International Affairs Major at UGA

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Georgia
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<p>Hello Everyone
I am recently accepted to UGA and at this point I am still undecided as to where I will go. Of the 3 colleges that I have applied to, UGA and Georgia State(Honors College) have accepted me, and Emory has waitlisted me. I plan to be a major in International Affairs; however I have not an idea of how well it is as a course in those universities. I am wondering if anyone here majors in I.A.? If so, can you offer me any advice?</p>

<p>Also I am most torn between UGA and GSU: Since I am waitlisted by Emory, I am most likely to go to the other 2. As of city, I think I'd prefer Atlanta to Athens; Mostly because
A) I am more of a city person;I come from a busy city(although now I live in a more country city) and I like the dynamics of a metropolitan city.
B) I do not enjoy drinking or partying(of course I know they are not the only things I can do in Athens. But well, you know, what people mostly do in Athens)
C) My bro goes to GSU, and I don't know anyone/any place in Athens</p>

<p>I am not sure if Athens would be a great place for me to go to college for 4 years...Anyone here had the same thoughts b4 and changed their minds? Any comments/opinions will be appreciated. Thanks!</p>

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<p>One thing to note about UGA vs GA State is the degree program. GA State does not offer a degree in International Affairs, it is a BA in Pol Sci with an emphasis in Internal Affairs vs an AB in International Affairs. I would also guess that the study abroad opportunities at UGA are better than GA State. Therefore depending on what you plan to do after college, UGA may better prepare you than GA State.</p>

<p>As far as the surroundings, I would not consider Atlanta a busy city when you compare it to places like NYC, DC, etc. It is still a southern town. Athens is a great college town with lots of things to do other than party. And its close enough to Atlanta that you can visit it anytime.</p>

<p>Given the choice between UGA and GA State, I would have to say UGA.</p>

3

<p>I definitely have to agree with gamomof3 on this one. I just looked into both programs at both schools GSU does have a International Affairs major but it goes through the PoliSci department. They also have an International Studies major, but it seems as though that delves more into the history than current events. </p>

<p>In saying this, UGA has a school for Public and International Affairs which I believe (in my humble opinion) would better fit what you are looking to do in the long run. Check out the website for both if you haven’t already:</p>

<p>GSU: [Department</a> of Political Science - Home](<a href=“http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwpol/]Department”>http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwpol/)</p>

<p>UGA: [The</a> University of Georgia Department of International Affairs](<a href=“http://intl.uga.edu/]The”>http://intl.uga.edu/)</p>

<p>I’ve lived in Atlanta, Memphis, and Athens for extended periods of time (most spent in Atlanta suburbs) and I can say that I love all three cities. It’s a matter of personal choice in where you want to go to school, but at the same time you have to be willing to sacrifice a little at times in order to achieve what you want academically. GSU has a great urban campus with plenty to do and see, I’ve had a chance to go on their campus tour several times. With UGA, you don’t just live in Athens and happen to go to school, you actually go to the University of Georgia. Like GAmom said, you get the name and education of UGA (not saying GSU is any less by any means) but you also have the opportunity to go to Atlanta on a regular basis if you want. </p>

<p>As far as partying and drinking…you will find that regardless of where you go to school. It’s a matter of who you hang out with and what you enjoy doing for fun. Even the most “prestigious” schools have a drinking and partying culture. </p>

<p>Orientation at UGA is a great way to get out and meet new people. I was like you in the respect that I wasn’t a drinker or a party type of person coming out of high school and I didn’t know very many people. That’s the great part about the college experience though, you get to take a step outside your comfort zone (if you are willing of course). Like I said, orientation is a great way to meet those who you share similar interest with and then you have clubs, orgs, people you live with, etc. </p>

<p>Sorry for the kind of sappy and “everything is going to turn out great” answer, but I guess you could say I am missing the experience just a little bit. haha hope this helps and good luck making your final decision!</p>

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<p>Thanks for you guys’ comments! </p>

<p>I just found out that International Affairs and International Studies are not the same thing yesterday—and what I actually want to do is International Studies, which is not really a major at UGA. I looked into the course descriptions and to me Affairs is more political than Studies; that is, it goes more in depth into gov’t structure and countries’ relations, which is not exactly what I want to do. I have little interest in anything, so at first I couldn’t find a major, but I am the kind of person that likes to watch news and am aware of things that are happening over the world, so I immediately chose International Studies as my #1 choice. But I am not sure if my interest is great enough for me to choose it as a major that I am going to study for 4 years, or as a life long career. Affairs seems to be more practical and useful when it comes to finding jobs, but Studies seems to be more interesting. People and my parents keep telling me that I should go to GA, because it’s a higher-tier school. </p>

<p>As for the city I agree Atlanta is not really that busy, but people told me that Athens is as country as the place that I’m living in right now :S which is not really that attractive to me lol I do see on a lot of people on the forum saying that there’s a lot to do at UGA, because it’s so big and diverse. Anyway I will go to visit both schools this month-hopefully I will get to know more about them. The location should really not be my priority, so I will really put more thoughts into these things! Nonetheless thanks guys!:D</p>