FYSA (then FYFA) was established in 2021, and FYSA is in now its third program year and will send 47 students on the FYSA@Oxford program and 46 on the FYSA@GTE program.

Before traveling abroad, students will spend a whirlwind three-weeks on campus for their summer session (starting July 10), during which they take 3 credits (APPH1040 and GT1000); the summer session serves as an opportunity for students for students to get a jumpstart on their degree requirements, to get acquainted with each other, with GT Atlanta campus, the city of Atlanta, and acts as an orientation session to prepare students to be successful GT and FYSA students, with a focus on time management, travel guidance, and experiential learning.

This year’s cohort is made up students from all corners of the United States and while nearly half of the cohort is from the state of Georgia, there are 15 other states represented. Additionally, the cohort will welcome 8 international students, with students from Argentina, Canada, India, Japan, China, Romania, Singapore, and Sudan.

In other exciting news, FYSA will welcome back Dr. Vicki Birchfield, who will assume the role of FYSA Executive Director, effective July 1. Dr. Birchfield has been an integral part of the creation and success of the program thus far and the program will surely continue to thrive and evolve under her leadership.

To keep up with the FYSA 2023 cohort’s GT journey during Summer and Fall 2023, please follow the FYSA Instagram @gtfysa!