Welcome Back!
The UMD Education Abroad office understand the challenges of returning home after your time abroad. We're here to support you as you readjust to life in the U.S. Visit us when you return to campus; we love hearing about your experiences and discussing any concerns you may have.
Your feedback helps us improve our programs and offers valuable advice to future students. All UMD education abroad participants receive a survey after their program. Thank you in advance for your input!
Reverse Culture Shock
Before going abroad, you knew your life would change. However, returning home might be harder than expected. Readjusting to life back home can be more challenging than adjusting to life abroad because you now see it through different eyes.
Reverse culture shock is the unexpected challenge of returning to the familiar. Remember that life at home continued while you were away. Take time to readjust slowly. You may think differently about the U.S. and reflect on the differences between it and your host country. Friends and family may show interest in your stories and photos but might not fully understand your experiences. Expect some degree of reverse culture shock. For more information, visit StudentsAbroad.
Program Contact
Sign up to be a contact for your program that potential students can reach out to with questions by filling out this Alumni Contact form. Share your stories and help students figure out which program is best for them. Students love hearing from other students, and your perspective is invaluable to students considering studying abroad.
Photo & Video Contest
Enter the annual UMD Education Abroad Photo Contest. Submit your best photos from your travels abroad. The top photos are displayed in the UMD Northern Shores Coffee shop and winners are awarded prizes! Watch your email and check our social media for info on the next contest.
Education Abroad Ambassador Program
The Education Abroad Ambassador Program lets you share your adventures and promote education abroad opportunities to future students, faculty, and staff. It's a chance to stay connected with your experience and grow personally and professionally. Look out for an email after you return, or email us at [email protected] with your name, email, major, program name, and term(s) abroad to learn more.
Work in the UMD Office of International Affairs
The UMD Office of International Affairs employs education abroad alumni to work as Peer Advisors. Your stories and experiences abroad are invaluable for recruiting and advising education abroad students. Watch your email and student employment listings for job openings.
Career Services
Visit Career Services to learn how to incorporate your experience abroad in résumés and interviews. Move beyond simply listing “study abroad” on your resume and learn how to showcase skills such as leadership, adaptability, confidence, self-reliance, and intercultural aptitude in future applications and interviews. Learn how UMD Education Abroad can help develop your career path!
International Community at UMD
Opportunities to engage with the international community at UMD exist through the Office of International Student Services.
- UMD International Club is a student organization that provides all students with the opportunity to better understand and participate in different cultures. The club offers numerous activities throughout the year and allows students to hold various positions within the club.
- The International Student Mentor program is designed to assist incoming degree-seeking international students at UMD to better adapt to a new environment and academic system. Think back to how you felt when you first arrived in the country where you studied abroad.
Go Abroad Again!
Check out other programs offered by our office. It is absolutely possible to participate in another program while attending UMD! If you've graduated, Go Overseas: Programs Abroad or volunteer opportunities such as Peace Corps, internships, and graduate schools abroad are other ways to continue to further your international education and experience.
Order an Education Abroad Graduation Sash
The Office of International Affairs congratulates all of our education abroad graduates. We are excited to offer you the opportunity to purchase a graduation sash recognizing your UMD education abroad experience! The sash will feature the flag(s) of the country/countries in which you studied abroad.
2026 Sash Order Details
Order online directly from Vision Wear
- You must use your @d.umn.edu or @umn.edu email address to order
- When entering your payment billing address, make sure to use your credit card billing address (this may differ from your current address)
- Use the code "UMDULUTH-SPRING26" for free standard shipping to our office (UMD OIA /Education Abroad)
- Deadlines
- Early order deadline March 19, 2026 (estimated arrival week of April 6th)
- Final order deadline April 13, 2026 (estimated arrival week of April 27th)
IPS staff will notify you via your University email when your sash is ready to be picked up. If you have any questions, email us at [email protected].