Connect Abroad programs give first-year students a bold start at UGA through meaningful, faculty-led study abroad experiences over spring break. Designed with community and discovery in mind, each program pairs students with UGA faculty, staff, and fellow new Dawgs to explore global cultures, engage in real-world learning, and build lasting connections—all within the first year of college. 

Created exclusively for first-year students, Connect Abroad offers a rare opportunity: to step into another culture, earn academic credit, and fulfill the experiential learning graduation requirement, all while building friendships and mentorships that anchor students throughout their time at UGA. These programs are open to all majors, ensuring every student can begin their journey as a Dawg with a unique, global perspective. 

For many students, Connect Abroad is their first international experience and a life-changing introduction to the transformative power of experiential learning. Stepping outside of their comfort zone so early in their college career builds confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging at UGA. In fact, Connect Abroad participants report feeling more openness to diversity and change and improved social interaction in post-program surveys. With donor support, we can continue providing these powerful opportunities, ensuring that more first-year students begin their UGA journey with curiosity, resilience, and a broadened worldview.