University of Georgia

Beyond the Arch

Behind the story headline "The World of Computing," a darkened view of the London skyline as the sun rises behind the several buildings with neo-gothic architecture.

The World of Computing

One trip. 17 students. 9 days, 8,000+ miles logged, one subject, a new world opened.

In a single Spring Break, 17 University of Georgia students, most in their first year, crossed the Atlantic to explore the field of computing—past, present, and future. The experience offered them a glimpse into the ever-expanding opportunities their future careers could hold.  

The program “World of Computing,” part of UGA’s Connect Abroad, took students to London, one of the world’s great technology hubs, to consider the discipline through the eyes of academics, industry leaders, and historical figures. Although the trip mostly drew students interested in technological pursuits, it was open to all majors for a simple reason:

“Computers are everywhere, right?” says Bradley Barnes PhD ’11, a senior lecturer and undergraduate coordinator for UGA’s School of Computing who led the program. “In every discipline, students could benefit from a deeper understanding of computers, regardless of their field of study.”

A small group of students look out the glass from a capsule of a giant ferris wheel. The sun is setting in the background.
Students get a spectacular view from a capsule on the London Eye during the World of Computing Trip.
A large group of students poses around a statue of William Shakespeare. They hold up signs for Connect Abroad and UGA.
Students pose with a statue of William Shakespeare in London’s Tech District.
A man in a dark blue button-up shirt, sunglasses, and light pants poses on top of a rooftop against the setting sun.
Bradley Barnes, a UGA principal lecturer, on a rooftop in London.

For Mary Dzhibladze, a first-year computer science major, the trip helped her picture her future.

“Before the program, I wondered if my career would be limited to local opportunities,” she says. 

The international trip allowed students to ponder the bigger world of technology while also considering how to focus their studies amid so many possible career paths in technology, from front-end coding to analyst roles.

A group of students from the UGA Connect Abroad program gather in a large futuristic-looking room. The ceiling is covered in white mechanical parts and hoop-shaped lights. In the center of the ceiling is a bright round light surrounded by smaller lights that look like stars.
Viasat systems engineer John O’Connor chats with students at the company headquarters in London.
A group of students stand in front of a large neo-gothic, red-brick academic building. There are several large windows and arched doorways.
UGA students at Oxford University during the World of Computing Connect Abroad trip.
A man in a striped black and white sweater lectures to a group of students in a small, dim classroom.
UGA alumnus and EssenceMediaComm business director Drew Bacon talks to students.
A group of three people including man and two women stand outside of the Google building in London and take a group selfie. The man holds out the phone for the selfie. The Google building is almost entirely made of glass.
Bradley Barnes snaps a photo with UGA staff members Danielle Bostwick and Yana Cornish.

A Busy Week

There was a lot to think about with a packed itinerary. 

They visited East London’s Silicon Roundabout, Britain’s answer to Silicon Valley, where they met with heads of startup companies. They toured Google’s Pancras Square office, where a panel of seven Google software engineers offered insights into career journeys. One piece of advice: An internship isn’t just about skill building; it can also be a long-term interview. 

On a day trip to Oxford, they met with Imran Mahmood, an AI and machine learning researcher at the University of Oxford. Mahmood shared his research about developing computer models to reduce the rate of pregnancies that end in stillbirth in Pakistan. First-year computer science major Vania Perez Melgar says the meeting solidified her intent to incorporate social responsibility into her future career.

Sometimes, the concepts covered were high-level, especially for freshmen encountering these topics for the first time. Fortunately, Barnes was around to make it accessible. He led students to reflect on each experience and connect what they learned that day to the academic programs available at UGA. 

The program offered more than opportunities to think about their futures; it also provided a glimpse into computing’s past. 

A train ride to the English countryside carried them to Bletchley Park, the once-secret home to WWII codebreakers who deciphered the enigmatic German code. At the estate, students explored the codebreakers’ work huts where recruits from English colleges once shaped world history. The experience struck a chord with John Calame, a first-year mathematics and cognitive science major and computer science minor.

 “These historical figures that completed groundbreaking work were my age,” he says, making him feel more connected to his studies and inspired to make a difference.

“It’s still possible for my work to have an incredible impact,” he says.

“UGA’s strong international connections make it easier to access opportunities abroad. With such a supportive alumni network, I know I’ll always feel at home no matter where I go.”

Mary Dzhibladze, First-year Computer Science Major
A large group of students in casual wear and jackets stands in the lobby of a tech building. They gather around an adult employee as he talks about the company.
Students visit Viasat Internet in London.
Students from the UGA Connect Abroad program walk on the sidewalk as they explore London. A large red bus passes them by.
Students catch a double-decker bus in London.
Students from the UGA Connect Abroad program sit in the audience of a lecture given by Google employees. The room is small and mostly decorated in black.
Students attend a panel with Google employees in London.
Several students walk past a large blue sign that says "Welcome Bletchley Park. Home of the Codebreakers."
Undergraduate students at Bletchley Park during a Connect Abroad spring break trip to London.
Students on the UGA Connect Abroad program sit around a classroom table and listen to a lecturer. The lecturer faces a large screen on the classroom wall that is covered in data.
Undergraduate students participate in a code-breaking workshop at Bletchley Park during a Connect Abroad spring break trip to London.
An infographic: Four-times increase in First-year study abroad participation at UGA since 2024. 77% of Connect Abroad Students study abroad again. $359,000 in study abroad scholarships awarded.

The Impact

The program left students inspired and exhausted—with plenty to think about.

“The level of contrast in this program gave me a better understanding of my field,” says Jun Chambers, a second-year electrical and electronics engineering major. “After spending the week with intelligent peers and mentors, I feel motivated. I want to bring this motivation back with me to Athens.”

Mary Dzhibladze, who had considered only possibilities for local impact, sees a much bigger picture.

Created within an interdisciplinary framework, the School of Computing is jointly administered by the FranklinCollege of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering.

“Computer science offers endless possibilities worldwide,” she says. “UGA’s strong international connections make it easier to access opportunities abroad. With such a supportive alumni network, I know I’ll always feel at home no matter where I go.” 

A closeup of a blue and yellow postcard from London. It depicts a simple drawing of the Big Ben clock tower against a sunset.
Three people smile down at the camera while proudly displaying their badges that say "learning leader".
A large group of students poses for a photo in a glass room on top of a building. They are holding a white sign with the words "connect abroad".
Students, faculty and staff members ride a capsule on the London Eye during a Connect Abroad trip to Lodon.

What is UGA’s Connect Abroad program?

Connect Abroad is a program created for first-year students to connect with peers and faculty over UGA’s spring break through unique experiences in six international locations (Costa Rica, England, Greece, Italy, Morocco, and Peru). It offers a chance to explore another country’s culture, society, politics, and art while creating relationships with peers and instructors.

More than half the participants in the first Connect Abroad, held in 2024, say they plan to study abroad again. In 2025, Connect Abroad sent 199 students across the world.

Written by: Angel Bhardwaj

Photography by: Dorothy Kozlowski

Video by: Krista McKinney

Design by: Andrea Piazza