20 reasons why you should do the IFP
1. Knock out science requirements while having a fun summer.
The IFP fulfills the Physical Sciences and Life Sciences as well as three hours of the World Languages & Culture/Social Sciences requirements of the UGA General Education Core Curriculum. It also meets the Environmental Literacy and Cultural Diversity requirements.
2. It costs no more than a regular semester on campus.
The IFP program fee covers room, board, and transportation. Unlike many study abroad programs, the IFP can actually cost less than a regular semester on campus. See our cost comparison table.
3. Experiential learning is more effective than classroom learning.
You will be completely immersed in the subjects you’re learning. Say goodbye to cramming for a test and forgetting everything immediately afterward. What you learn on the IFP will stick with you.
4. Two words: Grand Canyon.
If you have never experienced this iconic feature of the American landscape, then you are missing out. Of course you can also check off more than 20 other national parks & monuments on your must-see list.
5. It will enhance your teamwork and collaboration skills.
IFP participants travel and work together 24/7 for two months. Everyone relies on each other for running camp smoothly and traveling safely. Students collaborate on field projects and present their team’s findings. No other academic program facilitates the high level of cooperation and camaraderie of the IFP.
6. It’s great exercise.
Impress yourself and your friends with the incredible hikes you accomplish, such as Angel’s Landing in Zion, Mist Trail in Yosemite, and Mount St. Helens.
7. The teacher to student ratio is smaller than anything you will experience on campus.
Professors are available day and night to answer your questions and expand your knowledge.
8. For rising freshmen, the IFP is a perfect transition from high school to college.
Make new friends, get a bunch of credit hours completed, and most importantly, gain confidence to succeed in college. Do all this in a close-knit environment before entering a potentially overwhelming university.
9. Camping is fun!
Fall asleep under the stars and wake up with the sun. It’s an amazing feeling.
10. Time off in interesting cities.
On the IFP you get a free day about once per week to explore cities like Santa Fe, Flagstaff, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Portland, and Boulder.
11. It will boost your resume.
Employers are looking for team members with a broad knowledge base, the ability to think critically and communicate effectively, and the readiness to work with colleagues toward a common goal. The IFP gives you experience in all those areas. Show future employers what you have already achieved!
12. The wildlife!
See bison, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, bears, pronghorns, sea lions, California condors, and more!
13. It’s a dry heat.
The drier weather out west is a nice break from the 100% mugginess of a Georgia summer.
14. Dedicated faculty and staff.
Those of us who work on the IFP every summer do it because we love it. We care deeply about the subjects we teach and about our students.
15. Gain a fresh perspective of your country and its natural resources.
Understand how science applies to energy and water resources, land-use decisions, and other environmental issues the U.S. is facing. Following the IFP you will have the knowledge and inspiration (we hope) to maintain a lifelong interest in smart, science-based environmental decisions on the local, national, and global scale.
16. Incredible photo ops.
The scenery will blow you away. You’ll want to take it with you.
17. Great food and healthy eating.
The IFP travels with dedicated cooks who prepare delicious and healthful meals. Besides, food always tastes best when you’re camping.
18. Get a great tan without even trying.
In fact, avoiding too much sun will be one of your summer goals.
19. Make lifelong friends.
The shared experiences you have and the hard work you do together create tight bonds and lasting friendships.
20. Interdisciplinary education is the key to understanding how the world really works.
Everything is interconnected. Learn to think that way.
Keep an open mind. Know that it’s challenging, but it’s beyond worth it! Just like the mount saint Helens hike! You will walk away from this program a better person. With a wider range of thinking and a better grasp on life. You will walk away grateful and will never be ready to sleep in a bed again!
Amelia Stone, Summer 2019 Participant
