General Information

Academic Credit

Every year, UM students study abroad and receive academic credit. Students opting to study through one of the University of Maryland’s own sponsored programs may have the opportunity to take classes for resident credit. This means that the courses they take abroad have UM course numbers and titles, so that their overseas courses show up on their student record as any other course taken in College Park. Other students will choose one of UM’s transfer credit programs – or will choose to study through a non-UM program. In both of these instances, the student will receive transfer credit for their time overseas. Students choosing either of these options are bound by the UM transfer credit policy. They should also familiarize themselves with the university’s transfer credit exceptions. Questions about transfer credit can be directed to the Study Abroad Office staff.

The Role of Your Academic Department and College

Students will work closely with their academic department and College throughout the Study Abroad Process. As you plan for study abroad, you should meet with your academic advisor to complete a graduation audit and to discuss how study abroad will impact your Four-Year Plan. Once you choose a program, you will also need to complete a Permission to Study Abroad (PSA) Form in order to receive credit for any program for which you will receive transfer credit.

Registration for Study Abroad Students

As long as a student chooses an approved program and completes all required paperwork, the Study Abroad Office will register him or her as a study abroad student for his or her time abroad. Students do not need to complete their own study abroad registration. The only students who will not be registered for study abroad are those who do not complete their paperwork and those on academic probation.