Go Global, Terps! Your Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad at the University of Maryland
Hey everyone! If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming in the McKeldin Library about sipping coffee in a Roman piazza or hiking through the mountains of New Zealand, you’re in the right place. Here’s the thing about being a student at the University of Maryland, College Park: the world is genuinely at your fingertips. UMD has an absolutely incredible study abroad program, and honestly, it’s a HUGE part of the Terp experience for so many people.
We’re not just talking about a brochure in a dusty office. We’re talking about a massive, well-oiled machine designed to get you out into the world. Turns out, over 23% of Terps study abroad before they graduate—that's more than double the national average! So, if you’ve got that travel bug, you’re in good company.
But where do you even start? The idea of picking a country, figuring out classes, and handling all the logistics can feel overwhelming. I get it. That’s why I’ve dug deep into everything UMD’s Education Abroad office has to offer to create this all-in-one guide. We'll cover the different types of programs, how the costs actually break down, and the step-by-step process to make it happen.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or bubble tea from The Stamp) & let’s get into it.
Why is Everyone at UMD Studying Abroad?
First off, let's talk about the why. UMD doesn't just treat studying abroad as a fun vacation (though it is REALLY fun). They see it as a core part of a modern education. Students come back with skills that make them stand out in job interviews & grad school applications—things like cultural awareness, adaptability, & problem-solving. You learn to navigate ambiguity, become more resilient, & see the world, and even the U.S., from a totally new perspective.
The university has a dedicated team of Education Abroad (EA) advisors who are there to hold your hand through the entire process. They help you pick a program, figure out how to get credit for your major, apply for financial aid, & even support you while you’re on the other side of the planet. It’s this incredible support system that makes going abroad feel not just possible, but totally achievable.
Plus, with over 300 programs in more than 60 countries, there is, and I mean this literally, something for everyone.
Finding Your Perfect Fit: The Different Program Types
Okay, this is probably the most important part to understand. "Study abroad" isn't a one-size-fits-all deal at Maryland. There are a few different flavors, and picking the right one depends on your academic needs, your budget, & your personal comfort zone.
Maryland-in Programs: The Best of Both Worlds
Think of these as curated UMD experiences in another country. Programs like "Maryland-in-Barcelona" or "Maryland-in-Sevilla" are designed and vetted by UMD. The HUGE advantage here is that you earn UMD resident credit, which means no stressing about how your classes will transfer back. The courses are seamlessly incorporated into your transcript.
These programs often have a strong community feel, with a group of other Terps studying alongside you. They’re also built to be more than just classes; many include opportunities for international internships, joining local clubs, or living in a homestay to really boost your resume & immerse you in the culture. If you want a structured, supportive experience with guaranteed credit, this is a fantastic option.
Exchange Programs: The Authentic & Affordable Route
If you're an independent spirit who wants the full, authentic university experience in another country, an exchange program is where it's at. Here, you directly enroll in one of UMD’s partner universities around the globe. You’ll be living & learning with local students, truly pushing your boundaries.
Here's the best part: you pay your regular UMD tuition. That’s right. If you’re an in-state student, you pay the in-state rate. Out-of-state? You pay your out-of-state rate. This makes exchanges one of the MOST affordable ways to study abroad for a whole semester. UMD even offers a $1,000 waiver to exchange participants who don't already have a full tuition scholarship. It’s a pretty sweet deal.
Maryland-led Programs: Short, Sweet, & Super Focused
Don't have a full semester to spare? No problem. Maryland-led programs are short-term courses led by UMD faculty during winter, summer, or spring break. These are intense, immersive experiences focused on a specific topic. Imagine working on a design project with Italian students in Italy or visiting migrant women's centers in Sweden as part of your coursework.
You’ll be with a UMD professor & a small group of UMD students, so you get to form really tight bonds. Like the Maryland-in programs, you earn resident credit, so it’s an easy way to stay on track for graduation while having an incredible global experience.
Affiliate Programs: The World is Your Oyster
If you have a very specific goal or dream destination that isn't covered by the other program types, affiliate programs are your answer. UMD partners with a ton of other schools & third-party organizations to give you the widest possible range of options. This gives you incredible flexibility to find that perfect niche program, whether it’s in a unique location or focused on a very specific academic field. For these, you'll have two applications: one for UMD's approval & one for the affiliate provider itself.
Demystifying the Dollars: Can You Actually Afford This?
Let’s be real, this is the number one question on everyone’s mind. The answer is a resounding YES. UMD puts a huge emphasis on making global education accessible, & there are tons of resources to help.
First, it’s a myth that studying abroad always costs more than a semester in College Park. In some cases, especially with exchange programs, it can actually cost LESS. The key is to plan ahead.
Here’s a basic breakdown of the costs:
- Application & Deposit: When you apply, there's a small, non-refundable $50 application fee. Once you're accepted & decide to go, you'll pay a $400 confirmation deposit, which gets applied to your total program fee.
- Program Fee: This is the main cost & it varies a LOT by program. It typically includes tuition, and for some programs (like faculty-led), it also includes housing & mandatory international health insurance.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This is the stuff you need to budget for separately. Think passport & visa fees, your round-trip flight, local transportation, books, food, & any personal travel you want to do on the weekends.
The Education Abroad office is super transparent about this stuff. Every program page has a cost estimate spreadsheet linked to it, so you can see a detailed breakdown before you even apply.
Now, for the good part: funding your adventure.
- Your Existing Financial Aid: For fall & spring semester programs, you can typically use your existing financial aid package—scholarships, grants, loans, you name it. It travels with you!
- Education Abroad Scholarships: UMD offers over $850,000 in study abroad scholarships. That is NOT a typo. The main "Education Abroad Scholarship" is built right into your program application in the MyEA portal, making it super easy to apply.
- National Scholarships: The EA office also points you toward big-name national scholarships like the Gilman Scholarship & others that are specifically for students studying abroad.
The bottom line is: don’t let the price tag scare you away. Meet with an advisor, look at the cost breakdowns, & apply for every scholarship you can find.
The Journey Begins: Your Step-by-Step Application Guide
Ready to make it happen? The process is more straightforward than you might think. Here’s the game plan:
Step 1: Dream & Explore (The Fun Part!)
This is where you let your imagination run wild. Head over to the Education Abroad website & use the Program Search tool. You can filter by country, term, academic focus, & more. Another amazing tool is the Study Abroad Course Database. It shows you courses students have taken abroad in the past, which can help you see how different programs could fit into your four-year plan. Take notes on programs that catch your eye.
Step 2: Meet with the Experts
Once you have a few ideas, it’s time to talk to the pros. You'll want to schedule two key meetings:
- Your Global Learning Advisor: This person is your study abroad guru. They work in the Education Abroad office & will help you narrow down your choices based on your goals, academics, & budget. They know these programs inside & out.
- Your Academic Advisor: This is CRUCIAL. Your academic advisor will help you figure out exactly how the courses you take abroad can satisfy your major, minor, or GenEd requirements. You want to make sure you stay on track for graduation.
Step 3: The Application Itself (MyEA Portal)
Everything happens in the MyEA portal. You’ll log in with your UMD ID & password to start your application.
- For Maryland-in & Maryland-led programs, the entire application is done through MyEA.
- For Exchange & Affiliate programs, you have to complete the MyEA application and a separate application for the host university or provider.
The application will ask for things like a transcript, a list of courses you plan to take, & maybe a few short essays. Pay close attention to the deadlines! They are firm. For example, applications for Winter, Spring, & Spring Break 2026 open on May 6th.
Step 4: Getting Ready to Go! (Pre-Departure)
Once you’re accepted & you’ve confirmed your spot, the Education Abroad office will guide you through everything you need to do before you fly out. This includes pre-departure orientations, visa paperwork, & health & safety briefings.
And hey, while you’re planning your semester or summer away, you might start thinking about logistics here at home. If you need to move out of your dorm or apartment & have stuff you don't want to haul back to your parents' place, using a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. You can find affordable, convenient storage in someone’s garage or basement right near campus. It’s a great way to keep your belongings safe without paying for a pricey commercial storage unit. Similarly, if you have a car on campus & won't be using your parking spot, you could rent it out on Prked to a commuter student or local resident & make some extra cash to fund your travels. It's a pretty cool way to make the most of your resources.
Just Go For It
Honestly, studying abroad is one of the most transformative things you can do in college. It’s a chance to challenge yourself, learn more about who you are, & see the world from a completely different vantage point. The skills & memories you’ll gain will stick with you long after you’ve graduated & walked past Testudo for the last time.
The team at UMD has built an incredible program that makes this experience possible for thousands of students every year. From the Study Abroad Fair in the fall to one-on-one advising appointments, they are there to help you every step of the way.
I hope this was helpful in breaking down what can seem like a massive undertaking. The process is simple, the hardest part is just deciding where in the world you want to go.
Let me know what you think – are you planning to study abroad? Where are you dreaming of going?
