UMBC's faculty and staff are dedicated to the provision of international opportunities to all of its students.  UMBC recognizes the growing relevance of overseas study and supports students in their plans to study abroad. 

At the same time, the University is concerned with the well being of its student body.  We recognize that the United States government has designated certain countries to be potentially dangerous locations for American travelers.  Terrorism, war, disease and other risks must be taken seriously, both by the University staff and by individual students and their families.

UMBC, like most other US universities, uses the US Department of State's travel warning guidelines when it determines in which international sites it permits its students to study.  Students who wish to study in a location where the US Department of State has posted a travel warning should pay special heed to the fact that there are specific risks that may be involved in your prospective study abroad program.  UMBC students should weigh these potential risks as they choose whether or not to participate in such a program.

As permitted under University policy, we allow students to transfer credit to UMBC from accredited study abroad programs and/or internationally accredited universities.  However, in such situations, the University observes the following policy:  if the US Department of State issues a travel warning for a country in which a UMBC student plans to study, the student must complete a special waiver before he or she leaves the UMBC campus for his or her study abroad program. The student must also have a parent, guardian or other appropriate next of kin sign the special wavier.

Please contact the Study Abroad Office if you have questions or concerns about this policy update.