Advising

Once you have attended a Study Abroad 101 session, you can enter into the advising phase of studying abroad.

We recommend you begin planning for your study abroad experience at least a year in advance to meet all program and scholarship deadlines. However, this is just a recommendation, not a requirement.

Peer Advisors

If you are planning to study abroad and don’t know where to start searching, you can meet with a Peer Advisor, a UMBC student who has studied abroad and been trained to help you identify a program. Please email peeradvisors@umbc.edu to schedule an appointment.

Education Abroad Advisor

The UMBC Education Abroad Advisor is here to help you sift through the hundreds of study abroad programs at your fingertips to find the right experience for you.  If you are planning to study abroad for a non-faculty-led summer or winter, semester or academic year you are required to meet with the Education Abroad Advisor to fulfill your advising requirement. If you’re interested in winter/summer faculty-led study abroad programs, although not required, you may schedule an advising meeting with the Faculty-Led Study Abroad (FLSA) Coordinator. Both staff members can provide advising regarding study abroad scholarships, and any other concerns you may have about studying abroad.

Please note that it is required to attend Study Abroad 101 before scheduling a meeting with the Advisor or Coordinator. To request an appointment, email educationabroad@umbc.edu. 

  • Advising for winter 2026 and spring 2026 programs is available now!
  • NOTE: If you are planning to apply to either ISEP Exchange, early deadline ISEP Direct or UMBC Exchange: Nanzan University, special advising times are available starting April 7, 2025. Please email educationabroad@umbc.edu to set up an appointment.

Academic Advisor

You should speak with your academic advisor(s) to find out what coursework you still have left to take, and if any of it can only be taken at UMBC or in a specific order. Once you understand your academic plan we can begin identifying programs that offer the coursework you need to stay on track. Below are some recommended questions to get the conversation started:

  • How can I review my degree audit?
  • What coursework do I need to take during ____ semester?
  • Can those courses be taken abroad or do they need to be taken at UMBC?

Financial Aid/Scholarship Advisor

If you receive financial aid or scholarships you should speak to your Financial Aid Advisor or scholarship source to determine if your funding will transfer to your study abroad program. Some recommended questions are:

  • Does my funding rely on UMBC tuition being charged?
  • Can my aid/scholarship be used toward studying abroad?
  • Have I completed my FAFSA for the term I want to study abroad? If not, when is that due?