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Semester Abroad: Programs

Studying abroad for a semester is an amazing experience that you will remember for the rest of your life! Not only will it broaden your horizons, but it will enhance your ability to succeed in business. Students who study abroad learn how to successfully navigate foreign environments, to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and to adapt to a variety of situations. Some students may also choose to practice a foreign language; however, all of our partner schools offer courses in English.

There are three ways to study abroad for Smith students:

1. University of Maryland Programs (Undergraduates only)

University of Maryland Programs are designed for all undergraduate students (not just business students) to study abroad. These options consist of the “Maryland-in…” programs and exclusive institutional partnerships setup by the University. For more information on these programs, visit the University Study Abroad Office.

2. Smith School Exchange Partners

The Smith School has set up exclusive exchange agreements with top business schools throughout the world. These partnerships allow you to pay the same Maryland/Smith tuition and fees you normally pay while studying business courses abroad. All programs offer courses taught in English. For more information on these partners, see the pages for graduate and undergraduate students.

3. External or Direct Enroll Programs

External programs are coordinated by agencies, organizations, or for-profit companies not associated with the University of Maryland. Students participate in direct enroll programs when they take courses directly with either a foreign or American institution that offers courses abroad. Students should be aware that in order to receive business credit for these programs, the institution granting the credit must be AACSB or EQUIS accredited. More information is available here.

Determining how you will study abroad is a personal decision that is impacted by a number of factors including: financing, course transfer, choice of destination, and more! Students are highly encouraged to speak with their academic advisor and the Office of Global Programs for assistance in picking a program.

Here’s what some students said about their semester abroad experiences:

Student Quotes

“Definitely participate - it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. You won't regret any experience or penny.”

- Molly Tannen, class of 2010 (semester exchange in London)

“I wouldn’t trade my semester abroad for anything. Even if you have to take a loan for just this semester, then I definitely recommend doing it. Employers I’ve talked to, especially some US Federal agencies, like to see that I took the initiative to live abroad and that I have that cross-cultural experience. They have commented that it’s a great add to my resume. Some have also commented that just knowing that much more German from living in Vienna is very valuable and they have encouraged me to add that to my resume.”

- Sean Moore, class of 2010 (semester exchange in Vienna)

“The main point is to immerse yourself in a culture and learn something new – you get a chance to be in a whole new country and have to learn how they are and how they think. That helps when you make global friends, which is the most important thing to do while you’re there! It’s worth it just to go, just meet people and learn about their lives and how they view my life; it’s interesting to learn how they view lives in America and what opportunities they think we have -- makes me appreciate my life.”

- Christina Lam, class of 2010 (semester exchange in Hong Kong)