Franklin introduces three new Study Abroad Programs designed for first-year students focused on Biology, Computer Science, and Psychology

Collage of connect abroad programs
By:
Susan Ambrosetti
The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences has introduced three new Connect Abroad–Immerse programs as part of UGA’s extensive study away portfolio. These faculty-led spring break programs are designed exclusively for first-year students majoring in biology, computer science, and psychology. Offer a bold start to college life, blending academic exploration with global discovery. Whether snorkeling coral reefs in Belize, touring tech hubs in London, or exploring mental health systems in Amsterdam, students will enjoy hands-on learning that brings their field of study to life in a new cultural context. 
 
“These new immersive programs are part of Franklin’s broader commitment to academic innovation and student success,” said Anna Stenport, Dean of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. By aligning global experiences with students’ academic paths, these programs offer a deeper dive into biology, computing, and psychology through professional site visits, cultural engagement, and real-world learning. Students will work closely with faculty and international experts, gaining insights into how their specific discipline operates across borders. From marine medicine and biotechnology to cryptography and mental health policy, each program is a launchpad for curiosity, confidence, and career exploration. 
 
Connect Abroad–Immerse programs are more than travel—they’re a transformative first step in a student’s college journey. “Franklin College’s Connect Abroad–Immerse programs give students an unparalleled opportunity to experience the world firsthand early in their college careers,” said Yana Cornish, Director UGA Global Education. “They spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster a global mindset that will shape their entire academic journey.” 
 
Designed with community and discovery in mind, short-term study away experiences foster meaningful connections among students, faculty, and global professionals. By participating in these programs during their first year, students build a strong foundation for academic success, global awareness, and personal growth. Franklin College’s new Immerse offerings reflect a bold vision for education: immersive, interdisciplinary, and deeply connected to the world beyond the classroom. Details of each specific program below. 
 
This program is tailored for first-year biology-related majors (biology, biochemistry, cellular biology, genetics, microbiology, plant biology, or ocean science) and offers students a hands-on exploration of marine medicine and biotechnology. Participants will travel to the beautiful nation of Belize where they will snorkel coral reefs, study biodiversity, tour university labs, and engage with local researchers and traditional healers. Students will collaborate on a marine-inspired health innovation project and visit cultural and scientific sites. Led by ocean science expert Professor Abigail Johnson, the program blends academic rigor with real-world relevance, aiming to spark curiosity and innovation in the biological sciences. 
 
Belize’s extraordinary biodiversity and growing health science infrastructure make it an ideal setting for immersive learning. With ecosystems ranging from coral reefs to tropical forests, Belize serves as a living laboratory for studying environmental health and biology. The country’s commitment to conservation and sustainable development supports research in infectious diseases, rural medicine, and climate change. Students will also explore how Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean traditional knowledge informs modern health practices, offering insights into plant-based medicine and holistic healing. This unique convergence of science, culture, and nature provides a rich context for understanding global health in the 21st century. 
 
Connect Abroad-Immerse: World of Computing 
This program was developed for first-year students majoring in computer science, data science, or computer engineering and offers students hands-on learning with cultural exploration in London, one of the world’s premier tech hubs. Students will visit Google’s Pancras Square Office, tour Bletchley Park—the birthplace of modern cryptography—and engage with tech professionals and UGA alumni. The program offers a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of computing, from wartime codebreaking to leading-edge innovation, while building global awareness and professional connections. 
 
London’s vibrant tech ecosystem and rich academic heritage make it an ideal destination for aspiring computing professionals. Students will gain insights into the global impact of computing through visits to Oxford University, guided tours of historic landmarks, and exposure to real-world tech environments. Led by Bradley Barnes, a computer science professor with expertise in parallel computing, the program emphasizes experiential learning, community building, and career exploration.  
 
This program was designed exclusively for first-year psychology majors with an interest in organizational psychology. Led by Malissa Clark, psychology department head with expertise in employee wellbeing and I-O, the program includes immersive activities focused on organizational psychology; visits to leading Dutch universities to engage with international scholars; and company tours to observe corporate culture and the role of psychologists in the European workplace. 
 
Amsterdam’s reputation for work-life balance, mental wellness, and cultural openness makes it an ideal setting for this study abroad experience. Dutch society structurally supports well-being through flexible work arrangements, protected personal time, and urban design that prioritizes wellness. Institutions such as the University of Amsterdam and Utrecht Universiteit lead cutting-edge research on social psychology, stress resilience, and health and wellbeing in social and work contexts. 
 
About Franklin’s Study Away 
Franklin College offers over 70 study away programs. These include more than 50 study abroad programs touching five continents and 57 countries, along with twenty-plus domestic field studies programs covering dozens of cities and national parks throughout the United States. Whether you want to explore ruins in ancient Rome, pursue an internship in a Buenos Aires hospital, or dance on Broadway, we have an experience for you!  
  
UGA is one of five institutions nationwide to be recognized for excellence in integrating international education by the nonprofit NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The 2025 Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization represents national recognition for international education programs at U.S. colleges and universities. Read more 
 
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