Georgia Global
Focus on First-Year Students
Programs and Initiatives for First-Year students
UGA’s Office of Global Engagement proudly emphasizes the importance of global citizenship for our first-year students. Explore our current efforts that are designed to engage with UGA’s newest global citizens and develop their intercultural skills and studies.
First Year Odyssey Global Citizenship Cluster
The First-Year Odyssey Seminar program is designed for students to learn about the many resources available on campus and to become engaged in the cultural and intellectual life of the University. The Global Citizenship cluster was created to encourage students to reflect on cultural and political differences, socio-economic and educational disparities in a global context at the beginning of their studies at UGA.
This cluster prepares students for future educational experiences abroad. Each semester, UGA faculty that take part in the FYO Global Citizenship cluster discuss a range of topics, from Climate Crisis to Refugee and Immigrant Health.
Connect Abroad
Created specifically and exclusively for first-year students, the immersive Connect Abroad programs will connect you to peers, faculty, and unique experiences over UGA’s spring break in Cuba, Italy, Morocco, or the United Kingdom. Not only is this a unique chance for new students to explore the culture, society, politics, and art of another country, it’s an opportunity to create long-lasting bonds with other UGA students, faculty, and staff at the beginning of a student’s undergraduate journey, giving them a head-start on thinking globally in their studies at UGA.
Passport Initiative
Since 2019, the Passport Initiative has provided funding to students for the cost of getting a U.S. passport from UGA Passport Services, up to $170.
The application is open to all UGA undergraduate students, who are U.S. citizens, and who have never received an adult passport before, available to all students regardless of their study abroad status.
SAMGrants
Open to first-year students, SAMGrants are designed to help students to design and implement individual projects modeled after the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, to be completed as part of their study abroad experiences.
Peace Corps
The University of Georgia Office of Global Engagement and Peace Corps’ Office of University Programs is pleased to offer the Peace Corps Prep Certificate, available to UGA undergraduate students. The program will enable you to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to serve in your preferred program area as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
The Office of Global Engagement supports first-year students as they navigate their paths to global citizenship at UGA.
At a Glance
awarded to first-year students
(Connect Abroad and Passport Initiative)
studied abroad in 2024
Global Citizenship courses
Internationalize your campus experience
Ready to start? Students can start getting involved with International UGA as soon as their first week of classes.
Browse tools, clubs, and organizations dedicated to promoting international education below.
GoAbroad Chat
Go Abroad chat makes it easy to get your study abroad questions answered by our Junior Advisors and Global Education Ambassadors. They’ve been in your shoes before and are here to help you study abroad! You can also join communities sorted by program, UGA Faculty and more.
GELC
The Global Education & Leadership Certificate is designed to give students returning from international studies the opportunity to further those experiences in a meaningful way. Participants will complete requirements that contribute to leadership development and help them integrate global experiences into their academic, personal, and professional lives. This is an excellent way to demonstrate to future employers the experiences you gained through studying away!
Xchanged Life
Xchanged Life is aimed at creating the best possible experience for UGA’s incoming exchange students. They plan to enhance their social life and connection with current UGA students by hosting frequent meetings, events, and social activities like group dinners and hiking excursions.
International Student Life
ISL hosts a variety of events that celebrate international students and internationalization at UGA including International Street Fest and International Coffee Hour (a weekly event). ISL also organizes World Leaders, a student position that provides a unique opportunity to have a positive impact on newly admitted international students while also developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Explore UGA Study Abroad
Related
