For Advisors

Why does Study Abroad matter?

Nationwide, 75% of entering college freshmen state that they plan to study abroad during their time in college. Only 1% actually manage to do so. This is usually due to a number of perceived barriers that students confront during their time in college. Academic advisors are uniquely situated to help students understand that study abroad is possible and that most of the barriers are perceived rather than actual. The Study Abroad Office, therefore, relies on academic advisors to discuss study abroad with their advisees and to work with each and every student to find a unique international experience that suits their academic and personal needs.

So, why should you spend your time advising on study abroad? The answer is simple. Research indicates that study abroad has enormous professional and personal effects on college students. Employers are increasingly looking for “globally competent” applicants. Globally competent citizens are defined as having:

1. internationally oriented substantive knowledge
2. empathy with and appreciation of other cultures
3. foreign language proficiency
4. the practical ability to function in other cultures

Study abroad students consistently demonstrate these traits. In addition, research indicates that study abroad has an impact on intellectual development, language learning, international perspectives and personal maturity.

Furthermore, Study Abroad has been identified as a priority on UM’s campus. President Mote has stated that every UM student should study abroad before she graduates and has identified study abroad as one of the special experiences available to UM students through the President’s Promise initiative.

So, given that Study Abroad is important for UM students, how can advisors help?

This section of our site is designed to assist you in advising students interested in studying abroad. Please use the links on the right-hand side of the page to learn what programs are available to UM students, how the Study Abroad Process works at UM, and how academic advisors and Study Abroad can work together to ensure a seamless transition between College Park and the rest of the world.