Non-UM Affiliated 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 programs fall into three main categories:
- Programs administered by other U.S. universities
- Programs administered by study abroad organizations (learn more about program providers)
- Direct enrollment at a nationally - recognized foreign institution
What do you do if you want to study abroad through one of these types of programs?
Learn about the study abroad process and research programs:
Attend a General Advising Session in the Study Abroad Office about one year before you wish to study abroad.
Research program and funding possibilities on your own, using the resource library in the Study Abroad Office. A Study Abroad peer mentor can help you narrow your options to 2-3 programs.
Check in with your academic advisor in your major or college about the timing and courses you can take while studying abroad
Make sure credits can transfer back to Maryland, then apply to the institution or provider
Meet with the study abroad advisor responsible for your geographic region of choice to determine whether or not the program qualifies for transfer credit. (The University of Maryland Study Abroad Office does not publish a list of approved non-affiliated programs.)
Once you have decided on a first choice program approved for transfer of credit to UM, 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.
Complete Permission to Study Abroad paperwork
Bring the list of classes you plan to take, including 2-3 alternates, to your study abroad advisor to start the Permission to Study Abroad form.
If you currently receive financial aid or have ever taken out loans for school, bring the dates and the breakdown of costs for the program so you can start the Study Abroad Financial Aid Worksheet.
Once you and your study abroad advisor have started the form, you will bring it to your major advisor (and minor, if applicable) and your college for their approval.
Return the completed form, along with a printout of your ELF Application for Study Abroad, to the Study Abroad Office by the last day of classes the semester before your program.
Paying for your program
You will pay the program fee directly to the sponsoring institution or provider.
You will not pay tuition to Maryland for the term you study abroad. You will just pay a Study Abroad Fee (effective January 2009), which is charged to your student account:
Semester or Yearlong program: $400/ program
Winterterm or Summer program: $250/ program
Financial aid is disbursed 10 days before your program begins, so remember to plan for costs that may be due earlier, like flights, passports, visas and housing deposits.
Transcripts and grades
Remember to have your official study abroad transcript sent to the Study Abroad Office at Maryland so that we can evaluate it for transfer credit. It usually takes 6-8 weeks for transfer credits to post.