Letters from System Officials
From the Board of Regents Office of International Education
Dear Student:
The twenty-first century requires international skills and competencies to navigate the complexities of an interdependent world. Studying abroad is one of the most effective ways to acquire that global awareness. Living in another country; learning from its culture, language, and customs; finding similarities and differences between Georgia and your host location - all this and more is part of the experience that will change the way you see the world, and yourself.
Studying abroad is one of the best investments you can make in your college education and future career. Whatever your major - from arts to engineering - the value of your college degree will increase, when it is complemented with an international perspective.
Recognizing the importance of studying abroad, University System of Georgia institutions - through their presidents - have committed funds for study abroad scholarships. These institutional funds are matched at the University System level through generous donations from The American Institute for Foreign Study Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and other corporate sponsors and individual donors. Last year, over 350 of the 3400 Georgia students who studied abroad received one of these awards. Application information can be found in this catalog.
Good luck on your quest to study abroad. It is a journey well worth the challenges of the process. You will reap the rewards of the experience for many years to come.
With best wishes,
Dr. Richard C. Sutton
Director of International Programs
University System of Georgia Board of Regents
Letter from a Student
To my fellow students considering studying abroad:
The question is not, "Will you be able to study abroad?" but "Are you willing?" Are you willing to step out of the familiar and step into the foreign? There is a lot more going on in the world around us than most of us know. Although we like to think that our state of Georgia or the United States has it all, our surroundings are just a part of the big picture. This world is like a beautiful portrait painted for us to enjoy, but many times we limit ourselves to seeing just a small part of the artwork. When will our eyes be open to the big picture?
Did you know that YOU have an opportunity to see another part of the world as a student? Well, you do - studying abroad is one way to encounter many different and diverse people, cultures, and lands.
Through my experience studying abroad in Vigo, Spain for a year, I learned many new things. And at times the lessons were hard, but in the end I gained insight from even the toughest times there. Traveling on vacation time, I would always say, "I am taking a picture in my mind!" so that I would never forget the experiences.
Studying abroad as a foreign exchange student will definitely broaden your view of the world and enhance your career and studies throughout your college years. I surely have benefited from the experience and you can too!
Laurie Nelson
Spanish Major, Valdosta State University
Studied in Spain through the USG ISEP Program