Program Overview
Through field experiences (a 2-week extended road trip throughout England and Scotland) and classes (at the University of Cambridge) this program addresses ways to sustain People, Planet, and Profit by growing better businesses and improving social well-being through partnerships with natural areas. We focus on the business of nature: what is the value of natural capital (national parks, protected landscapes, and related ecosystem services) and how does local business (such as the whisky industry and highland estates) add value to regional communities through a corporate social responsibility? Accordingly, we visit some of the UK’s most prestigious and beautiful landscapes including the Lake District, Isle of Skye and the Highlands of West Scotland, Aviemore and Cairngorms National Park. But, we also spend time in the cities of Cambridge, Edinburgh and London to understand how the UK is responding politically, culturally, and economically to the globe’s greatest challenges (climate change, covid, loss of biodiversity, population limits, over-tourism, and universal social welfare). You will also have the (optional) opportunity to hike the highest peaks in England (Scafell) and Scotland (Ben Nevis). For those who don’t wish to climb to the top, there are turn-around points half-way up, still with majestic views.
An initial set of online pre-departure lectures and seminars (to provide background information) is given before we head into the field for our travels with UGA faculty, local instructors and field guides. Average temperatures throughout the program are mid-50F (low) to mid-70F (high) in July. Daylight in parts of the UK extends for almost 20 hours in the summer time! There are no prerequisites and no prior knowledge is required.
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Program Itinerary
Click on the link below to learn more about the program itinerary
England and Scotland
Credits
People, Planet and Profit FANR (ANTH/ECOL/GEOG/INTL 4271/6271) 3 credits
Special Topics: International Sustainable Business: 3 credits (INTB 5100). There are no course prerequisites.
* 4271/6271 is cross-listed with ANTH (Anthropology), ECOL (Ecology), FANR (Forestry and Natural Resources), GEOG (Geography), and INTL (International Affairs). (Note: INTL 4271H replaces INTL6271.) Please contact your advisor to see which of our cross-listed courses will best fit into your schedule. The 4000 level courses are for undergraduate students and 6000 level courses are for graduates and honors students.
Costs
Program cost includes all accommodations, field excursions, cultural events, insurance, in-country ground transportation, and some meals. Tuition (HOPE applies and out-of-state or non-UGA students pay in-state tuition) and airfare are additional. You can book your flight independently (arrive into London no later than 9:00am on the first day of the program) or contact the Discover Abroad office for options. We also strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Out-of-state students will receive an out-of-state tuition waiver (i.e. tuition for participation will be charged at the in-state level) for study abroad courses.
Download the Estimated Costs for a more detailed breakdown.
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Testimonials
“Overall it was a great trip and experience. I loved having some professors who were so passionate and even more compassionate-it made learning so easy.” (2022)
“Loved the trip. Outstanding experiences and knowledge gained from great lectures and activities. Feel much more wordly and knowledgable about a country I would have otherwise not known much about. Could not have asked for a better group of fellow students to spend this time with.”
Christopher James Reddick (Summer, 2017)
“Not only did I leave this program with new knowledge and understanding, I left with friendships that will last a lifetime” (Summer, 2023)
“Overall the program was really well planned and had a good diversity of activities that really enriched my experience” (Summer, 2023)
“I learned a lot about patience and workalike balance. The trip was absolutely incredible and I learned more about what I can do for the environment and how to address problems larger than myself” (Summer, 2023)
“This trip will change your outlook on the world around it. It was an amazing chance to visit places I never would’ve dreamed of.”
Deborah Shantel Trower-Reid (Summer, 2018)
“A scholarly and adventurous trip; an unforgettable time with friends and faculty learning about the intricacies of life and travel.”
Christopher James Reddick (Summer, 2017)
“Studying Abroad forces you to come out of your comfort zone and learn things about yourself that, ultimately, make you a better person.”
Rebecca Ann Briggs (Summer, 2016)
“The hikes in lake district were amazing with Les. I loved cliff house it was great for bonding. The peak district was beautiful”
Summer 2019 Participant
“This was an amazing opportunity to meet new people and to travel in an environment I had never thought of.”
Summer 2018 Participant
“Having LES as our guide, confidant and resident “grandpa” felt special and added a sense of comradery and family to the trip. He was extremely kind, encouraging, gentle and understanding. Pushed us to our limits. He got us through those hikes and taught us about not only our place in the world but how the world places itself. PLEASE keep using him. He’s awesome.”
Summer 2018 Participant
“Accommodations and stay were excellent and beautiful.”
Summer 2018 Participant
“This trip far exceeded my expectations and helped me grow as an individual. I also learned so much about the environment globally and realized I might want to incorporate educating others through travel to my occupation goals. I also made bonds with others that will last a lifetime, and for that, I am so grateful.”
Summer 2017 Participant
“I learned so many things about the environment that I did not expect. Being given a new perspective about sustainability has been great, regardless if it was different than my original one. I truly feel I have learned a ton about Britain’s history, landscape, and culture. I loved this trip and would do it again.”
Summer 2017 Participant
“I really enjoyed the trip and the people on it. Learning from experiencing made the trip worthwhile and all the opportunities we had were incredible. It was one of the best experiences of my life and a great first study abroad trip. Thank you!”
Summer 2017 Participant