Study Abroad

Eligibility Note

Beginning with the 2027 program, Leadership for Social Good will primarily enroll students who will be rising juniors or seniors at the time of the study abroad program. For the 2027 program, priority will be given to students who entered Georgia Tech in Fall 2025 or earlier. A limited number of spots may be available for rising sophomores.

A central component of the program is an international internship in which students work in small teams with nonprofit organizations and social enterprises on real-world organizational challenges. Students tend to benefit most from this experience - and are best prepared to contribute meaningfully to their partner organizations - when they have had time to build academic, professional, extracurricular, and project-based experience before participating.

First-year students who believe they have relevant experience and are well prepared for the internship component are welcome to apply, but should be aware that spaces are limited and we will give preference to rising juniors and seniors. Applicants in their first year who are a strong match for Leadership for Social Good but would benefit from another year of academic, professional, or extracurricular experience may instead be invited to join our priority pool for the 2028 program.

Students receiving this designation will have priority consideration for the following year's cohort and will not need to go through the interview process again, provided they continue to meet program and Georgia Tech study abroad eligibility requirements. Students interested in this early-application option should complete their application by the November 1 early application deadline. 

All early applicants will receive a decision by the end of November indicating whether they have been accepted to the 2027 cohort, offered priority consideration for the 2028 program, or not offered a spot. Applicants who are not accepted into the 2027 cohort - including those offered priority consideration for 2028 - will receive a full refund of their $500 program deposit. Students offered priority consideration for 2028 will be asked to submit the applicable program deposit when they confirm their participation the following year.

The program takes students to Prague, Czech Republic, Vienna, Austria, and Budapest, Hungary. During the 9-week program (7 weeks abroad), students earn 12 management credits through a combination of lectures, case studies, readings, guest speakers, and direct engagement with a non-profit organization. Participants explore and impact several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through curricular and experiential offerings, students build their understanding of the realities of social entrepreneurship and the leadership that it takes to develop strong civil societies.

The Central and Eastern Europe experience will not only develop students’ abilities to make a positive contribution to organizations dedicated to creating social value and addressing the needs of society, but also equip them with practical knowledge. Whether a student's future plans involve starting or working for a non-profit, a social business, or a for-profit company, this program will provide them with theoretical and hands-on knowledge of the international social sector, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

We invite you to browse a collection of student internship videos and browse the student blogs from previous years.

As you consider applying for this study abroad program please review this document to familiarize yourself with the essential functions required for successful participation.

Summer 2027 Itinerary:

• May 10 - May 19: Atlanta, introduction to the social sector through lectures, guest speakers, and site visits

• May 20: Travel day to Prague 

• May 21 - May 26: Prague, with guest speakers, class, sightseeing, group activity

• May 26 - May 31: Vienna, with social enterprise site visits, sightseeing tour, free time to explore the museums and castles

• May 31 - July 11: Budapest, with classes, site visits, internships, group activities, two organized weekends, and two free long weekends

Classes in Atlanta wrap up on Wednesday, May 19 (by 2 p.m.). Students have to arrive in Prague no later than 3 p.m. on Friday, May 21. 

The last academic event of the program in Budapest will conclude on Friday, July 9 (by 8 p.m.). Students may depart any time after that, and the latest by Sunday, July 11 at 10 a.m.

A detailed day-to-day schedule will be shared with participants at the beginning of the program.

During the Hungary part of the program, there will be TWO free long weekends (Fridays and Mondays off). Students may use these long weekends to plan regional trips at their own responsibility and expense. Students must follow U.S. Department of State and OIE guidance on safe travel destinations.

Contact Nicole Little at nicole.little@ilsi.gatech.edu with any questions.

Check out a video overview of the program schedule (please note that activities change slightly every summer).

The Leadership for Social Good Program is a 12-hour integrated program composed of four courses. All four courses qualify for the Leadership Minor (Business Track). Please review the Minor requirements and discuss them with your academic advisor. In addition, two of the courses (4611 and 4183) qualify for the Entrepreneurship certificate. You may also want to review the requirements for the Certificate.

MGT 4183 - Business Fundamentals for Social Entrepreneurs

This course is designed to teach students how to apply fundamental business skills in organizations that seek to create social value. Most business courses are focused on creating economic value through for-profit organizations. Business skills are also critical in organizations that are tasked with creating social as well as economic value. The ability of students to apply this knowledge and skills will help them attract and manage the human and financial capital needed for success. 

See Syllabus

MGT 4611 – Integrative Management Analysis (Internship course)

Students will be actively engaged in addressing management challenges and opportunities of a non-profit organization in Hungary. In small groups, students will work with the leadership team on projects to enhance the capacity of the non-profit to better serve its constituents. 

See Syllabus

MGT 4192 - International Impact Forum

The purpose of this course is to expose students to and facilitate a dialogue with individuals and organizations that have had an impact in the international sector. Through site visits and presentations by guest lecturers, students will learn about the country and the European Union-specific challenges and opportunities which non-profit organizations face in Central and Central, and Eastern Europe. 

See Syllabus

MGT 4803 - Global Leadership

The purpose of the Global Leadership (GL) course is to enable students to prepare themselves to become leaders of organizations, to exercise leadership, and to embark on paths of personal leadership development. The GL class requires personal curiosity, reflection from students, and personal openness, as well as sharing in class discussions and in leadership development groups.

See Syllabus

The 2027 program fee is $7,950. Tuition is not included in the program fee. For current tuition rates and fees that apply to study abroad participants, please consult the Georgia Tech Office of the Bursar.

Expenses that our program fee covers:

• Housing in Prague (hotel), Vienna (hotel), Budapest (double- and triple-occupancy dorm rooms)
• Several group meals 
• Public transportation passes in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest
• Train travel from Prague to Vienna and from Vienna to Budapest
• All program-related activities (such as: site visits, cultural activities, internship-related costs)
• Travel insurance while on the program
• Organized weekend trip to Camp Courage in Hungary
• Organized weekend trip to Lake Balaton
• Various organized group activities (these vary from year to year)
  • Prague: sightseeing, castle tour, Jewish district tour
  • Vienna: sightseeing tour, three museum visits
  • Budapest: sightseeing tour, visit to thermal baths, a night at the Opera

In addition to the program fee, students should budget for roundtrip airfare (about $2,300), meals*, and lodging, if needed, during the Atlanta portion. There are several scholarships available on campus for studying abroad.

*Starting from 2027, we are unable to provide a separate meal stipend.

Program fee payment schedule:

• $500 deposit fee: Due at the time of application
• $3,750 first installment: Due February 28
• $3,700 final installment: Due April 7

Students receiving financial aid should consult the program staff about their options to extend this deadline if needed.

The $500 application fee is non-refundable once your application is approved and you are accepted into the program. If a participant cancels after the payment deadlines, any non-recoverable expenses already incurred by the program will be forfeited. Refund requests made after this period will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the timing of the cancellation and the availability of a waitlist.

The program is open to Georgia Tech and other University System of Georgia students who are in good academic standing. The program is designed for a small group so we encourage students who are truly interested in this program to apply early. Priority will be given to students who entered Georgia Tech in Fall 2025 or earlier (Please read Program Eligibility for more information) 

The early application deadline is November 1.

We make application decisions in three phases: By the end of November, at the end of Fall semester, and, if space is still available, by the final application deadline of February 15.

Please follow these steps for a successful application:

• Review all the material available on the website to be able to make a well-informed decision about how this program will fit your academic and personal goals.
• All prospective applicants are required to schedule an in-person meeting with Dr. Dori Pap (contact dori.pap@ilsi.gatech.edu with at least three day/time options for a meeting) before filling out the OIE application. Her office is in the Scheller College of Business, Suite #4153 (the ILSI Suite). Take the main elevators to the 4th floor and as you exit, walk straight ahead down the hallway, past the Ray C. Anderson Center and the Technology and Management office. The ILSI will be next door on your left.
• Next, fill out the OIE online application form and pay the $500 deposit. Please use the “Eastern Europe Summer Program Deposit (IMAH)” to pay this deposit.
• Finally, submit a one-page letter (via email to Dr. Dori Pap) that addresses the following three subjects:
  • What is your interest in social entrepreneurship (do you have any experience in this field, or what made you interested in learning about it)?
  • What are the areas of social need that are of special interest to you (i.e. environment, education, health, etc.)?
  • Describe your skills (technical or otherwise) that you believe could make a meaningful contribution to a non-profit organization that you will work with.
• Your application is considered final when all the above steps are completed. Please note that this is a competitive program. If you are not selected for the program and you have already paid the $500 deposit, the full amount will be refunded to your bursar’s account. 

We are proud and honored to work with the following business, social enterprises, and civic organizations in Hungary. Please contact Dr. Dori Pap at dori.pap@scheller.gatech.edu for more information.

Association of Conscious Consumers

Through their research and advocacy, the ACC team is helping consumers make informed buying decisions that decrease their ecological footprint and maximize their social impact. 

Watch a video of the ACC collaboration.

Bátor Tábor

Established in 2001,  Bátor Tábor  offers complex therapeutic recreation programs for children with cancer, diabetes, JRA or hemophilia and for their families. Yearly, over 700 campers participate in programs that they otherwise might miss out on due to their illnesses. Be it rowing, horseback riding, archery, arts & crafts, dancing, music, sports, acting or high-ropes courses, all programs are meant to provide a feeling of success, which positively influences the kids’ self-esteem and recovery process.  

See a video of a student discussing their  Bator Tabor internship.

Clean Air Action Group

The Clean Air Action Group (CAAG) – Levegő Munkacsoport - is one of the best-known environmental NGOs in Hungary. Founded in 1988 by three local green groups, it is now a national federation of more than 60 NGO’s. Their main fields of activities include research, consulting and awareness raising for greening the state budget, sustainable transport, sustainable energy policy, sustainable urban development, protection of green areas in cities.

See a video of a student discussing their Clean Air Action Group internship.

Habitat for Humanity Hungary

Habitat for Humanity Hungary was established in 1996. In that year, former president of the United States Jimmy Carter, and his 500 volunteers, built ten homes within a week in Vác. Following this massive building effort, affiliates were founded in several communities around Hungary. To date, they have served 850 families at ten different locations. About 150 families moved into a new Habitat home, and about 250 families participated in different repair and renovation projects. They also served 450 families with financial education and construction technical assistance.

Watch a video of the Habitat for Humanity Hungary Collaboration.

Kompánia Foundation

Kompánia Foundation's mission is to serve kids and
young adults ages 10-24 struggling with poverty, addiction, and domestic violence. There are two parts of the Kompánia Foundation, Alter and Tanoda. Tanoda focuses more on younger kids using innovative methods to develop social skills and support their education, whereas Alter serves young adults and focuses on building positive communities.

 Watch a video of the Domino Tanoda collaboration.

Firestarter

Tűzcsiholó Egyesület (Firestarter Association) supports families in which the parents grew up in state care. Their aim is to support parents so the disadvantages that result from being separated from family are not repeated in future generations. The organization's name symbolizes its goal of igniting change and empowering families to create security and stability. 

Watch a video of the Firestarter collaboration.

Greenpro

Greenpro is a subsidiary of Biofilter (a family-owned, for-profit social enterprise). They provide green solutions to food waste and track their impact across the UNSDGs. Read about their programs and the company's environmental impact: 

Watch a video of the Greenpro collaboration.

Papírsárkány Gyermekalapítvány

Papírsárkány’s (Paper Kite) primary mission is “to educate, care for, and lend a helping hand to the
well-being and equal opportunities of children growing up in state care” (“Papírsárkány Gyermekalapítvány”). While the organization prioritizes quality of life, it also places extra emphasis on education and personal development to ensure that the children can begin adulthood on equal footing and fulfill the bright futures they deserve.

Watch a video of the Papírsárkány collaboration.

Zsamboki Biokert

Zsamboki Biokert (Cargonomia) is an organic farm outside Budapest that practices regenerative agriculture and connects people to land. In the focus of their income generating model is the CSA (Community Supporter Agriculture) box, that allows people in nearby cities to enjoy fresh, seasonal, organic vegetables. They also have an education arm that collaborates with schools and universities and advocates for locally grown food consumption.

Watch a video of the Zsamboki Biokert collaboration.

Academic Partners

The success of our program is enhanced by our collaboration with:

Cornvinus University

Corvinus University of Budapest (CUB) is an independent Hungarian state university specializing in the field of economic sciences. The Faculty of Business Administration (FBA) is the largest among the six CUB faculties and is home to 6,500 students – almost half of the entire CUB student population. Corvinus FBA is the center of education and research in business, economics, finance, management and organization, management sciences, and management practice. It provides education at BA/BSc, MA/MSc, postgraduate, MBA, and PhD levels in the fields of management, marketing and media, international business, finance and accounting, business economics, business law, information technology, and ‘tourism and hospitality.' The mission of the FBA is to educate responsible business leaders and advance knowledge to promote the progress of global business and society in the Hungarian-speaking world as well as the broader global community.

We are proud and honored to have worked with the following social enterprises in Hungary. They added tremendous value to our students’ learning experience and we are grateful for their involvement. We would like to have our students serve as interns in your organization. Please contact Dori Pap at dori.pap@scheller.gatech.edu for more information.

Adni Joga (Giving Yoga) 

Adni Joga is a social enterprise that provides access to the physical and mental benefits of yoga to those who would otherwise not be able to experience calmness through movement and breath. AJ works with an increasing number of vulnerable groups to fulfill their mission of building communities where people are accepting of themselves and of each other. 

See video of a student discussing their Adni Joga internship. 

Please visit their Facebook page  to learn more.

Autistic Art 

Since 2006, Autistic Art has helped support the autistic housing facilities throughout Hungary. Autistic Art organizes art programs for the youth who live in these housing facilities. Through this program, effective therapy is provided for the participants and financial support is generated by selling the art to be used as designs for luxury products such as scarves and chocolate.

Watch a video of the Autistic Art collaboration.

Beeco

Beeco is an eco-mapping application that uses gamification to incentivize sustainable consumer habits. Learn more about their eco-compass here.

Watch a video of the Beeco collaboration.

From Street to Homes

The purpose of From Street to Home is to enable as many homeless people as possible to move into social rented, sustainable housing in Budapest, Hungary. The association combats homelessness with the Housing First method where they clean up and rent out vacant apartments at a reduced price. In addition to placing participants into homes, they also provide extensive job placement services.  

See a video of a student discussing their From Street to Homes internship.

The International Platform for Neurodiversity

The International Platform for Neurodiversity (IPN) is a start-up civil society organization in Budapest, Hungary. Neurodiversity is an all-encompassing term for intellectual disabilities. IPN aims to advocate for the inclusion of neurodivergent individuals in all aspects of society. They hope to create a network of neurodivergent self-advocates across the EU. Current self-advocacy networks are often run by third parties such as parents or professionals rather than neurodivergent people themselves. This self-advocacy network differs from already existing organizations by putting neurodivergent individuals in the driver’s seat. The International Platform for Neurodiversity believes that if an organization is to best support the neurodivergent community, it should be operated and managed by neurodivergent people themselves.

Knorr-Bremse

The Knorr-Bremse Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of braking systems and supplier of additional sub-systems for rail and commercial vehicles. For more than 110 years now the company has pioneered the development, production, marketing and servicing of state-of-the-art braking systems. In 2016, Knorr-Bremse reported sales of approximately EUR 5.5 billion and employed some 25,000 people worldwide.

See a video of students outlining their Knorr-Bremse internship .

Nem Adom Fel Café

A Nem Adom Fel Café, which translates to “Never Give Up”, is a cafe in Budapest that employs people with disabilities, both physical and mental. The service is unfailingly friendly and provides a great environment for studying, reading, or simply grabbing a quick coffee to-go.

See a video of a student discussing their Nem Adom Fel Cafe internship .

No Bad Kid

Since 2003, No Bad Kid has been teaching, assisting and caring for children and young people who have been labeled as "problematic" because of their behavior, while paying special attention to working with families and educators. The Foundation currently has three areas of activity: Institutional Development, Direct Work with Children's Groups, and Training and Counseling. The use of experience pedagogy as a tool and the widespread sharing of knowledge are of utmost importance in their work.

Watch a video of the No Bad Kid collaboration.

Roots and Wings Foundation

The aim of Roots and Wings Foundation's work is to initiate profound social change in Hungary by supporting bottom-up initiatives that enhance individual initiative and responsibility and strengthen trust and solidarity in society. One of the main tasks in their work is to create a diverse activist/intellectual community working for community foundations. To do this, Roots and Wings Foundation provides customized and motivating financial, professional and human support, strengthens people-to-people contacts, and provide concrete opportunities for joint work.

See a video of students discussing their Roots and Wings Foundation internship .

Teach for Hungary 

Közös Többszörös (Teach For Hungary) is a new startup social enterprise based in Budapest. Their mission is to improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in Hungary by recruiting, training, and placing exceptional professionals for two years as full-time fellows in high-need schools.

See a video of a student discussing their Teach for Hungary internship.

Please visit their  Facebook page to learn more.

Alternate Consulting Hungary

Alternate CSR Consulting is a micro-consultancy formed to help companies and their managers achieve corporate sustainability. Their understanding of CSR (corporate social responsibility) is based on the concept of sustainable development: the art of taking stakeholder views and expectations into consideration during business decisions, resulting in win-win solutions. They inform companies of the ways in which their financial reporting can positively impact the environment and the company itself.

CEEweb for Biodiversity

Founded in 1994 (under the name of Central and East European Working Group for the Enhancement of Biodiversity), the mission of CEEweb for Biodiversity is the conservation of biodiversity in Central and Central and Eastern Europe through the promotion of sustainable development. CEEweb works through advocacy by influencing governmental decision-making, capacity building, networking and awareness raising. It targets its members, local, national and international decision-makers, NGOs and NGO networks, companies, and the scientific community.

See a video of a student discussing their CEEweb Internship.

Center for Independent Journalism 

The Center for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is a non-profit and non-political organization with the aim of promoting ethical, fact-based journalism and independent media in Hungary.

See a video of students discussing their  CIJ internship .

Global Growers Network

The mission of Global Growers Network (GG) is to create opportunities in sustainable agriculture in Georgia. GG grew out of the tremendous demand among international farmers, many who came to Atlanta as refugees of war, to reconnect to their agricultural heritage in their new home. GG connects local families to land, education, and markets in order to build healthier communities and strengthen our local economy.

Matyo Design

Matyo Design is a social enterprise that seeks to preserve Hungarian folk tradition, specifically the use of the floral embroidery motifs characteristic of a rural area of Hungary called Matyo. They do this by employing local, skilled women to stitch the embroidery onto modern apparel in order to simultaneously fill the market need for fashionable, usable souvenirs.

NESsT

NESsT works to solve critical social problems in emerging market countries by developing and supporting social enterprises that strengthen civil society organizations' financial sustainability and maximize their social impact. NESsT achieves its mission by combining the tools and strategies of business entrepreneurship with the mission and values of nonprofit entrepreneurship to support the development of social enterprises in emerging democracies worldwide.

Okoszolgalat EcoService

Okoszolgalat is the first of its kind in Hungary. They are an eco-consultant whose mission is to provide positive examples, advice, practical ideas, and professional help to as many people as possible with the hope that they will live a rational, efficient, environmentally conscious lifestyle. Their Green Corner (Zoldzug) store provides consumers with green household products, and healthy and wholesome food items.

World Business Council for Sustainable Development Hungary 

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) is an organization of forward-thinking companies that galvanizes the global business community to create a sustainable future for business, society and the environment. They aim to lead in the support of companies looking to add true-value business solutions and create the conditions where more sustainable companies will succeed. WBCSD Hungary was formed in May 2005, an initiative involving Hungarian and multinational companies engaged in or committed to sustainability.

See a video of students discussing their WBC Hungary internship.

Biofilter 

Biofilter was one of the first certified Bcorps in Hungary. Their mission is to support the circular economy by providing sustainable environmental solutions to food waste management with a special focus on used cooking oil. Biofilter safely recycles food waste and used cooking oil into biodiesel and biogas diverting millions of tons of food waste from landfills and creating jobs and sustainable products in the process.

See a video of a student discussing their Biofilter internship.

Please visit their Facebook page to learn more.

Cargonomia

Cargonomia is a group of researchers, they focus on solidarity economy , evironmental sciences and food systems, and promote the concept of regrowth.

See a video of a student discussing their Cargonomia internship.

Vilagszep

Vilagszep is committed to be present in the life of the children in the Hungarian fostercare system for the long term, and to offer them stability and a fix point where they can turn to in their everyday life full of unpredictability, insecurities, and continuous changes. They organize specialised programs that best fit the young age, the situation and the goals of these children, and so their activities are wide ranging and multi-faceted.

See a video of a student discussing their Vilagszep internship.

Carpathian Foundation

Carpathian Foundation is part of a regional network of foundations in the Carpathian region. They engage in grantmaking and programming activities. Currently the Foundation runs its programs to fulfill the following main objectives: to support local development initiatives of NGOs and communities; to support disadvantaged rural areas and vulnerable groups; to raise social awareness and to support disadvantaged youth

See a video of a student discussing their Carpathian Foundation internship.