Employers are increasingly seeking college graduates with global perspectives and strong intercultural communication skills. To help better prepare our students for this economic reality, Georgia Tech offers the International Plan (IP) as a degree option. 

What is the IP?

The IP is an undergraduate academic program designed to help students develop global competence within the context of their majors. Participants complete the program components throughout their careers at Georgia Tech and in tandem with their degree requirements. IP graduates earn a special designation on their Georgia Tech diplomas, ex: B.S. Electrical Engineering – International Plan. This designation signifies that a student has committed to developing the critical skills and qualities needed in today’s global economy as part of their degree.

How does a student complete the IP?

The IP incorporates four globally focused courses, foreign language proficiency, and a minimum of 26 weeks of overseas study, internship, and/or research into the student’s degree. With proper planning, the IP coursework may satisfy other degree requirements simultaneously. 

Participants have a variety of resources upon which to draw:

• The Assistant Director of the International Plan (Jennifer Evanuik Baird) provides overall guidance and develops related programming specifically for IP participants.
• Each participating major has a faculty representative who helps participants develop a plan appropriate for that specific major.
• The School of Modern Languages provides support to students as they develop their language proficiency.
• To complete the required 26 weeks abroad, students have two main points of contact:
  1. Students wishing to study abroad work with the Education Abroad advisors in the Office of International Education to research and apply for programs.
  2. Students wishing to intern abroad work with the Global International Program advisors in the Office of International Education to identify and apply for overseas work opportunities.

How is the IP different than studying abroad?

While studying abroad may be a component of the IP, it does not end there. The IP asks students to take part in internationally focused academic and experiential elements throughout their time at Tech.

Students in the IP will complete coursework that complements their international experiences and they will necessarily develop at minimum an intermediate level of second language proficiency. 

Moreover, the main identifying feature of the IP is the idea of coherence. All of the components of the IP should relate to each other in such a way that each participant develops a unique outlook on their major from a specific linguistic and cultural context. Some students choose to focus on two different countries/cultures rather than one in order to gain a comparative perspective of their major.

What is the benefit for my son or daughter to complete the International Plan?

The IP provides students a unique opportunity to develop a global understanding of their major while learning about the complex cultural, economic and social contexts in which they will work post-graduation. Through the extensive time spent overseas and the language requirement, students acquire the ability to understand and adapt to cultural differences, as well as the ability to work in diverse teams. The IP enables students to set themselves apart and establish themselves as young professionals who are ready to take on the challenge of the global workplace.

Who can participate in the IP?

The International Plan is currently available to students in 26 of Georgia Tech's undergraduate majors. Students interested in the IP are encouraged to apply to the program in their first four semesters of undergraduate study. However, more advanced undergraduates in participating majors who are interested in joining the IP are encouraged to apply and consult with the IP Assistant Director. 

How can my son or daughter join this innovative program?

The application is online and can be completed in a matter of minutes. Current students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher in order to qualify for the program. Prospective participants are encouraged to review the requirements before applying. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the IP Assistant Director at internationalplan@oie.gatech.edu or at 404.894.7475.