Study Away experiences shape success on campus and beyond

Study Abroad can introduce life-changing experiences for students – whether visiting foreign countries for the first time or opening new connections to people, places, and potential careers. Franklin College units have historically offered robust Study Away opportunities – the Cortona program and the Classics Study in Rome were both initiated in the 1970s. Integrating travel and study opportunities with on-camous degree programs can be complicated however, and UGA has developed multiple programs to help students access and leverage study abroad opportunities:

For many freshmen, the prospect of studying abroad may seem inaccessible due to financial constraints, academic requirements, or lack of awareness about available opportunities.

Georgia Women Give, a nationwide philanthropic network of Georgia donors, generously provided a $35,000 commitment to Connect Abroad students. Combined with funding from the Office of Global Engagement through its General Scholarship and the Passport Initiative, over $74,000 in aid was provided to students pursuing Connect Abroad, opening doors for students that may not have had the chance to study abroad.

Trang Nyguen, a Connect Abroad Morocco participant and recipient of a Georgia Women Give scholarship fund, found Connect Abroad to be a life-changing experience. “I was lucky enough to create invaluable memories with a new group of friends in my first year of college. … I want to show my sincere gratitude to the Georgia Women Give Fund for giving me this invaluable opportunity to broaden my world horizons.”

With 30 students per group, each cohort represented a variety of UGA colleges and majors, from business to pre-medicine. There were also several first-generation and rural students in the group.

“As a second-generation immigrant, I’ve been exposed to Nigerian culture and how it contrasts with American culture and society,” said Dami Odubola, a philosophy and women’s studies double major who participated in Connect Abroad Cuba. “But it was eye-opening to see the differences between the standard of living in Cuba and the U.S.,” she continued. “Bringing back what I learned to Athens and UGA is important to me … it inspires me to seek out mentorship roles on campus, so that I can advocate for programs like this one to other students.”

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For students, make sure you consider studying abroad. And don't forget to pack a language.

Image: Connect Abroad Cuba students take some time to explore the heart of historic Havana. (Photo by Lauren Baker)