When choosing a study abroad program, there are two primary types of program to consider. The first one is known as direct enrollment programs, wherein UMBC’s Study Abroad Office organizes directly with a partnered university to send a student, usually in return for accepting a student from that university.

The second is a program run by what is called a “study abroad provider.” Through this method the provider contracts independently with a plethora of universities and can move students freely throughout their system of contracts.

The major consideration between these two methods is cost against features. Direct enrollment is often significantly cheaper at face value than programs offered through providers. Sometimes the cost of a semester directly enrolled through another university can be less than a semester at UMBC, especially for out-of-state students, and if not, it is often matched at the exact cost of in-state tuition.

However, providers offer many necessities that direct enrollment programs neglect. These range from housing, meal plans and discounted flights to planned excursions, insurance and access to advising at specialty offices.

These provisions do come with a hefty price tag, with a semester through a program with a provider often ranging from a low of $15,000 up to $20,000 or more. On top of that, the things they provide are often deficient in ways not immediately apparent until after the fact. For instance, a flight provided may have to be scheduled months in advance, with little flexibility if one wants to spend more time in the country before or after a program starts.

On top of that, the security and support they provide come at the cost of freedom to have a study abroad experience on one’s own terms. In my experience, for about a week after I touched down in Seoul to the start of classes proper at Yonsei University, I had very little freedom to go explore things on my own terms or even set my own schedules. I was given an itinerary to follow, and I was told to stick to it.

Admittedly, on the itinerary, were things I wanted to do on the first place: exploring Seoul with some local interns hired by my provider, going to see the DMZ, visiting a Buddhist temple in the southern mountains — all great trips. Getting there was also certainly made easier by the company who had established a method for these sorts of excursions and knew more about Korean travel than I certainly did.

Ultimately, the value of a study abroad provider boils down to whether one would see their features as supportive in nature or smothering in nature. If one has considerable anxiety about the prospect of being alone in a foreign country, it has significant value. If one does not have such anxiety and is an experienced or overly enthusiastic traveler, the value one gains from a provider is more limited.

If you are unsure where you fit in this dichotomy, I would recommend going to Study Abroad 101, a short seminar offered by the UMBC Study Abroad Office, and talking to an advisor there.

An influx of walk-out protests against gun violence, led by high school students, are fast-approaching. One takes place on Wednesday, March 14. Some of these young people were threatened by their respective high schools with suspension if they walked out of class in order to observe 17 minutes of protest (one minute for each Parkland, Florida shooting victim) on the grounds of disruption.

With the fear of being rejected from colleges due to a suspension on their transcript, students asked prospective schools what their fate would be in the application process if such a blight existed on their academic record. Universities generally responded with a resounding “no,” confirming there would be no repercussions if students peacefully protested and were suspended as a result.

UMBC has joined with other universities and put out a statement regarding the issue. In an interview, UMBC officials confirmed that, “participation in peaceful protests and demonstrations in support of important social issues will not negatively affect admissions decisions.” The discussion is supported by UMBC’s official policy on peaceful protest, stating that, “UMBC is committed to inclusive excellence, social justice and freedom of expression.”

This is the correct response from colleges when faced with underage students promptly contributing to society through civic responsibilities protected by the First Amendment. Senior English major Erin Tyler, working towards a certification in early childhood education to become a teacher, believes, “[protesting] is an exercise of their First Amendment right as citizens … in order for students to become successful members of society and agents of change for our country, they should feel empowered to work towards these goals.”

Every college that is interested in upholding the American right of protesting for what one believes in should join UMBC and the host of others who made official statements concerning the subject. Universities are the perfect place for students to broaden their minds and participate in their community, whether through peaceful protest, boycotting or fundraising. These acts should be encouraged for high school students, especially those motivated to do so on a college level.

Protesting indicates a healthy involvement in social issues by students, something which is part of the very foundation of higher education and American values itself. The Houston principal who started this conversation due to his suspension warning is impeding on the students’ right to protect their own interests against the plethora of gun violence incidents in their schools.

“I do think that on some days, the walk-outs are disruptive to the classroom and the learning environment … that being said, I wholeheartedly believe … when those fundamental parts of education and life are called into question, it should absolutely be the right of students and educators to make their voices heard. I stand with students who feel victimized and unheard. The safety of our children in schools should be a top priority,” Tyler stated.

The issue of gun violence is a far-reaching and complicated one in the United States. Tensions and emotions are running high. However, no matter what, civic involvement through protest or other means should never be discouraged for young people by authority figures. High schools should recognize their students’ passion for social issues and college admissions should overlook any disciplinary matters that may arise from young people’s community involvement.

Congratulations on a terrific season @UMBCAthletics. You made all of Baltimore proud this week.

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 19, 2018

It wasn’t the ending we were rooting for, but you made BMore proud! Can’t wait to host the @UMBC_MBB team at Oriole Park this summer and celebrate your historic season.

As UMBC left the tunnel, the Spectrum Center erupted with cheers, as the first 16 seed to ever beat a 1 seed entered the court for warmups. UMBC played Kansas State in the round of 32, marking the first appearance for UMBC in the second round of the NCAA tournament ever.

Freshman-forward Daniel Akin won the tip off to start the game off on the right foot for the Retrievers. UMBC took advantage of their first possession but missed a jumper early. After back and forth missed shots, UMBC scored first. The Retrievers went on a 7-0 run before the Wildcats scored their first field goal 7 minutes into the game.

Defensively, both teams came out hard to shut down the opposing offense. UMBC stifled Kansas State for the first few minutes before the Wildcats mounted a comeback. The Retrievers held the lead until the 08:31 mark when Kansas State took over 15-14.

Kansas State were on a run into the last 2 minutes of the game, when they finished the half scoring 25. UMBC hung in the game, making the halftime score 25-20 to the Kansas State Wildcats. UMBC was only shooting 29.2% from the field, and 22.2% from 3-point range.

After halftime, UMBC came out firing, putting up shots early, only to have Kansas State respond. The Retrievers fought hard, putting themselves in a prime position to take over the game, working hard on both ends of the court.

By the 12-minute mark in the second half, UMBC brought the game to within 1 point, at 32-31. The entire arena began cheering “UMBC” minus the Kansas State contingent. Senior-guard KJ Maura spent the first 8 minutes putting up 3 pointers and playing remarkable defense.

With just 9:42 left in the game, the score was 34-33, with UMBC working hard to keep the game close and push for a lead. No points were scored for a long 3-minute stretch for both sides, as defense prevailed on both sides, and turnovers causing both coaches to become more stressed.

Graduate-guard Jairus Lyles put up a 3 pointer with 5 minutes remaining to bring the game back within 1 point after Kansas scored, to put the score at 38-37, with the Retrievers right on the heels of the Wildcats.

With 4 minutes remaining, UMBC found themselves down 5 points, with the score sitting at 42-37, and the Retrievers struggling to convert chances. With just 1-minute remaining in the game, UMBC found themselves down by 5, playing great defense, but unable to shoot well, only shooting 30% from the field. As the time wound down, the Retrievers resorted to fouling for a chance to get the ball back. Kansas State converted free throws, and with little time left all the Retrievers could do was play defense hard and not let the Wildcats score again.

With 10 seconds remaining, UMBC substituted in the bench players who worked hard to help their team get to where they are today. UMBC shocked the world by beating the number one team in the country, but their missed chances from the free throw line and from the field would be the downfall. The final score was 50-43 to Kansas State. UMBC fought to the end and no one will ever be able to take away from them what they did in the tournament.