Get Ready to Take Flight!
Studying abroad is one of the most priceless experiences you can take part in during your college career. It may be simple to decide whether or not you are interested in studying abroad. That is only half of the battle!
This edition of DSAC Digest will help you figure out all that you need to know if studying abroad is a top priority for you!
“I Want to Go Abroad… Now What?”
Top 3 “Can I” Considerations
Your Academic Plan
Can I fit this in my 4-year plan?
Studying abroad is more than a semester long trip. The program your choose is connected to a UMD course code. To see how this could fit into your schedule, try setting an appointment with a Feller Center advisor or your major department’s advising department!
Your Finances
Can I afford this?
Of course, your ability to study abroad can come down to money. Fortunately, there are so many available options to help fund your trip (we’ll talk about these a bit later ;)). Have a discussion with your parents or guardians about what paying for your trip will look like before even starting your application.
The Environment
Can I handle this?
There is so much happening around our world. It is important to be aware of the political and social climate of the country you are interested in traveling to. You can use the following link to do a bit of research about different countries and their travel advisory level.
“I’m Ready to Apply… Now What?”
The Main Application Sections
Selecting Your Program
Here’s the hard part: choosing where you want to go! Most of this decision can be based on the amount of credits you wish to complete, the duration of stay, the language of instruction, and more! The Application Portal details each of these things to consider for each program. Log into the Application Portal with the button below to take a peek!
Starting Your Application
The Application Portal splits each study abroad program’s application into multiple sections:
- Personal statement
- Transcript
- Consent forms
- Passport confirmation
- Financial aid
- Application fee
Here’s a pro tip for you: get started early! Since there are a lot of moving parts with the application that may take quite a bit of time to complete, work on it little by little!
Submitting Your Application
The deadline to submit your study abroad application may depend on the program and its’ duration of stay. Here is a general run-down of those deadlines! Try to plan accordingly!:
- Summer 2025 Program: February
- Fall 2025 Program: March
- Spring 2026: September
- Full Academic Year 2025-2026: March
“I’ve Been Accepted Into My Program… Now What?”
Study Abroad Financing Options
Congratulations! You are one step closer to embarking on an unforgettable journey! Now that you have been accepted, it is time to start solidifying how you will be paying for your study abroad experience!
General costs can depend on the session of the program.
- Summer/Winter/Spring Break ≈ $700
- Whole Semester ≈ $1,000
- Whole Year ≈ $2,000
When making your financial plan, do not forget to account for out-of-pocket costs. Things like personal travel, entertainment, airfare, and more will not be included in your total bill. Make sure to budget for these things separately!
Financing Your Trip
Scholarships
As stated previously, there are many opportunities available to you should you need any assistance in financing your trip. Each scholarship may depend on the location of study, eligibility requirements, and more.
- For UMD-based scholarships, learn more here.
- For national scholarships, learn more here.
- For scholarships by country, learn more here.
Pro tip: some colleges offer study abroad scholarships to eligible students. For BSOS students, please reach out to the bsos-scholarships@umd.edu for info and confirm eligibility.
Parting Advice Before You Takeoff!
Studying abroad is such an exciting opportunity! Try to keep these four tips in mind while you’re away to ensure you are making the most out of your time! For more insight on the student experience while studying abroad, check out this page of testimonials from UMD students!
Be Respectful!
Prepare for a culture shock.
Whether this is your first time abroad or not, it is critical to remain well-mannered in these unfamiliar places. You a simply a guest in whatever country you will be staying at so, make sure you treat your hosts (locals you know and don’t know) with respect!
Be Mindful!
Remember what you are there for.
Because studying abroad can be such a fun experience, it can be very easy to forget your purpose. Remember that studying abroad is meant to be an educational experience as well. Do not neglect your studies as this could reflect negatively on your academic record!
Be Dependable!
Lean on your cohort.
Once you know who will be joining you in your study abroad program, make an effort to get to know your cohort! You will be on this journey together so, it’ll be nice to have some new people to enjoy the journey with! As much as you’ll need them, they’ll probably need you too! Be as open as possible to embracing this new group of people.
Be Present!
Enjoy yourself!
Studying abroad can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience so, soak it all in! I am a huuuuuge memories person so, I would recommend checking out the following platforms to help you document your time abroad!
What’s Up With DSAC?
The BSOS Dean’s Student Advisory Council always has some amazing events planned each month so, what’s happening this month? Take a peek below!
March
DSAC Applications
Application Open Until Monday, March 31st @ 11:59 P.M.
Are you interested in joining our amazing group of dedicated student advocates? Please consider applying for the 2025-2026 BSOS Dean’s Student Advisory Council!
For more info on how to join, please visit our Join page.
To apply, please click here.
Muffins and Coffee
Location: First Floor at Tydings Hall | Date: March 12th & March 26th | Time: 9:00 A.M. to 1 P.M.
Stop by the DSAC table near the seating area on the 1st floor for some free refreshments! 🙂
BSOS Dean's Student Advisory Council 