Winter break is usually a time for relaxing after a tough finals week, spending time with family and eating all of the food your mom made to welcome you home. Basically, nothing too productive. But for some people, winter break is an excuse to take advantage of your extra free time and study abroad.
Photo Courtesy of Brittney Flack
“Most people don’t do much over winter break, so this is a great way to use the time to go abroad and get credit,” said Brittney Flack, a senior finance and international business major who went to London for a British design and culture class last winter.
University of Maryland offers a wide variety of winterterm study abroad programs on every continent in the world and in many subjects, like art history, engineering, business and landscape architecture.
“As a business major, it makes a lot of sense to travel to China; after all it is the second largest economy,” explained Nicole Blahut, a junior supply chain management and operations management major who took a course through the QUEST program called Doing Business in China.
Photo Courtesy of Nicole Blahut
Even though students are only in the country for a few weeks – as opposed to months in a semester-long program – they still get to immerse themselves in the culture.
“I like that you gain experience and awareness of different societies and get to learn while actually in the field,” shared Alice Lu, a sophomore international business major who is going to Singapore and Malaysia this winter to learn about business there.
Photo Courtesy of Nicole Blahut
For many students, it’s hard to study abroad for an entire semester, whether because of class requirements, finances or homesickness. And in the summer, students may be working or interning.
“I personally did not want to go away for an entire semester because I love Maryland so much and didn’t want to miss out on a semester. Plus I probably won’t experience as much homesickness on a shorter trip,” said Stephanie Winter, an electrical engineering major who is going to Australia this winter to study international business for engineering and technology.
If you’re worried about the cost, University of Maryland offers many ways to help finance your trip. Talk to advisors in the study abroad program and within your major. They can tell you about scholarships and fundraising opportunities.
“Money shouldn’t be the reason you don’t study abroad,” shared Flack. “It’s such a life-changing opportunity that might not be available to you after you graduate, so take advantage of it.”
It’s too late to go on a trip this winter, but it’s never too early to look into one for next year. Go to UMD’s Education Abroad website or search for other independent programs.