Do I need to attend a general advising meeting at the UM study abroad office if I have decided on a program with USAC?
No, you do not. However, you should meet with the Study Abroad Advisor (link to advising regions) assigned to your particular region to discuss your plans before you apply.
Why are USAC’s program fees so low? Does this affect the legitimacy/quality of the program?
As a not-for-profit consortium consisting of mostly public universities, USAC’s mission is to provide students the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills, experience and attitudes to prepare them for the global society of the 21st century. This mission includes keeping costs affordable so that studying abroad is accessible to all students.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about either through USAC or UMD? Will the program fee increase by the time I am ready to apply?
UM students pay the program fees and additional costs as published in the USAC catalog and website. A $300 deposit is paid directly to USAC with the application, and the remainder of the fees are charged to students’ Maryland accounts. Students who withdraw prior to the published cancellation deposit refund deadline can be refunded $200 of the $300 deposit. USAC has rarely changed the published fee of a program, but reserves the right to do so, particularly in the event of unusual fluctuation in the exchange rate.
How do I pay my application deposit, program fee and housing?
You pay the application deposit directly to USAC together with your application. The remainder of the program fee is charged to your Maryland account, as well as the fee for certain optional excursions and courses. In some cases, you will pay for housing at the program site. In others, you will be charged at Maryland for your housing, or at least a deposit.
Depending on the program site, you may have the option to live with a local family, to live in an apartment with other Americans (or possibly locals), or to live in a student residence. The specific information for each program can be found in the USAC catalog or on the USAC website (link http://usac.unr.edu)
Why do I not fill out housing forms when I apply? Am I guaranteed housing?
Once you are accepted to the program, you will have access to your own Student Gateway, where you will find forms you need to return to USAC’s main office.
Are non-UNR students eligible to apply for the USAC scholarships as listed on USAC’s website?
There are partial scholarships available to Maryland students who demonstrate both financial need and academic merit. Scholarship application deadlines are September 15 for Spring Semester, and February 15 for Summer and Fall. Interested students should complete the UM Study Abroad Scholarship application form, available at http://www.international.umd.edu/studyabroad/189 .
How are the programs set up? What will my classes be like?
USAC offers two types of programs: Specialty and Partnership. Specialty programs are located on a university campus and have a USAC Resident Director who hires faculty, arranges housing, organizes field studies and excursions and oversees the general well-being of students. This includes intensive language courses with other international students, as well as the option to take electives taught in the language of the country.
Partnership programs have students enroll in the foreign university and give students access to the university’s full curriculum. Most of these are English speaking institutions where the student will participate in the university’s international student program. Students are advised to visit USAC’s website for specific details regarding each program and its academic course offerings.
Do I have to be fluent in the language of the country in which I am studying?
No, USAC’s Specialty programs offer intensive and immersive language courses to accommodate all levels of language ability. Most Partnership programs offer courses in English, as well as introductory courses in the host country language.
Upon deciding to study with USAC: 1) Meet with a UM Study Abroad region-specific Advisor, complete Maryland’s on-line Application for Study Abroad 2) Check with your College and Academic Department, complete an audit if necessary 3) Apply to USAC directly, following their checklist for application procedure 4) Once accepted, contact UM Study Abroad Advisor to complete your Maryland paperwork before you leave.
