Exceptional Opportunities
Experiential learning is foundational to our educational practices. “Learning by doing” is how we help students cement what they’ve learned in the classroom and ensure their professional success.
UGA is one of the nation’s largest public universities to guarantee every undergraduate an experiential learning opportunity, and our efforts have been recognized by the Society for Experiential Education.
The University provides each student with unique opportunities to further their career aspirations. For example, students can participate in high-impact experiences by interning through our Washington Semester Program, engaging with new cultural experiences on our international campuses in Cortona, Italy, and Oxford, England, or working with industry partners to solve pressing business challenges.
Experiential learning means that our students apply what they have learned so they are prepared for the bright future ahead.
Field Studies
Our field study programs take students off campus to experience research that takes place beyond the laboratory. Students travel to field sites throughout the U.S. and use their classroom learning in relevant research and creative opportunities, such as an archaeological dig or a catch-and-release study for wildlife research.
Over the summer, we piloted a Domestic Field Studies Fellows Program to help faculty create and expand courses that bring students out in the field. The program aims to spur on more of these meaningful opportunities for students.
Experiential Learning Scholarships: Experiential learning opportunities are valuable for our students, but costs—whether it’s for travel, equipment, or lodging—can add up. To ensure finances are not a barrier for students, the University has provided $9.3 million since 2016 in scholarships to help students offset experiential learning costs. In addition, in 2023, President Morehead committed an additional $1 million to increase access to our more than 2,700 experiential learning courses and activities.
Obamide “Oba” Samaye
AB ’23, Economics
From the moment he stepped foot on campus, Obamide “Oba” Samaye sought out a sense of community—not only for his own growth but to help his peers grow as well. As vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA), an Orientation Leader, and Homecoming King, Oba made connections across campus and created a welcoming environment for students trying to find their place.
Oba worked with the SGA President and Treasurer to create the first-ever SGA Executive Alumni Weekend and to coordinate the student government’s interactions with local and state officials. He has been integral to the campus community and is known for his “Boba with Oba” series, where he met with students, staff, and administrators to keep the community informed of important updates at UGA.
Donor support has influenced my time here from the moment I stepped on campus and was offered a scholarship through the Georgia Commitment scholarship program. As a senior, I received the ‘Let All the Big Dawgs Eat’ scholarship, which helped me transition to living off campus for the first time. I am grateful for these scholarships because they have supported me so that I could enjoy my time here at the University of Georgia.