Snapshot
Dates
Deadlines vary; view AIFS' specific program pages for application deadlines. While early application is strongly encouraged, you must apply to UMD at least two weeks before the AIFS deadline, or by the UMD standard term deadlines:
Term | UMD final Application | Program | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall or Academic Year | March 15 | varies | varies |
| Spring or Calendar Year | October 15 | varies | varies |
| Winter Break | October 15 | varies | varies |
| May or Summer Term | February 1 | varies | varies |
Feel free to meet with a program coordinator before you apply
About Affiliate Programs
AIFS - American Institute for Foreign Study
AIFS is one of UMD's affiliate study abroad program providers. AIFS provides high-quality international academic programs and services to thousands of students each year. Students can choose from more than 70 comprehensive study abroad programs spanning 20 countries offered during the semester, academic year, summer, or winter break.
The majority of support services will come from AIFS staff, but students will also work with UMD staff during the planning process and program. Search program options below and connect with a UMD study abroad coordinator to learn more.
Academics
Courses Abroad
AIFS programs offer a wide range of subject areas! Check out courses available through AIFS and meet with your academic advisor to discuss your grad plan and think about courses you could take abroad.
UMD Study Abroad Course Database
The UMD Study Abroad Course Database is an inventory of courses from around the world, that have been officially reviewed at UMD.
- Searching for AIFS Courses already reviewed in our Study Abroad Course Database is a great way to see if there are courses already approved to satisfy your degree requirements through ASA programs. (Select "API - Academic Programs International" in the provider field.)
- NOTE: If you find a course on the API website that is not in the UMD Study Abroad Course Database, you can get that course reviewed at UMD prior to program participation, so you know how it will contribute to your degree progress.
Cost Information
AIFS Program Costs
AIFS' program prices vary from location to location. When looking at a specific program, you can begin to determine pricing by using the following formula:
| AIFS' Program Fee | Find on AIFS' program webpages |
|---|---|
| UMD Study Abroad Fee | + $2,000 (semester) OR $1,300 (short-term) |
| International Insurance | + $2.50/day |
| Cost Billed to UMD Account | = Subtotal |
| Out-of-Pocket Expenses* | + (varies by program) |
| Total Estimated Cost | = Total Expenses |
- View information regarding how program costs are calculated
- Consider your spending habits and connect with AIFS to determine out-of-pocket expenses such as airfare, meals, housing, excursions, travel, etc.*
- Compare this program cost to UMD's cost of attendance for an academic year
Financial Aid
Consult with One Stop to see how financial aid can apply to study abroad.
- Receive guidance about all things money-related
- Ask for estimates and budget samples
- Learn when and how financial aid is disbursed
- Ask about other scholarship opportunities & loan info
Plan your budget
Download this Study Abroad Budget Planning Form to estimate costs. Create duplicates to compare this program with others.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
- UMD Study Abroad Scholarships
- Note: credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used in tuition banding
Travel Documents
- Get a passport. If you already have one, make sure its expiration date lasts at least 6 months after your program ends
- AIFS will provide guidance on visa requirements, resident permits, and other documents as applicable
- Roundtrip airfare should only be purchased after official acceptance from the university abroad
Contact
Apply
How to Apply & Deadlines
Deadlines vary; view AIFS specific program pages for application deadlines.
- Early applications are strongly encouraged
- Feel free to meet with a program coordinator before you apply
When you're ready to apply
- Apply through UMD's Education Abroad portal first, before applying to AIFS.
- Before you click on the "Start your application" button below, make sure you know how to identify your correct program by searching for the program name and term (e.g., UMD - AIFS Study in Lisbon, Portugal: Instituto Universitario de Lisboa (ISCTE)- Fall Semester 2028)
- *If you cannot find the program or term you wish to apply to, you will be able to notify us in the application system, so you can complete your application.
- Once your program is set up, you will be notified and can then move forward with completing and submitting your application.
- A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an online application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- All application checklist items need to be submitted by the application deadline which is noted near the top of the page.
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
