Experiential Learning 101
Experiential Learning 101: The Basics
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
by Olivia Lamme
Experiential learning is a core component of your degree at the University of Georgia. But what does EL even mean? Many students don’t know what counts as experiential learning let alone how to achieve the credit. You’re not alone if this is how you feel. That’s where we come in! Continue reading to learn more about the different EL activities and the benefits of completing this requirement.
Why Experiential Learning?
All undergraduate students at UGA are required to complete at least one experiential learning activity before graduation. Through EL opportunities, you will build the skills, knowledge and competencies that generate success at UGA today and in the world of tomorrow. (Hint: you may already be fulfilling your experiential learning credit without knowing it!)
Creative
Creative endeavors challenge students to think creatively and be imaginative. It’s difficult to spell out specific boundaries for this EL category because many different activities qualify. Some examples of creative EL activities and courses include Introduction to Radio Broadcasting, UGA Motorsports Formula SAE Team, entrepreneurship competitions, performing arts and other capstone courses. Whether you specialize in engineering and prototypes or music and art, you can complete a creative EL credit!
Global
Both domestic and international global experiences expose students to new cultures and regions. By studying away, students advance their academic, personal and professional skills. There is no set formula for study away experiences. Just make sure your activity has been approved for the EL requirement! You could take courses, serve the region’s community or even work an internship. If travel interests you, take the EL opportunity to see the world!
Internship
Through internship opportunities, students immerse themselves in an organizational setting that aligns with their field of study or their professional goals. Students perform activities and assignments to show competency and skill in the area. Some examples of this EL category include the EL Internship Program, the Delta College Program and any other major-specific internship courses. Internship opportunities allow students to apply what they’re learning in the classroom to real-world settings!
Leadership
Experiential learning leadership opportunities intentionally cast a wide net that includes a variety of activities. We want students to apply their leadership skills to an organizational or community objective with guidance from a UGA faculty member. Experiences within this category include ambassador programs, Dawg Camp, Orientation Leaders, Visitor Center tour guides and so many more. You may already be serving as a UGA leader, so get your EL credit for it!
Research 
Research projects encourage students to be curious and innovative in their fields of study. Students dive into unanswered questions to understand the processes and outcomes of research, all while discussing how failures and successes impact future research projects. Some experiences within this area are CURO, the Small Satellite Research Laboratory, Terry’s Digital Marketing Competition and any research courses denoted with an “R” suffix. Dive into research at UGA to apply your knowledge and find solutions!
Service
Through service-learning, students impact the individuals and communities around them. Working with an organization or UGA department, students serve in connection with a real-world community need or social justice issue. Popular service opportunities include IMPACT, ESP, Campus Kitchen, the Disability Resource Center and any other service-learning course denoted with an “S” suffix. Here at UGA we believe in giving back and serving those around us.
Hopefully you now understand the basics of experiential learning at the University of Georgia. As you can see, this requirement is not intended to be difficult or inconvenient to complete. We want you to take your classroom education to the next level through a fun and unique opportunity. Explore over 2,700 EL activities at el.uga.edu and start your experiential learning today!
Olivia Lamme is the Digital Media Intern for the Office of University Experiential Learning at the University of Georgia. Learn more at UGA Experiential Learning. Stay up to date on all of UGA’s Experiential Learning programs at el.uga.edu and follow us on Instagram.