Discover Abroad: University of Georgia - Athens | Reviews and Programs

Why choose Discover Abroad: University of Georgia - Athens?

We are experiential, travel based programs out of the University of Georgia - Athens. The overarching theme of all our programs is sustainability, but in a global context that considers the nature of progress. Our programs target students of all disciplines who want to better understand the interdependence of environmental, business, and social sciences and how they influence our thinking about complex global problems. Credit is available in a range of courses and we apply an experiential education approach in the field applying what you have learned in the classroom. At each location we will examine a key issue that reflects how progress has been made for things that really matter in society.

Founded

2001

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Community Photos

Beautiful views from Fiordlands National Park!

Francis, the domesticated kangaroo of Carnarvon Gorge!

Reviews

I had an incredible experience and would recommend this trip to anyone and everyone! We got to visit so many incredible places that I would have never gone to otherwise. The professors were so knowledgeable and passionate about the program. I loved being able to learn throughout my experience, rather than just in a classroom. My favorite part of the trip was the Scottish Highlands. It was so amazing and serene. However, Edinburgh was also one of my favorite towns.You will meet so many awesome people and have a truly unique experience.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

A cow in a field in the highlands!

My study abroad experience overflowed with opportunities for adventure, like scuba diving for in the Great Barrier Reef, nurtured a deeper connection with the natural world and local communities around me, such as the loving bond I formed with my family in Naiseuseu, and constantly inspired me to question the world around me, such as the ethics of ego-centrism or constructing a TMT atop Mauna Kea. Discover Abroad seriously emphasises the “discovery” aspect of study abroad. This trip of a lifetime pushed me to discover the world around me, discover my own values, and discover how classroom concepts and conversations can be applied to real-world scenarios.

What was your funniest moment?

While staying in Carnarvon Gorge (CG) in Australia's Outback, we had lots of encounters with kangaroos, wallabies, and sugar gliders, amongst other animals! While walking around camp one morning, a kangaroo came bouncing over to me at full speed, which was terrifying! Right before reaching me, the kangaroo came to an abrupt stop and nudged my hand, asking me to pet it. After getting over how hilarious the situation was and petting the kangaroo for awhile, I went to find a guide to question the domesticated nature of this kangaroo. He informed me that the kangaroo's name was Francis, and it'd been raised by CG guides after it'd been abandoned by it's mom. Now, it roams around camp saying hi to visitors and scaring people half to death upon first encounter!

Pros

Every day was chock-full of activties and new things to learn about!
We experienced a range of landscapes, from very remote areas, like LEI, to urban settings, like Sydney.
We met with local guides everywhere we went, which helped me appreciate each place.

Cons

We had to pay for our own meals in the most expensive places we visited, which ended up being a lot of money.

If you want a hands on, fully laid out, interactive study abroad this ones for you!! I got to go out into the field each day and truly learn about the workings to UK national parks through experience. I met the best people, who I am still in contact with, and made memories I will never forget. This trip is fun filled and you are always doing something which I loved. It was fully planned for me which allowed me to enjoy the experience even more. I would highly recommend this if you love the outdoors and meeting new people.

I went on the Summer Australia trip this past summer and it was an absolute blast! You get to see so many unique places and do so many cool things! The faculty and field guides are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the content they teach! My favorite part of the trip was either visiting the Kirketon Road Center in Sydney or stargazing in Undara! This trip and the people you meet will be your best friends! Easily one of the best decisions I have made at UGA is going abroad with Discover Abroad!

What was your funniest moment?

During my farm stay in the Atherton Tablelands, I got to go to a dairy farm and milk cows! I have never milked a cow before, but it was so much fun and our host family were the sweetest people!

Pros

Great friends, experience, and faculty
Going out of your comfort zone!

Discover Abroad offers the most distinctive study abroad experience in the books. It’s impossible not to make best friends, lasting memories, and check off some things on your bucket list along the way! Choosing a favorite place, activity, or memory is tough because of the magnitude of “ah-mazing” moments on the trip. Each place on the itinerary is unique, offering completely different types of experiences, from taking selfies with seals in Kaikoura to sunrise snorkels on Lady Elliot Island, it is impossible to compare these times of absolute awe. The people that are a part of this organization work tirelessly to create the most exciting and educational journeys for students. There is no doubt that Discover Abroad has the best programs in the business!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

In our first week in New Zealand the group traveled to Doubtful sound, an extremely remote location on the Southern Island. This location is extremely difficult to reach and many residents of the nation have never traveled to Fiordlands National Park at the southernmost tip of the island. One night we took a hike at night to learn about nocturnal creatures indigenous to the area and while walking along the road, once your eyes adjusted to the low light, millions of glow worm larvae were visible in all directions. With the night sky above and the glow worms to each side, it was impossible to tell where the sky ended and land began.

Pros

Provided a good mix of activity and study
Professional in every detail
You will be constantly doing something: lectures but also amazing hiking, snorkeling, dolphin swimming, kayaking

Cons