Education Abroad FAQs
- What is Education Abroad?
- Why should I study abroad?
- Where can I study abroad?
- How can I search for education abroad opportunities?
- What types of study abroad programs are offered through UGA?
- What are the differences between the three types of programs?
- How do I know if my credits will fit into my degree program?
- Can I go on a study abroad program through another university?
- Are there options for graduate students?
- I'm a transfer student, can I study abroad?
- What do I want to achieve through education abroad?
- How do I choose a study abroad program?
- How soon should I start planning my study abroad experience?
- What are the most important things to consider before studying abroad?
- Should I go for a short session (spring or winter break), maymester, summer, a semester, or a year? Why?
- If I don't speak a foreign language, can I still study abroad in a non-English speaking country?
- How do I know if the study abroad program I have selected is legitimate?
- Can I study abroad as a first-year or second-year student?
- I'm majoring in a science/technology/engineering/math (STEM) discipline. Are there education abroad options for me?
- Can I do all of my UGA studies abroad?
- What are my housing options?
- How do I know if I am eligible for a program?
- I am an LGBTQ student, what do I need to know about studying abroad at UGA?
- Can students with disabilities study abroad?
- Can I use my current financial aid and/or HOPE/Zell for study abroad?
- Are there specific scholarships available for study abroad?
- How do I budget for my education abroad experience?
- Can I work while I’m abroad?
1. What is Education Abroad? (Back to Top )
Education abroad encompasses educational experiences pursued in an international setting, which can include study abroad, internships, service-learning, and more.2. Why should I study abroad? (Back to Top )
Studying abroad provides many opportunities, including access to unique classes, practice in a foreign language, getting out of your comfort zone, enhancing your intercultural communication skills and therefore, your résumé, and more.3. Where can I study abroad? (Back to Top )
Anywhere! If there is a place a student really wants to go, there are many possible ways to go there!4. How can I search for education abroad opportunities? (Back to Top )
You can use the Program Search feature of our website to search for education abroad programs.You can look for information in our Resource Library (located in the Office of International Education building), which has comprehensive information on UGA Faculty-led programs, Exchanges, as well as non-UGA programs.
To search for non-UGA programs, the websites goabroad.com, studyabroad.com, and iiepassport.org are good resources.
The Study Abroad Fair is also a good resource to see many of the options available for education abroad.
You can join the Students Interested in Study Abroad listserv.
You can also see our Calendar of Events to see upcoming events and opportunities related to education abroad.
5. What types of study abroad programs are offered through UGA? (Back to Top )
UGA offers the following types of programs:- UGA Faculty-Led Programs
- UGA Residential Centers (Italy, the UK, and Costa Rica)
- UGA Exchanges
- Non-UGA Programs
6. What are the differences between the three types of programs? (Back to Top )
UGA Faculty-Led Programs and UGA Residential Centers- Study with UGA faculty and students
- Usually maymester/summer for faculty-led programs, but semester options are available (particularly with the Residential Centers)
- Study abroad course registration through Athena, just like at UGA
- Earn UGA resident credit
- Structured programs with planned class schedule and activities
- Group-oriented
- Various housing types (UGA Residential Centers offer their own housing)
- Participants pay UGA tuition/fees at in-state rate
- Usually best for students who need more structure and support
- Attend an UGA exchange partner university overseas
- Semester or academic year
- Wide variety of classes to choose from
- Housing often set up through the host institution; in some cases, students may live in off-campus apartments or in homestays
- Earn transfer credit through the transfer credit approval process
- Participants pay UGA tuition/fees at in-state rate and living costs abroad
- Best for students who are seeking an immersive cultural and academic experience
- Coordinated through an education abroad provider or another institution
- Many options available in terms of location, courses to choose from and duration
- Year-long, semester, winter break, summer and maymester
- Providers act as the middle man between UGA and the school the student will be attending
- Earn transfer credit through the transfer credit approval process
- Program price usually includes instruction, housing, some meals, and cultural programming
- Give students independence to plan their own activities upon arrival in host country
- Internships, service-learning, and teaching abroad are best found through external programs
7. How do I know if my credits will fit into my degree program? (Back to Top )
You should meet with your academic advisor to discuss which credits you could earn while abroad, and how they would fit in with your degree requirements. You should also meet with an education abroad advisor to help you find program that matches your academic needs.8. Can I go on a study abroad program through another university? (Back to Top )
Yes, you can. In order to receive credit, transcripts must be issued by an accredited college or university. Students will need to complete the Transfer Credit Approval Form to receive transfer credit. Students should speak with an education abroad advisor to ensure their program is accredited.9. Are there options for graduate students? (Back to Top )
Yes, many UGA study abroad and exchange programs are open to graduate, as well as undergraduate students. You should discuss your need for graduate-level credit with the UGA program of interest. In addition, external study abroad programs are also an option. You can learn more about transferring graduate-level credit from an external study abroad program by meeting with an Education Abroad advisor.10. I’m a transfer student, can I study abroad? (Back to Top )
Yes, transfer students can participate in education abroad programs as well. You should discuss your specific situation and credit needs with your academic advisor, as well as an Education Abroad advisor.11. What do I want to achieve through education abroad? (Back to Top )
In order to determine which program is right for you, you need to determine your goals and what you are looking to get out of your experience. Based on your goals, schedule, budget, and other factors, you can figure out which type of program is right for you.12. How do I choose a study abroad program? (Back to Top )
Our recommended steps are to attend an Options Abroad Session, meet with a Peer Advisor, or attend an education abroad workshop to begin to consider different options for your experience abroad. Once you have narrowed down your options, you can make an appointment with one of our education abroad advisors, who can continue to guide you in the process of selecting the most appropriate program for you. The most important thing about an education abroad program is that it fits your needs.13. How soon should I start planning my study abroad experience? (Back to Top )
It is typically recommended to start researching programs as soon as possible, but especially one semester before a student's education abroad experience. Applications, payment, the Transfer Credit Approval Form, and scholarship essays if applicable, should be completed the semester prior to your study abroad experience in order to put yourself in the best position for success.14. What are the most important things to consider before studying abroad? Back to Top )
You should consider these eight important factors: location, duration, academics, language, classes, housing, cost, and eligibility.15. Should I go for a short session (spring or winter break), maymester, summer, a semester, or a year? Why? (Back to Top )
It is entirely up to you! Program duration is an important factor to consider when thinking about studying abroad. It can be more cost-effective to go for a longer period of time, but you need to consider course options and your degree program as well to determine the most appropriate option for you.16. If I don't speak a foreign language, can I still study abroad in a non-English speaking country? (Back to Top )
Yes, you can. There are many programs that go to non-English-speaking countries that offer courses in English. However, we encourage that you enroll in a class in the host country language either before departure or while abroad, as it will undoubtedly be useful to you and enhance your ability to succeed (particularly mobility-wise, but also in terms of cultural integration) in your country of study.17. How do I know if the study abroad program I have selected is legitimate? (Back to Top )
Programs that are recommended by Education Abroad will be featured on our website. You should consult with an education abroad advisor if you have found a program that is not on our website. You should also verify with your education abroad advisor that your program is through an accredited university, or that an accredited university will offer a transcript for your program. Keep in mind that all non-UGA programs need approval of education abroad advisors in order for your credits to transfer.18. Can I study abroad as a first-year or second-year student? (Back to Top )
Yes, a student can study abroad any time after his or her first term on the UGA campus.19. I'm majoring in a science/technology/engineering/math (STEM) discipline. Are there education abroad options for me? (Back to Top )
Yes, there are! There are programs out there for all majors! Our peer advisors and education abroad advisors can help students find a program that is right for them and for their academic needs.20. Can I do all of my UGA studies abroad? (Back to Top )
No, probably not--But many UGA students do study abroad for a full academic year or even study abroad multiple times. When determining how long to study abroad, students should consider the type of study abroad program, as well as any remaining resident credit degree requirements. UGA faculty-led and residential study abroad programs offer UGA resident credit. UGA Exchange and external study abroad programs offer transfer credit. Both options can fulfill many degree credit requirements at UGA.UGA has three primary residency requirements to consider when choosing to pursue transfer credit for education abroad programs. 1) Overall, UGA requires that at least 45 credit hours be earned in residence. UGA on-campus classes, UGA faculty-led study abroad and UGA residential center programs abroad all offer resident credit. 2) In addition, the "last 45 of 60" credit hours at UGA should be earned in residence or through an approved UGA Exchange or external study abroad program. 3) Lastly, each major and minor may also require that a certain number of credits be earned in residence, which may still leave room for transfer credit study abroad programs. To avoid confusion, you should discuss your specific credit needs for study abroad with an Education Abroad advisor, as well as your academic advisor. You can also learn more about the overall UGA resident credit requirements from the UGA Bulletin.
21. What are my housing options? (Back to Top )
Housing options vary widely from program to program. Housing can range from living in a residence hall or dormitory to living with a homestay family to living in an apartment. Different options have different benefits as well as advantages and disadvantages. It is largely dependent on you to determine which arrangement you are most comfortable with.22. How do I know if I am eligible for a program? (Back to Top )
Different programs have different eligibility requirements. These include, but are not limited to: GPA, language level, pre-requisite coursework, or year status (e.g., must be a third-year student).23. I am an LGBTQ student, what do I need to know about studying abroad at UGA? (Back to Top )
Education Abroad is committed to providing all students a meaningful and safe experience abroad. We have Safe Space -trained advisors and staff at the Office of International Education to support students through the entire education abroad experience, from selecting a program, to while abroad, and upon return.24. Can students with disabilities study abroad? (Back to Top )
Education Abroad, in consultation with the Disability Resources Center (DRC), is committed to promoting equal education opportunities and providing a welcoming academic, physical and social environment for students with disabilities at UGA and abroad. Education Abroad advisors are committed to working with students to find the right program based on individual student interests and needs, while at the same time maintaining confidentiality. As students are narrowing down their program options, they should take into consideration academics, housing, access to health care and transportation, among others.25. Can I use my current financial aid and/or HOPE/Zell for study abroad? (Back to Top )
Yes you can, including study abroad through other universities. To hear more about Financial Aid and study abroad, please visit the Finances page. Be sure to make an appointment with a Financial Aid officer to let them know you are considering studying abroad.26. Are there specific scholarships available for study abroad? (Back to Top )
Yes there are scholarships available through the Office of International Education as well as external scholarships. Please visit the Finances page for more information.27. How do I budget for my education abroad experience? (Back to Top )
Budgeting is an essential part of your education abroad experience. Individual programs have different estimated costs of attendance, depending on what is included in the program fee. An important factor is the location as well as the currency exchange rate. You will also need to account for personal spending money. Each education abroad program has its own Cost of Attendance sheet listed on its brochure page. You can view brochure pages by clicking the Programs link at the top of the page or by going here.28. Can I work while I’m abroad? (Back to Top )
We do not recommend that students work during short-term programs, since you will simply not have the time! Summer programs pack in as much material and activities as they can given their short duration, so it is not really viable for students to try to work during this time as well.Working abroad would be more appropriate for students on semester programs. However, working in a foreign country usually requires a visa; different countries have different laws regarding foreign student workers.
For options regarding working abroad after you graduate, visit the Work, Intern, Volunteer or Teach Abroad portion of our website.