Student FAQs

Experiential learning is the development of knowledge, skills, abilities, values, behaviors and attitudes through first-hand experiences outside of the traditional classroom. Experiential learning involves learning through doing, but more importantly “learning through reflection on doing” and can involve an array of hands-on activities and experiences. Students who participate in experiential learning develop critical thinking and problem solving skills and are much better prepared for the workforce or advanced study after graduation.

All undergraduate students are required to complete at least one experiential learning activity before graduation. Our faculty have identified courses and other activities that will fulfill the requirement for students in each school and college. Your advisor will help you find the right experiential learning opportunities for you.

Experiential learning takes many forms, including creative production, study abroad and field schools, internships, leadership opportunities, faculty-mentored research, and service-learning. You can check out the list of approved activities on this website. Talk with your advisor to find out what opportunities might be available and what options are best for you.

You may fulfill the requirement at any time during your undergraduate studies. Some experiential learning opportunities are more exploratory, while others are geared toward professional preparation. They are all valuable, and many students will pursue multiple experiential learning opportunities.

First, check our website to see what opportunities you will have to fulfill the requirement within your major. If you have questions about courses or are nearing graduation, contact your advisor or your school / college’s certification officer to see what your options are. The Office of Experiential Learning does not have the ability to enroll you in a course.

No, once the requirement has been satisfied, you will not have to fulfill it again, even if you change majors or change colleges. Most students take advantage of more than one EL opportunity during their college careers, but it’s the first one that fulfills the requirement.

The University of Georgia cannot retroactively give you credit for activities done at previous institutions. Most majors offer either a large number of opportunities or specific required courses that fulfill the requirement.

The University of Georgia cannot retroactively give you credit for activities. Most majors offer either a large number of opportunities or specific required courses that fulfill the requirement.

In rare cases, students who are in danger of not being able to fulfill the requirement before graduation may be able to get an exception. If you are in this situation, contact your advisor as soon as possible. It is up to the college to approve exceptions, as the exception for a substituted activity must be done prior to the activity taking place. If the college approves the exception, the paperwork will be sent to the Office of University Experiential Learning to be applied in DegreeWorks.

If your internship is listed on your school / college’s list of approved activities, it will satisfy the requirement. Otherwise, it will not.

Absolutely not. Experiential learning should be impactful experiences that help position students for success in the classroom and after graduation, and they’re not mutually exclusive. Once the Experiential Learning Requirement has been satisfied, you will not have to fulfill it again, but students can—and often do—engage in more than one form of experiential learning prior to graduation.

Most experiential learning activities are available at no additional cost to you. The Office of Experiential Learning offers a competitive scholarship with awards up to $2,500 to assist students with materials, supplies, travel, and living expenses associated with ANY UGA approved experiential learning activity. Learn more about EL scholarships on our Scholarships page.