many employers are looking for employees with international experience. Your study abroad experience could be what sets your resume apart from dozens of others. Globalization and the changing world economy are making it necessary for Americans to step out and learn more about other countries.

College of Family and Consumer Sciences and Study Abroad Opportunities

The College of Family and Consumer Sciences encourages all students to study abroad. The College is involved in study abroad trips to various countries where students can earn credit toward a degree. Approximately every third year, the Study Tour in Housing and Consumer Economics is offered in Xalapa, Mexico. The program lasts 4 weeks. Two weeks are spent at The University of Georgia and 2 weeks are spent in Mexico learning about the global marketplace. Students can earn undergraduate or graduate HACE credit.

Study Abroad Outside College of Family and Consumer Sciences

If the College of Family and Consumer Sciences is not directly involved with a program that is right for you, there are many programs offered directly through The University of Georgia. It is possible to substitute College of Family and Consumer Sciences courses, but you must see your academic adviser to determine if a particular study abroad program is appropriate for your major.

Study Abroad Outside The University of Georgia

If there is not a program that meets your needs at UGA, the University System of Georgia offers more than 100 study abroad programs. Credit is transferable from one university in Georgia to another, but you must speak with your academic adviser before committing to a program. There is an entire catalog detailing trips abroad through the University System of Georgia which is available at the Office of International Education in Barrow Hall, or online at http://www.uga.edu/oie/salinks.htm.

Other Study Abroad Options

If the University System of Georgia does not have a program appropriate for you, there are other organizations that offer study abroad tours. The Institute of International Education of Students and the Institute for Foreign Study also offer study abroad programs. It is possible to earn credit through these institutions, even though they are independent of UGA and the University System of Georgia. You can find out more about these organizations at the Office of International Education. The Internet is also a good place to search for a program.

Useful sites include:

Scholarships

Study abroad is more affordable than many students realize. HOPE will go toward the
cost and there are several other scholarships available. The cost is determined by the duration and where the trip is. There is some control over the cost, as shorter summer programs are generally cheaper than semester stays. You can get an application for the Regents Study Abroad Scholarship from the Office of International Education.

More scholarship information and applications are available online at the following sites:

International Awareness at UGA

The University of Georgia sponsors several events to raise interest and awareness of international education. The Annual Study, Work and Travel Abroad Fair is held every fall at the Tate Center. There are a variety of countries and programs represented at the fair.

If leaving the U.S. is simply out of the question, you can get a taste of a new culture at programs hosted by the International Student Life office. "Around the World in Tatey Days, an International Exchange" began in the fall of 2000 as a part of International Week.

The office also hosts a weekly Coffee Hour where international and national students gather to socialize. To learn more, visit the Study Abroad Library in Barrow Hall, or set up an appointment with a study abroad adviser at the Office of International Education, 542-7903.