Sociology Study Abroad Sociology faculty often teach classes in UGA study-abroad programs in the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. This makes it possible for majors and minors to study abroad and get credit toward their major or minor at the same time. All UGA programs provide resident credit and the Hope Scholarship covers the costs of tuition in whole or in part. The Department of Sociology is also proud to offer the Sociology Study Abroad Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to help defray some of the costs of a UGA study abroad program for exceptional students with financial need. Sociology Majors who are interested in applying for this scholarship should complete the Sociology Study Abroad Scholarship Application. Campus-Wide Program Information UGA offers study abroad programs led by UGA faculty during the fall and spring semesters, as well as Maymester and Summer terms. UGA sponsors over 70 different study abroad programs in 30 countries, including Antarctica, Argentina, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, Fiji, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Venezuela, and programs that travel to multiple countries. The Office of Global Engagement (OGE) is the primary campus resource for information on study abroad programs lasting an academic year, semester, quarter, summer, or Maymester. Study Abroad Advisors are available to assist students with program selection and to answer questions regarding other aspects of studying, working, traveling or volunteering abroad. In the semester-length programs, classes are taught by both UGA professors and instructors from the host country, and program participants earn a full load of credits. In most cases, students live in a residence hall with other UGA students, and perhaps, local students. One of the advantages of the semester-length programs is that students have plenty of time to discover what the country and culture have to offer and make connections with the local population. Furthermore, there may be opportunities for independent travel during weekends or breaks. Participants in UGA semester programs pay in-state tuition and fees, and HOPE and other scholarships and financial aid can usually be applied to study abroad costs. The short-term (Maymester and Summer) opportunities offer strong academic programs with classes taught by UGA professors, as well as field trips and excursions that utilize the resources in the host country. Maymester and Summer session programs are 2-8 weeks in duration, and students earn resident credit for the coursework completed while abroad. A wide variety of academic disciplines and geographic locations are represented in the UGA program offerings. All students pay in-state tuition and fees, and HOPE and other scholarships and financial aid can usually be applied to study abroad costs. Due to the short-term nature of the programs and the fact that they are traveling with a group of U.S. students, participants should keep in mind that they will need to make extra efforts to connect with the local culture. UGA sponsored study abroad programs are particularly popular among students for several reasons. Students and parents appreciate the security that comes with UGA endorsement. They also value the presence of UGA professors as instructors and group leaders. In addition, the program staff makes most of the arrangements for classes, transportation, accommodation, excursions, and meals. UGA Exchange Partnerships Exchange programs are an ideal option for students who wish to spend a semester or academic year abroad and immerse themselves in student culture in another country. The University of Georgia exchange partnerships enable UGA students to enroll as visiting students at a partner university and earn transfer credit for their academic work. Meanwhile, students from the partner university enroll at UGA. Typically, only one student or small group from UGA participates in each exchange during a given semester, which allows for student independence and cultural immersion opportunities. Exchange students take classes with local students or international students, live in residence halls, apartments or home-stays, participate in student activities along with local students, and travel independently during weekends and breaks. Exchanges also represent one of the most affordable ways to spend a semester abroad. Participating students work with the Office of International Education and a host university coordinator to make arrangements for housing, course selection, registration and other pre-departure details. UGA participants pay in-state tuition and fees to the OEG and pay for housing and meals on site. In addition, HOPE and other scholarships and financial aid can usually be applied to the cost of exchange programs. Currently, exchanges are offered in Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, South Korea, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. Some exchanges are limited to specific disciplines; others offer a wide range of courses. Some exchanges in non-English speaking countries offer courses in English; others require language proficiency. Exchanges last a semester or an academic year. Academic departments coordinate some exchanges, while the OEG coordinates others. Additional Information External Programs In addition to UGA-sponsored study abroad and exchange programs, many other colleges and universities, language institutes, and international organizations offer opportunities for overseas study, travel, work, teaching, and volunteer experiences. Students may obtain information about these options through the OGE study abroad library or website. Academic Credit Study Abroad Programs sponsored by the University of Georgia offer resident credit, but students can earn transfer credit for participation in exchange programs and external study abroad programs. To obtain credit for these programs, students must complete the UGA Study Abroad Credit Approval Form before departing. The Admissions Office and/or the academic departments will make final determination of the transfer of credit upon completion of the program and receipt of the official transcript. Further details regarding the credit transfer process are also available Scholarships and Financial Aid Federal financial aid, the HOPE Scholarship and some other forms of financial aid may be applied to UGA-sponsored study abroad and exchange programs, as well as those offered by other universities. To receive financial aid for programs sponsored by other institutions, students must complete the UGA Study Abroad Credit Approval Form and meet all other UGA requirements for study abroad and financial aid. Office of Global Engagement Services The Office of Global Engagement offers 50-minute Options Abroad Sessions three times weekly, as well as a study abroad resource library and individual advising appointments. The office is located in 1324 South Lumpkin Street, and the staff can be reached at (706) 583-0148 or studyaway@uga.edu(This information references the University of Georgia Bulletin)
