A: Short term study abroad programs are faculty-led courses offered overseas, normally during either Summer or Winter Term. Most of these programs are taught in English, but a few are language intensive. Maryland offers programs with a number of destinations, academic disciplines, and credit possibilities for short term.
A: Winter term programs run in January for about 2-3 weeks, and they always end before Maryland's Spring semester begins. Summer programs run during Summer Session 1 (June/July) and Summer Session 2 (August). Most of our programs last three weeks, although a few are six weeks in length.
A: The online application is available now on our website under UM Short Term Programs. After completing the online application, students must turn in all supplementary materials to the Study Abroad Office by the posted deadline. These things can include but are not limited to: official transcript, letter of recommendation, reference, personal statement, and application fee. Applications will not be considered complete without the supplementary materials.
**The Winter term 2009 application deadline is Thursday, October 2, 2008, and the Summer 2009 deadline is the beginning of March.**
A: The majority of short term study abroad programs are regular University of Maryland courses. After completing the requirements for these courses you will receive Maryland-issued credits. These credits can count towards your major, minor, or as electives. Some courses fulfill CORE requirements, others offer graduate credits and some have a service learning component. Maryland students interested in programs sponsored by other institutions must contact the Study Abroad Office to discuss credit transfer.
A: Students currently enrolled in a college or university can apply to Maryland short term programs. You can go abroad after completing one semester at UM, or as late as the term after you have graduated. All programs require at least a 2.0 GPA, and many require a 3.0 GPA. you do not necessarily have to major in the college or department that is sponsoring the program of your choice. Also, programs that have a graduate-level course listing are open to graduate students. For more information about eligibility, please visit the Short Term Programs link on our website.
A: Each program has its own program fee, which typically includes in-country transportation, housing, and some meals. Airfare is not included in these fees, but estimates for airfare are located on each program-specific page on the Short Term Program website. Programs to Australia and Western Europe are the most expensive options (approximately $2,500 to $5,000), while Asia, Latin America, and Africa range from about $1,500 to $3,500. All program prices can be found on our website by visiting the individual short term program's page, under Dates and Fees.
A: Students receiving financial aid during the academic year can apply their unused aid towards Maryland Summer programs. Winter term is not a federally recognized term; however, students may personally budget their fall semester aid in order to be able to use a portion for winter study abroad. To compensate for this, the Study Abroad office awards scholarships for UM Winter and Summer term programs. Additionally, if you or your legal guardian receive tuition remission at Maryland, you can also apply this towards a UM Winter or Summer short term program.
A: The Study Abroad Office offers partial scholarships for Maryland undergraduate students to aid with the cost of attending a short term program. These scholarships are awarded based on a combination of academic achievement and financial need.
**The last day to apply for Winter Term scholarships is Thursday, September 18, 2008. Summer scholarship applications are usually due in mid-February**
