Apply Today to be an Exchange Student Buddy!
The Education Abroad Office is excited to announce the J-1 Exchange Buddy Program at UMBC's Center for Global Engagement! This program offers a rewarding opportunity for students to assist our new international exchange students as they adjust to life in the U.S. By joining the Buddy Program, students will be paired with a new exchange student, helping them navigate their transition and enriching their experience at UMBC. We are launching the program again for the upcoming Fall 2025 and Academic Year, and we’re looking for enthusiastic participants.
Application Deadline: April 21
How to Apply: Please review the application via this link.
If you are interested in participating, please apply! Thank you for your support, and we look forward to welcoming new buddies into our program!
Upcoming Program/Scholarship Deadlines:
Dr. Souders is available to review all scholarship applications before submission. Contact him by emailing souders@umbc.edu
April 30th: DAAD’s Young Ambassadors Application Due!
Young Ambassadors are undergraduate students who recently studied abroad in Germany (including this coming summer) and promote study in Germany at their home colleges/universities with help from DAAD. Only one student may be nominated per university.
Fulbright Forum:
Fulbright Information Session
Attend an information session to learn more about this life-changing scholarship opportunity. This award supports U.S. citizens interested in conducting research, earning a master’s degree, or teaching English in up to 140 countries throughout the world. UMBC’s Fulbright Program Advisor, Dr. Brian Souders has been holding information sessions to help UMBC students learn more about this exchange opportunity. Register through the link below.
Monday, April 21, 12:00 pm - Virtual Registration required at this link.
Start Your Fulbright Application Now!
Applications for the 2026-27 competition cycle for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program are open.To start your application, go to the Fulbright Program website <us.fulbrightonline.org>, and go to the tab marked Applicants. At the bottom of that tab, go to Online Fulbright Application.
Fulbright Base Camp #1 Getting Started!
You have come to an information session and plan to apply for this year’s competition. Now what? Come to the first of our Fulbright Base Camp series, where we learn how to navigate the Fulbright U.S. Student Program’s website and choose the program and country that best suits your skills and interests.
Tuesday, April 22, 7:00 pm, UC 204. Registration is required at this link.
Monday, April 28, 6:00 pm, UC 204. Registration is required at this link.
Program Highlight:
Are you interested in immersing yourself in the heart of Rome, where ancient history meets contemporary governance? Would you like to unravel the complexities that shape Italy's political landscape? Then you should apply for our Winter Faculty-Led course Comparative Politics and the Italian Political System in Rome, Italy! This unique program combines rigorous academic exploration with the unparalleled charm of the Eternal City and will elevate your understanding of global politics by studying the nuances of Italy's political dynamics in one of the world's most iconic settings! Applications for this program and all other Winter/Spring Break Faculty-led Programs are now open and due on September 22, 2025!
Students Abroad!
Our Abroad Ambassador Hana is currently studying abroad in Izmir, Turkey! After traveling to Greece last week, she has returned back and has realized how difficult it has been to live in a place where English isn’t widely understood. While it does leave her tired, she has enjoyed being able to immerse herself in the language and is seeing the progress that she is making in her vocabulary. She recommended some tips to other students who may have the same experiences, and you can find them in her Abroad Blog. You can also check in with many of our students who are studying abroad this semester!
Are you interested in studying abroad in Spring 2026 or Winter 2026? Advising with our Education Abroad Coordinator, Alicyn Curtis, is happening now! Be sure to attend a Study Abroad 101 session before scheduling an appointment by emailing educationabroad@umbc.edu.