StudyAway FAQs

 

1. What is StudyAway?
2. Why should I pursue a StudyAway opportunity?
3. Where can I study?
4. How can I search for StudyAway opportunities?
5. What types of StudyAway opportunities are offered through UGA?
6. What are the differences between the types of study away programs?
7. How do I know if my credits will fit into my degree program?
8. Can I go on a study away program through another university?
9. Are there options for graduate students?
10. I'm a transfer student, can I study away?
11. What do I want to achieve through studying away?
12. How do I choose a study away program? 
13. How soon should I start planning my study away experience?
14. What are the most important things to consider before studying away?
15. Should I go for a short session (spring or winter breaks), maymester, summer, a semester, or a year? Why?
16. If I don't speak a foreign language, can I still study abroad in a non-English speaking country?
17. How do I know if the study away program I have selected is legitimate?
18. Can I study away as a first-year or second-year student? 
19. I'm majoring in a science/technology/engineering/math (STEM) discipline. Are there study away options for me? 
20. Can I do all of my UGA studies away?  
21. What are my housing options? 
22. How do I know if I am eligible for a program? 
23. I am an LGBTQ student, what do I need to know about studying away at UGA? 
24. Can students with disabilities study away? 
25. Can I use my current financial aid and/or HOPE/Zell for study away programs?
26. Are there specific scholarships available for study away programs?
27. How do I budget for my study away experience?
28. Can I work while I’m away?

1. What is Study Away?  (Back to Top)

"StudyAway" encompasses all educational experiences pursued in an off-campus setting, whether internationally or domestically. At UGA, these can include:

• Study abroad programs (both UGA Faculty-led and Non-UGA)
• Embedded study abroad programs
• Exchange programs
• Domestic field study programs
• Approved internships
• Approved research
• Approved service-learning

2. Why should I pursue a StudyAway opportunity?  (Back to Top)

Studying internationally or off-campus domestically provides many opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at UGA. Some of the common reasons that students cite when choosing to study internationally or off-campus include:

• Learning a new language
• Gaining access to unique classes
• Gaining experience and training in an academically-relevant setting
• Gaining a global perspective of a particular challenge, issue, topic, and/ or academic area
• Learning experientially with experts in the field
• Enhancing intercultural skills
• Expanding professional networks
• Building a resume/ CV
• Making yourself stand out in an interview, graduate school statement, or other professional opportunities 

3. Where can I study?  (Back to Top)

Almost anywhere in the world! Between UGA Faculty-led programs, Non-UGA programs, exchange programs, and domestic field study programs, students are provided with opportunities to study in a variety of countries on all continents.

Countries and areas that carry U.S. State Department Travel Advisory Level 3 or 4 require special consideration and review to manage and mitigate risk, and in many circumstances, require the avoidance of travel altogether. The ability to travel under UGA sponsorship or financing to countries under a State Department Travel Advisory Level 3 or 4, therefore, is limited. For more information, please visit our Travel Advisories page.

4. How can I search for StudyAway opportunities?  (Back to Top)

You can use the Program Search feature of our website to search for StudyAway programs. Parameters including Program Name, Academic Term, City, Country, Region, and Academic Area can be used to narrow your searches and help you identify opportunities related to your interests. 

Students interested in meeting face-to-face with program directors and program representatives should plan on attending OGE's annual Global Open House (every year in early August at the OGE building) and OGE's annual StudyAway Fair (every year in mid-September in the Tate Center).

Students can attend StudyAway 101 sessions every week during the academic year to learn about opportunities and about the process of applying for them.

Students can attend walk-in advising with peer advisors during the following times:

• Mondays (OGE): 10:00am - 1:00pm; 2:00 - 5:00pm
• Mondays (in the MLC across from Jittery Joe's): 10:00am - 2:00pm
• Tuesdays (OGE): 8:00am - 5:00pm
• Wednesdays (OGE): 8:00am - 11:00am; 1:00 - 5:00pm
• Thursdays (OGE): 8:00am - 1:00pm; 1:30 - 3:30pm; 4:00 - 5:00pm
• Fridays (OGE): 8:00am - 4:00pm

Students are encouraged to also make appointments with one of our professional Global Education advisors after attending a StudyAway 101 session.
 
Students should join the Students Interested in StudyAway listserv for weekly updates and reminders related to study away opportunities.

Students can also reach out to Global Education at any time by emailing studyaway@uga.edu.

5. What types of StudyAway programs are offered through UGA?  (Back to Top)

UGA offers the following types of programs: 

• UGA Faculty-led Programs 
• UGA International Centers (Cortona, Italy and Oxford, England)
• UGA Exchange Programs
• Non-UGA Programs
• UGA Embedded Programs
• General Independent Experiences Abroad
• Domestic Field Study Programs

6. What are the differences between the types of study away programs?  (Back to Top)

UGA Faculty-Led Programs and UGA International Centers 

• Study with UGA faculty and (a majority) UGA students 
• Majority take place in Maymester/ Summer, but semester options are available (particularly with the International Centers) 
• Instruction takes place in English unless otherwise stated
• Participants pay UGA tuition/fees at in-state rate (see Cost of Attendance Sheets for program-specific prices) 
• Course registration and billing takes place through Athena
• Payments are subject to the Bursar's Office schedule
• Direct UGA academic credits earned
• Structured programs with planned class schedule and activities 
• Housing types vary from program to program
• Ideal for students seeking structure and support
• Make an advising appointment for more information

UGA Exchange Programs 

• Study at one of UGA's 50 international partner universities 
• Programs available for an academic semester or academic year
• Wide variety of classes to choose from, although some universities cater towards specific majors/ areas of study 
• Students must apply to both UGA's StudyAway portal and ​directly to the partner university
• Instruction takes place in the partner university country's target language unless otherwise stated
• Housing is 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 
• Make an advising appointment for more information

Non-UGA Programs 

• Coordinated through approved program providers or other academic institutions 
• Many options available in terms of locations, academic credit, and program duration
• Instruction takes place in English unless otherwise stated 
• Students must apply to both UGA's StudyAway portal and directly to the program provider 
• Earn transfer credit through the transfer credit approval process 
• Program price usually includes instruction, housing, some meals, and cultural programming 
• Internships, service-learning, and teaching abroad are best found through external programs 
• Make an advising appointment for more information

UGA Embedded Programs

• Study with UGA faculty and classmates during winter or spring break as part of an (optional) additional for-credit opportunity
• Instruction takes place in English unless otherwise stated
• Participants pay a program fee
• Course registration and billing takes place through Athena
• Payments are subject to the Bursar's Office schedule
• Direct UGA academic credits earned
• Structured programs with planned class schedule and activities 
• Housing types vary from program to program
• Ideal for students seeking cost-effective, short-term opportunities abroad 
• Make an advising appointment for more information

General Independent Experiences Abroad

• Study independently under UGA faculty supervision for credit or not-for-credit
• Course registration and billing (as applicable) takes place through Athena
• Payments are subject to the Bursar's Office schedule
• Direct UGA academic credits earned (as applicable)
• Students are required to work with a supervising faculty member to complete planning documents in the StudyAway Portal
• Make an advising appointment for more information

Domestic Field Study Programs

• Study domestically with UGA faculty and (a majority) UGA students 
• Majority take place in Maymester/ Summer, but semester options are available
• Instruction takes place in English unless otherwise stated
• Participants pay UGA tuition/fees at in-state rate (see Cost of Attendance Sheets for program-specific prices) 
• Course registration and billing takes place through Athena
• Payments are subject to the Bursar's Office schedule
• Direct UGA academic credits earned
• Structured programs with planned class schedule and activities 
• Housing types vary from program to program
• Make an advising appointment for more information

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 a Global Education advisor to help you find program that matches your academic needs.

8. Can I go on a study away 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 global education advisor to ensure their program is accredited.

9. Are there options for graduate students?  (Back to Top)

Yes, many UGA StudyAway 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 away program by meeting with a global education advisor.

10. I’m a transfer student, can I study away?  (Back to Top)

Yes, transfer students can participate in UGA StudyAway programs as well. You should discuss your specific situation and credit needs with your academic advisor, as well as a global education advisor.

11. What do I want to achieve through studying away?  (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 away 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 global education 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 away 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 away?  (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 breaks), 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 away. 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 away 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 away program I have selected is legitimate?  (Back to Top)

Programs that are recommended by the Office of Global Engagement will be featured on our website. You should consult with a global education advisor if you have found a program that is not on our website. You should also verify with your global education 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 global education advisors in order for your credits to transfer.

18. Can I study away as a first-year or second-year student?  (Back to Top)

Yes, a student can study away 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 study away options for me?  (Back to Top)

Yes, there are! There are programs out there for all majors! Our peer advisors and global education 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 away?  (Back to Top)

No, probably not--But many UGA students study away for a full academic year or even study away multiple times. When determining how long to study away, students should consider the type of study away program, as well as any remaining resident credit degree requirements. UGA faculty-led and residential study away programs offer UGA resident credit. UGA exchange and external study away 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:
 

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 away at UGA?  (Back to Top)

UGA StudyAway is committed to providing all students a meaningful and safe experience domestically and abroad. We have Safe Space-trained advisors and staff at the Office of Global Engagement to support students through the entire study away experience, from selecting a program, to while away, and upon return.

24. Can students with disabilities study away?  (Back to Top)

UGA StudyAway, 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 away. Global education 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 away?  (Back to Top)

Yes you can, including study away 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 away?  (Back to Top)

Yes there are scholarships available through the Office of Global Engagement as well as external scholarships. Please visit the Finances page for more information.

27. How do I budget for my study away experience?  (Back to Top)

Budgeting is an essential part of your study away 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 study away 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 using the Program Search tool.

28. Can I work while I’m away?  (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 while away would be more appropriate for students on semester programs. However, if you are in a foreign country, working may require a visa, as different countries have 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.