Study Abroad Programs for Students

The world is your classroom, so study abroad.

*UMD Study Abroad as of right now is unavailable until 2021 due to the global pandemic, but the application process for Spring, Summer, and Fall of 2021 will open on August 1st. Check with UMD for updates on programs as 2021 gets closer.

One of the greatest and most exciting opportunities college students can take advantage of is study abroad programs. Being able to change up your classroom at UMD to anywhere from Asia to Europe to even a semester at sea is an amazing life-changing experience. The latest national report on Study Abroad showed that more than 238,332 students from colleges and universities across the United States went overseas to earn credit during their academic years. There are so many factors involved in making the decision, and we recommend you consider everything so that you can perfectly cater to your experience to yourself.

At the University of Maryland, students have the option of applying for a Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter, or Year abroad program. All students have the opportunity to go during one of these terms, but it is important to check with your school or advisor when the best times are to go abroad according to your major and major requirements. Several schools at UMD have specific abroad programs that are created specifically for their students. The College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Robert H. Smith School of Business, College of Education, and the A. James Clark School of Education provide these special programs and encourage students to study abroad.

Applications

August 1st applications open for Winter, Spring, and Spring Break 2021 abroad programs. Before applications open, it is important to look into which program is a good match for you. If students would like further help in deciding which program is best for them, they can make an appointment with an Education Abroad advisor.

UMD makes it pretty easy to find the perfect programs for students. By inputting some of the following criteria, course topics offered, country, region, and/or term, an index of possible programs will come up.  Your student should also decide on what sort of things they are looking for in a program:

• Language immersion?
• Exploring the world; gaining a new perspective?
• Internships?
• Volunteering?
• Teaching opportunities?
• Budget?
• Country or city of interest?
• Coursework needed/accepted? (Remember to stay on the path towards graduation.)
• How long to be away? (Some students would never consider doing a semester abroad during football season, so spring or summer sessions are better options.)

Another great option to learn of all the study abroad opportunities is to attend a Study Abroad 101 session. These sessions are there for students to have all the tools and information necessary to choose a program. They offer both online and in-person meetings that students can sign up for. After getting a better idea of what you are planning to do for an abroad program, there are several steps that need to be taken to confirm your spot in an abroad program.

Having an updated passport is extremely important when going abroad. Students should either apply for a passport or make sure that their current passport is valid for six months after your program end or return flight date. It is important to keep in mind your finances when planning on going abroad. There are several costs that need to be considered such as exchange costs and additional fees. These are fees such as tuition, education abroad fee, application fee, round trip airfare, and more. Students can apply for scholarships and financial aid for additional funding opportunities.

Meeting with both your regular academic advisor and your EA advisor. These advisors will help you through the process of going abroad and how it fits in your individual four-year plan. Completing the online application is essential after you decide on a program. For whatever program you decide on, applications are done through MyEA. After you have applied and been accepted to the program of your choice, you must commit to the program by pressing the “Commit” button on your MyEA application. For some programs, you will then need to pay a non-refundable program deposit through the application.

Completing EA study abroad course pre-approval (SACA) is the formal process by which you share your ideal courses and alternative with your academic advisors to see if and how they will count towards your degree, major(s), and minor(s). After you commit to your program, your EA advisor will give you instructions on how to complete your SACA. There is a pre-departure orientation that students must attend. This will give specific details you will need to know before you go abroad.

Lastly, you may need a visa or a residence permit to study abroad depending on your host country, your length of stay, nationality, area of study, and intention to work, intern, or volunteer abroad. Students love to travel to different destinations while abroad. GetYourGuide gives them guides to unique and unmissable things to do in their destination.

Study Abroad can be very pricey. In addition to the cost of the program which includes room and board, a prepaid metro card (may not last their entire abroad program), health insurance, and some excursions, it does not include airfare, meals, additional travel (many use this opportunity to visit other countries). And, of course, any purchases they make for themselves. For suggestions on what they should bring with them, read our Study Abroad Gift Guide.

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