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First-Year Summer Programs

All students admitted for the Summer Term must begin in iGniTe, unless they are admitted to Challenge or First-Year Semester Abroad. The summer term helps students acclimate to campus, get a head start on classes, and meet fellow incoming students before the fall semester. Learn about the different summer programs below and compare the options.

  iGniTe Summer Launch Program Challenge Program First-Year Semester Abroad (FYSA)
Program Overview Students admitted to summer term are expected to begin in iGniTe unless they are admitted to FYSA or Challenge. iGniTe is your opportunity to get a head start on classes, learn the campus, and make friends! Students select from program tracks, attend events, and build relationships with their peers. Challenge is Georgia Tech's premiere, signature five-week summer residential program for academic advancement, professional development, and cultural exploration, hosted by the Office of Minority Educational Development (OMED). This innovative program leverages Georgia Tech’s global campuses and programs to provide a high-quality, experiential learning opportunity for incoming first-year students who wish to internationalize their college career right from the start.
Location Georgia Tech’s main Atlanta campus. Georgia Tech’s main Atlanta campus. Free on-campus housing is included. Students begin their experience on our Atlanta campus, then travel to one of two locations: Metz, France (at GT Europe, with field trips in France) or Oxford, England (with two travel courses in Europe).
Program Dates June 21 – August 3, 2023 June 24 – August 4, 2023

  • Metz, France: July 10 - mid-December, 2023

  • Oxford, England - July 10 – early November 2023
Program Size 500 students 150 students 100 students (50 per location)
Eligibility Requirement

  • First-year students admitted to summer term must join iGniTe unless they are admitted to Challenge or FYSA.

  • First-year students admitted to fall term may choose to enroll in iGniTe courses (additional costs apply).

First-year students admitted to the fall or summer term are eligible to apply.

  • Must be 18 years or older by the time of departure for the abroad portion of the program.

  • Students who are pursuing a major in the College of Design must discuss joining this program with their academic advisor.

  • Students in all majors may also need to discuss specific academic questions with their academic advisor.
Recommended For All incoming first-year students.

  • Incoming first-year students who are interested in developing themselves in a diverse and multicultural environment with like-minded, driven students.

  • Students who want to enhance their skills and tools to navigate the academic demands and expansive resources of Georgia Tech (i.e. social, cultural, professional, academic, etc.).

 Students interested in gaining intercultural competency skills and global perspectives.
Program Costs Click here to review program costs. $500 program fee, plus 70% of summer meal costs. Click here for details. Program charge + tuition and fees. Click here for details.
Financial Aid Availability Yes. Click here for instructions on how to apply for financial aid for the summer semester. No. See "grades" below. Yes. Click here for instructions on how to apply for financial aid for the summer semester.
Eligibile to Participate in Learning Community? Yes. Yes. No.
Credit Hours Earned 6-7 credit hours (includes GT 1000 and two additional courses). No degree credits will be earned through this program; only program credits toward monetary awards, 1-2 hour audit credit, and program GPA credit towards scholarships and stipends. 3 credit hours in the summer and 12-15 hours in the fall.
Grades Grades earned during this program are permanent on your transcript.

  • Grades will not affect your institutional GPA or financial aid awards.

  • Students who earn above a 3.2 GPA will be reimbursed $150-$500 of program fees, with a chance to earn an additional $1,000-$1,500 in corporate scholarships based on program GPA.

 Grades earned during this program are permanent on your transcript.
Program Website https://summer.gatech.edu/ignite/ https://omed.gatech.edu/programs/challenge https://firstyearabroad.gatech.edu/
Video Overview iGniTe overview Challenge overview FYSA overview

Want to Join Us This Summer?

Apply for any of the summer programs listed above in the Summer Programs Portal located in your Admission Portal.

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