University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC)
NEW FOR STUDENTS APPLYING FOR SPRING 2010 PROGRAMS: The UM Study Abroad Office has merit scholarship money available for students going on USAC programs. Submit the UM Study Abroad Scholarship Application by September 23, 2009!
The University Studies Abroad Consortium, affectionately known as USAC, currently offers programs in 25 countries at 39 program sites. USAC is a consortium of 33 US universities that has been providing quality study abroad programs for over 25 years.
Many USAC programs offer intensive language classes (up to 14 credits of language in one semester), with a wide range of classes taught in English such as art, art history, anthropology, biology, business, communication, cuisine, dance, ecology, economics, education, engineering, health sciences, history, literature, music, tourism, political science and more.
The University of Maryland is a member of USAC, meaning that Maryland students may apply all of their financial aid to a USAC program. Specific program and course details are available from the USAC website.
Questions about USAC programs? Send an email to Matt, our USAC Ambassador and Study Abroad Peer Mentor.
How to apply to USAC
After you have decided on a USAC program, meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to discuss your plans, then:
- Please download and read the USAC Procedures and Checklist.
- Fill out our online ELF Application for Study Abroad form. Enter your program information as "University Studies Abroad Consortium-USAC" - the subprogram is your chosen city.
Note: This online form is NOT your application to the program. It will be used to create a record for you with the Study Abroad Office. You must still apply directly to USAC. - Once your Study Abroad Advisor approves your ELF form, apply directly to USAC, either online or by mailing in the application in the catalogue. (Deadlines below are for Maryland students.)
- Spring application deadline is October 15.
- Summer application deadline is March 15.
- Fall application deadline is April 1.
- Pay the $300 deposit directly to USAC, and request via Testudo that an official UM transcript be sent directly to USAC's Central Office.
- You will receive an email from USAC stating that you must have approval from your home university. If you have not yet contacted a Study Abroad Advisor at Maryland, you should do so now.
- Once accepted, contact your UM Study Abroad Advisor to complete your Maryland paperwork. Transfer of credits is not guaranteed, and is determined by the student's academic department and college through completion of the Permission to Study Abroad form.
- Attend pre-departure orientation.
USAC Finances for Maryland students
- Pay the $300 deposit directly to USAC
- Do NOT pay the $800 deposit to USAC. Maryland charges you for the balance of the program fee in December for spring, in April/ May for summer, or in July for Fall/Full Year. (You do pay USAC directly for additional costs such as housing, optional courses and excursions.)
- All of your Financial Aid can apply to USAC programs, including the Terp Payment Plan and tuition remission.
- Program-specific partial scholarships are available to accepted students who demonstrate both financial need and academic merit. Please complete and turn in scholarship application to the Study Abroad Office by the posted deadline.
- Students applying to USAC programs are also encouraged to apply for other scholarships.
Pre-departure Orientation
All Maryland students studying on USAC programs in Spring 2010 should plan to attend a pre-departure orientation meeting in December 2009. Exact day and time TBA!