Non-Maryland Programs

Students at the University of Maryland are allowed to transfer credit from a number of study abroad programs recognized by the University, but without any direct sponsorship or arrangement.
Typically, these options are administered by other American universities or by prominent study abroad organizations. Students may also  enroll directly in nationally recognized foreign institutions for transfer credit. 

  1. Attend a General Advising Session in the Study Abroad Office about one year before you wish to study abroad. You will learn about Maryland's study abroad programs, discuss what to consider when choosing a program, review the process and tour the Study Abroad Research Library.
  2. Research program possibilities on your own, narrowing your choices to your 3-5 top options.
  3. Schedule an individual advising appointment with the advisor responsible for your geographic region of choice. In individual appointments, advisors determine whether or not the program qualifies for transfer credit.  The University of Maryland Study Abroad Office does not maintain a list of approved programs.  For this reason, it is very important that you check with a study abroad advisor before applying to a non-Maryland program.
  4. Once you have decided on a first choice program, your study abroad advisor will instruct you on how to complete the ELF Application for Study Abroad.  When your study abroad advisor has approved your request, you may apply directly to the sponsoring institution or organization.
  5. When you have been accepted to your program, you will meet with your study abroad advisor to start the Permission to Study Abroad form to assure the transfer of credits and financial aid.  To complete this form, you will also need signatures from your major advisor and your college.
  6. You will pay the program fee directly to the sponsoring institution or provider.  Effective January 2009:  All Maryland students who enroll in a non-Maryland program for semester or yearlong study abroad will be charged a $400 Study Abroad Fee per program through their UM student accounts. All Maryland students who enroll in a non-Maryland program for Winter term or Summer study abroad will be charged a $250 Study Abroad Fee per program through their UM student accounts.

The Study Abroad Process diagram illustrates the steps you must take to assure transfer of credits for your program.