Georgia Tech-Europe Marks 35 Years, Looks to Future

Georgia Tech’s European campus celebrated a milestone this year, marking its 35th anniversary in Metz, France, with events that honored its legacy and looked ahead to its next chapter.

On June 30 in Metz, Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera joined Metz Mayor François Grosdidier and regional leaders to celebrate Georgia Tech-Europe’s role as a hub for international learning and collaboration and to announce plans to expand capacity to serve more students. The City of Metz announced the generous transfer of the property currently occupied to Georgia Tech-Europe for the sale of 1 euro. The event highlighted the enduring partnership between Georgia Tech and the City of Metz, as well as the program’s importance to both the Institute’s strategic plan and the transatlantic relationship between France and the United States. 

As part of the June commemoration, Georgia Tech signed new Memorandums of Understanding with the University of North Georgia and Universidad Pontificia Comillas to enable more students to study at Georgia Tech-Europe. This collaboration opens doors for more students across the University System of Georgia to benefit from international learning experiences in Metz.

Then, on Aug. 27, Georgia Tech-Europe brought together Georgia Tech students, faculty, and local partners to honor the past and look toward the future. 

“This anniversary is not only a chance to celebrate what Georgia Tech-Europe has accomplished over the past 35 years, but also to build on that foundation,” said Cabrera. “Thousands of Georgia Tech students have grown as global leaders here, and we’re committed to expanding those opportunities to many more.” 

Founded in 1990, Georgia Tech-Europe (previously known as Georgia Tech-Lorraine) has become the flagship of the Institute’s international initiatives and a vital part of its strategic plan. Since its opening, more than 13,000 students have participated in programs at the Metz campus. In 2021, a cohort of 50 students was the first to participate in the First-Year Semester Abroad program, beginning their Georgia Tech careers at the European campus. 

“Georgia Tech-Europe has grown into a model of international education and collaboration,” said Abdallah Ougazzaden, president of Georgia Tech-Europe. “Over the past 35 years, we have built lasting partnerships and created unique opportunities for students that connect Georgia Tech with Europe and beyond. As we enter this new chapter, our focus remains on enriching the student experience and strengthening our role as a bridge between cultures, institutions, and industries.”

Looking ahead, Georgia Tech aims to expand the number of students who take advantage of these opportunities — preparing graduates with the global perspective needed to lead in a connected world.

Georgia Tech-Europe has also played a vital role in the region, contributing to the local economy and fostering strong academic partnerships with the Centre national de la recherche scientifique, the University of Lorraine, and leading engineering schools such as CentraleSupélec and École d'ingénieurs française.