Student Opportunities

Every spring semester, around 35 junior and senior students from Georgia’s public and private universities and colleges intern with the Georgia General Assembly. These students gain first-hand experience in the lawmaking process through the Georgia Legislative Internship Program (GLIP). The GLIP was created in the 1970s under the leadership of then Lt. Governor Zell Miller and is a paid internship opportunity coordinated by the Georgia General Assembly.

A growing body of research demonstrates that experiential learning enhances student learning, success in the classroom, on-time graduation, and transition to the workforce. Many UGA students already engage in experiential learning, and ensuring that all students do so prior to graduation will take the world-class learning experience that UGA provides to an even higher level.

Learn more about internships and other experiential learning opportunities available to SPIA students here.

The School of Public and International Affairs offers both merit and need-based financial support to its undergraduate and graduate students.

Student organizations abound at the University of Georgia and within the School of Public and International Affairs. UGA’s Center for Student Organizations registers over 600 student organizations annually and SPIA encourages its students to explore the many options within the School and the University. These organizations cover a broad range of interests that include: sports clubs, international and multicultural organizations, religious organizations, political organizations, academic honorary organizations, Greek Life organizations, and special interest clubs.

Learn more about SPIA’s student organizations here.

The School of Public and International Affairs believes international education is vital to the educational mission of SPIA and encourages students to pursue foreign study. As part of that mission, SPIA sponsors need-based scholarships for students majoring in political science and international affairs, who may not be able to participate due to financial considerations.

Learn more about SPIA’s study away programs here.

The Center for International Trade & Security’s (CITS) Richard B. Russell Security Leadership Program (SLP) is a selective, year-long program for undergraduate students interested in careers in national and international security. It has a rich history of training the next generation of national security leaders, particularly on issues related to diplomacy, intelligence, WMD nonproliferation, human security, and strategic trade management.

Learn more about the program here.

The SPIA Undergraduate Research Colloquium (URC) is held annually in the spring. This event brings together faculty and students from across SPIA to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and the faculty that facilitate their research. Students may submit research projects completed or currently in progress, as part of course work, CURO, internships, or independent research.

Learn more here.

The Washington Semester Program gives students the ability to intern full-time at an organization of their choice while still earning a full semester’s worth of credit hours. This program is non-major specific, so any undergraduate currently studying at the University of Georgia can apply. Students apply for and choose their own internships that can then be used as credit towards their undergraduate degree. While in Washington DC, students take two classes taught by UGA professors in DC; students take an elective class as well as a Washington Seminar. Students selected for the Washington Semester Program live in Delta Hall, UGA’s residence Hall in Washington, DC.

Learn more about the program here.