Program Details

Ecuador Landscape

UMD Study Abroad programs have been strategically developed and evaluated for academic standards, student support, safety requirements, and overall quality. 

UMD Programs 

UMD Semester & Year Programs

We partner and work directly with universities abroad to offer semester and year-long options all around the world. Study Abroad staff develop, administer, and evaluate these experiences. You’ll receive support and services during the entire process from UMD Study Abroad and host university abroad staff. Select courses from a wide range of options. Credits will be posted as resident credit. Participants in semester and year programs may include other UMD students, students from across the U.S., and/or international students.

UMD Short-term Programs:

  • UMD Summer Programs: Structured similarly to semester and year programs above, but are shorter in length (typically 1–2 months).
  • UMD Instructor-Led Programs: Led by UMD faculty and/or staff, these programs usually run during semester breaks (May, Summer, or Winter Break). Programs are focused on a specific course/subject area and generally include other UMD students.
  • International Student Teaching Programs: Run in collaboration with the College of Education and Human Service Professions (CEHSP), these programs are for Education majors (Unified Early Childhood Education, Integrated Elementary Special Education, and Secondary Education).

Affiliate Programs

View more locations! In addition to programs we’ve developed directly with universities abroad, we collaborate with affiliate study abroad program providers. This allows us to provide the most robust program options. 

Study Abroad partners with affiliate study abroad organizations to offer additional short-term, semester, and year study abroad locations all over the globe. You’ll receive support from both our staff and the affiliate program staff. View featured affiliate programs on our website. These include programs that are often a better fit for UMD students, are more familiar to Study Abroad staff, and are often eligible for a discount. However, there are many other affiliate program options beyond UMD’s featured list. The majority of support services come from affiliate staff–U.S.based and on-site. Credits from affiliate programs will be posted as resident credit. If participating in an any affiliate program, your first application step is to complete the UMD application.

Affiliate Partnership Study Abroad Organizations:

 Learn more about specific programs >

UMD Collegiate Programs

Your college (CEHSP, CAHSS, LSBE, SCSE) may offer further international educational opportunities that aren’t currently listed through our office, so don’t hesitate to check with your department to see if other opportunities are available. 

Non-Affiliate Programs

Non-affiliate programs are not vetted or approved by UMD Study Abroad, UMD collegiate units, or UMD departments. For additional information, view the non-affiliate webpage.

Program Lengths

Search Semester & Year Programs >

  • Go abroad independently for a semester or year - you’ll receive tons of support from UMD and on-site staff
  • Experience being a student at a different university abroad
  • Offers the most time to immerse yourself in another culture with ample time to explore and travel
  • A variety of programs are offered to suit different majors and minors at UMD

Search Short-term Programs >

  • Direct Short-term Study Programs
    • Go abroad independently for a few weeks up to 3 months during break - you’ll receive tons of support from UMD and on-site staff
    • Experience begin a student at a university abroad
    • Immerse yourself in another culture with time to explore and travel
    • A variety of programs are offered to suit different majors and minors at UMD
  • UMD Instructor-Led Programs | May, Summer, or Winter Break
    • Go abroad with a group of students as part of a UMD course
    • Programs are led by UMD faculty and are 2–6 weeks in length
    • Course topics vary yearly and range from 3–6 credits
    • Anyone from any major can apply as long as pre-requisites are met
  • UMD International Student Teaching
    • Education majors can fulfill student teaching requirements abroad
    • Programs are run in partnership with UMD's Department of Education

FAQs:

  • How long can I study abroad? You can study abroad for a semester, year, or on a short-term program (winter break or May/summer term). Some students study abroad more than once!
  • How do I apply? The entire application process is online. Steps vary depending on the program. Visit individual program web pages for specific instructions. Note that most programs have an application fee. UMD’s study abroad application fee is $50.
  • What can I study? Almost anything! There are a variety of subject areas offered in most programs making it possible to find something that can apply to your degree requirements. You can fulfill Liberal Education requirements, degree requirements, or take electives. Bonus: enrolling in specified UMD study abroad programs fulfills the UMD Global Perspectives Liberal Education requirement at UMD! Browse our Study Abroad Course Database to see which classes past students have taken abroad and begin the academic planning process early.
  • Will I receive academic credit for my studies abroad? Yes. You’ll receive academic credit for all coursework you complete abroad.
  • How much does studying abroad cost? Costs vary! We offer programs that cost less than, the same as, and more than what you pay at UMD. Browse program costs on any specific study abroad program page. Use our budget planning tool to plan and compare costs at UMD and abroad.
  • Does financial aid apply? Yes. Financial aid may apply to study abroad costs. Check out more info about financial aid and study abroad. (Note: you must be a degree-seeking student to be eligible for financial aid.)
  • Do I need to know another language? No. While we encourage learning a new language and phrases in the language of your host country, all program locations offer courses taught in English (with the exception of language programs).
  • When is the best time to study abroad? You can study abroad any time after freshman year (or completing 24 college credits, post completion of high school)—even as soon as the summer after your first year! Be sure to check with your academic or professional advisor to determine the best time for you to study abroad. You may apply to a program during freshman year but must have completed freshman year in good standing to participate