Travel Abroad In Your Last Umd Semester

Studying abroad is a great opportunity for University of Maryland (UMD) students to gain new experiences and perspectives. UMD offers various study abroad programs that allow students to explore different countries and cultures while earning academic credits towards their degrees. Students can choose from semester-long programs, exchange programs, short-term programs, and more, depending on their preferences and goals. The application process for studying abroad is straightforward but requires planning and organisation. Students need to meet with advisors, review their academic plans, and apply through the MyEA portal. Financial aid and scholarships are also available to support students in their endeavours. Overall, UMD provides comprehensive resources and guidance to ensure a smooth and enriching study abroad experience for its students.

Application process

The application process for studying abroad at the University of Maryland involves several steps, and it is important to plan ahead and stay organized. Here is a detailed guide on the application process:

• Explore programs and choose a suitable option: The first step is to explore the various study abroad programs offered by the university. Maryland offers different types of programs, including Maryland Semester or "Maryland-in" programs, Exchange programs, Education Abroad (EA) Affiliate programs, and Other Approved Programs. Consider your academic and professional goals, the location, the duration of the program, and the costs involved when making your decision.
• Meet with an advisor: It is recommended to meet with an advisor, such as the Office of Global Engineering Leadership for engineering students, to discuss your interest in studying abroad. They can guide you through the process and help you choose the right program that aligns with your academic plan.
• Review your academic plan and plan ahead: Consider how studying abroad will fit into your academic plan. Review your 4-year plan and make any necessary adjustments to accommodate your time abroad.
• Research courses and credit transfer: Visit the Study Abroad Course Database to explore courses offered by the host institution. Generate a list of courses you are interested in taking and collect their syllabi. You will also need to complete course evaluation request forms to have the courses evaluated for transfer credit.
• Apply for the program via MyEA: Once you have found a suitable program and completed the necessary research, apply via the MyEA portal before the specified deadline. Deadlines vary depending on the program, with approximate dates being October 1 for winter and spring programs, and March 1 for summer and fall programs.
• Apply for scholarships: The University of Maryland offers scholarships for students studying abroad through the Education Abroad office. Additionally, explore external scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies.
• Apply for a passport and visa: If you don't already have a passport, apply for one as soon as you decide to study abroad. Once accepted into the study abroad program, you will typically need to apply for a student visa and/or residency permit.
• Follow the pre-departure checklist: After receiving acceptance, log in to your MyEA account to access the online checklist specific to your program. This will provide important information and instructions on preparing for your arrival, including applying for health insurance, completing orientation requirements, registering for classes, and understanding important immigration documents.
• Arrive and attend orientations: Plan your travel to arrive at the UMD campus in time for the required orientations. Exchange students are required to complete an online International Student Orientation before their arrival and an in-person International Student Orientation and Welcome Week upon arrival. These orientations will cover essential topics to help you adjust to academic, social, and cultural life at UMD.

Language requirements

The University of Maryland offers a wide range of study abroad programs, and students are not required to know a foreign language to participate in most of them. In fact, many programs offer coursework in English, even in countries where English is not the primary language. Additionally, some programs may offer an optional "survival course" in the native language before the start of the semester. However, it is important to note that the language of instruction should be indicated in the MyEA application.

For students interested in studying abroad at the University of Maryland, the process begins with choosing a program that aligns with their academic and personal goals. The university offers various options, including Maryland Semester or "Maryland-in" programs, exchange programs, Education Abroad (EA) affiliate programs, and other approved programs. Each program has its own unique characteristics and benefits, such as the opportunity to live and learn with local students or take advantage of excellent academic programs at partner universities.

When it comes to language requirements, the specific needs may vary depending on the chosen program and the host country. It is recommended to review the requirements for each program carefully. Additionally, students should be mindful of the application deadlines, which are usually around October 1 for winter and spring programs and March 1 for summer and fall programs.

To ensure a smooth application process, students should plan ahead and stay organized. They can seek guidance from their respective departments, such as the Office of Global Engineering Leadership for engineering students. This office assists students in exploring engineering-specific programs, planning their academic path, and selecting appropriate courses at the host institution.

In conclusion, while language requirements may vary, the University of Maryland offers a diverse range of study abroad programs that cater to students with different linguistic backgrounds. By taking advantage of these opportunities, students can gain valuable international experience, broaden their perspectives, and enhance their academic and cultural understanding.

Credit transfer

Types of Credit Transfer:

UMD offers different types of credit transfer options for students studying abroad:

• Maryland-in Programs: These programs allow students to earn resident credits while studying and living abroad with the support of the Maryland community. The credits earned overseas are seamlessly incorporated into the student's Maryland transcript.
• Exchange Programs: As an exchange student, you can enrol directly at one of Maryland's partner universities worldwide. Exchange programs are affordable, and credits earned at the host institution are generally accepted as transfer credits.
• Affiliate Programs: EA affiliates with external study abroad programs, offering flexibility in choosing a program that aligns with your interests. Most credits from affiliate programs are considered transfer credits, but some may offer resident credit opportunities.
• Other Approved Programs: EA also approves other programs outside of Maryland-in, Exchanges, and Affiliate categories. All credits earned through these programs will appear as transfer credits on your Maryland transcript.

Transfer Credit Evaluation:

The University of Maryland has specific guidelines for evaluating and accepting transfer credits:

• College-level courses completed at regionally accredited institutions with a grade of "C-" or higher will generally be accepted for transfer credit, provided they are similar in level, scope, and content to courses offered at UMD.
• Transfer courses from non-regionally accredited institutions in the US will be reviewed individually upon student request.
• Transfer courses from international institutions must be recognized by the respective country's Ministry of Education to be accepted for transfer credit.
• Transfer courses completed at Maryland public institutions with a grade of "D-" or higher are acceptable for transfer.
• Transfer courses are evaluated based on their level, scope, and expected learning outcomes compared to UMD's courses.
• The University of Maryland operates on a semester calendar system, so transfer credits from quarter, unit, or other calendar systems will be converted accordingly.

Procedures for Credit Transfer:

To ensure a smooth credit transfer process, students should follow these steps:

• Consult the Transfer Course Database to find courses evaluated by UMD for transfer.
• Obtain permission from your advising college before taking courses at another institution by submitting the necessary forms (Permission to Enroll at Another Institution or Study Abroad Course Approval).
• Ensure that the host institution/program sends an official transcript to UMD upon completion of your program.
• Work with your academic advisor to determine how the transfer credits apply toward your degree program at UMD.

Timeline for Processing Credits:

The timeline for processing and posting study abroad credits to your UMD record is as follows:

• You will receive an email from EA once they receive your study abroad transcript from the host institution.
• EA will evaluate the transcript and send it to the Registrar within 5 business days.
• The Registrar will post the credits to your UMD record within approximately 4-6 weeks.
• Typically, the entire process can take 1-3 months after your program ends.

Scholarships

The UMD Education Abroad (EA) Scholarship is another option for UMD degree-seeking undergraduate students to help with the cost of attending approved and credit-bearing study abroad programs. The scholarship is made up of several individual scholarships, each with its own eligibility requirements and award amounts. The application process, however, is the same for all. Students can be awarded up to $1,500 for winter, spring break, and summer term programs, up to $2,000 for semester programs, and up to $4,000 for year-long programs.

There are also national scholarships administered by the U.S. Government and organizations across the U.S. committed to expanding access to study abroad. Furthermore, participation in certain study abroad programs or countries can make students eligible for certain funding awards.

The University of Maryland also has Maryland-in and Maryland-led scholarship opportunities. For example, the Arts & Humanities-in-London scholarship is for students participating in the program who are degree-seeking undergraduate UMD students with in-state Maryland residency and a completed FAFSA on file. The Maryland-in-Nice scholarship awards up to $1,000 to students, with preference given to in-state residents and students who have not previously studied abroad.

Arrival preparation

Before arriving at the University of Maryland (UMD) as an international student, there are several important steps you need to take to ensure a smooth transition. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your arrival:

Online Resources:

The MyEA Portal is your one-stop shop for all the information you need before arriving at UMD, including instructions for:

• Applying for your DS-2019 on iTerp
• Charges to Your Account & Paying Your UMD Bill
• Health Insurance Requirement For Exchange Students
• Important Contacts for Exchange Students
• Important Immigration Documents & Applying for Your J-1 Visa
• And more

Make sure to familiarise yourself with these details well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Visa and Passport:

As an international student, one of the most crucial aspects of your arrival preparation is ensuring that your visa and passport are in order. Apply for your visa as soon as you receive your acceptance and gather the necessary documentation. Additionally, don't forget that a passport can take around 4-6 weeks to process, so it's advisable to apply for it as soon as you decide to study abroad.

Orientation:

UMD requires all exchange students to complete two orientations. The first is the online International Student Orientation, which you must finish before your arrival. You will receive a link for this from the ISSS Office. The second is the in-person International Student Orientation and Welcome Week, which helps with your academic, social, and cultural adjustment to UMD. This covers a range of topics, from academic culture and norms to housing services and health and safety. It's also a great opportunity to meet fellow exchange students and learn more about the local area.

Housing:

If you plan to live on campus, you will be allowed to move into your accommodation the day before the International Student Orientation commences. For the fall term, this is usually about a week before classes start, while for the spring term, it's typically the Friday before classes. If you're living off-campus, it's recommended that you arrive a few days earlier to search for suitable housing if needed.

Travel Arrangements:

When planning your travel to the UMD campus, refer to the guidelines provided on the MyEA Portal, which includes information on travelling to the campus from local airports. Additionally, as a J-1 visa exchange student, you can enter the US up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your DS-2019 form, giving you some flexibility with your travel plans.

Frequently asked questions