Applications Open for 2019 Study Abroad Programs

Smith School undergraduates have many opportunities to develop their global mindset, including through study abroad. Studying abroad gives students the opportunity to expand their network, gain skills needed to compete in a global economy, and discover a new sense of adaptability. Devin Thrasher, a Senior Accounting Major, participated in Accounting’s Future, Present, and Past last winter and strongly recommends the program. “It was an incredible way to travel the world while preparing for a professional career and exploring employment options with like-minded individuals.” Applications for 2019 short-term and semester programs are open now.

In the 2016-17 academic year, over 300 undergraduate business students studied abroad on a variety of programs including short-term, semester exchange, and summer global internships. 37% of Smith undergraduates study abroad; the highest percentage out of all UMD colleges. This rate of participation truly reflects the Smith school’s dedication to global business education. “Companies are telling us they want students and recent graduates with the skills to work effectively across borders and markets. Offering study abroad and on-campus global programs is absolutely essential in ensuring our students are not only competing but thriving in the global economy,” says Rebecca Bellinger, Executive Director, Center for Global Business (CGB).

The CGB currently offers 20 business exchange programs in Europe, Asia, and Australia, allowing students to study at one of the Smith School’s preeminent partners. Smith exchange partners include Università Comerciale Luigi Bocconi in Milan, IE University in Madrid, and the School’s newest program at Singapore Management University. Students can take a full course load of business credits abroad in English while immersing themselves in a new culture. There is a variety of options to suit students’ academic and financial needs, including through UMD’s Maryland-in programs and third-party provider offerings.

For winter 2019, the Smith School is proud to offer 4 faculty-led short-term programs carrying BMGT credit. Students who participate in these programs earn 3 credits while studying abroad for 10-22 days.

• South Africa: Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Contemporary South African Context (BMGT498I) led by Associate Dean Victor Mullins and Jeanette Snider
• Japan: From Quality Past to Automated Future (BMGT438L) led by Professors Pamela Armstrong and David Ashley
• Accounting’s Future, Present, and Past (BMGT 248D) led by Professor Jim McKinney and Greg Rafal
• Doing Business in France and Morocco led by Professor Oliver Schlake

The Smith school is dedicated to making study abroad a reality for all students. For example, students who will be studying abroad for the first time are eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship for a committing to a semester program or a $600 scholarship for committing to a short-term program. Students who are unsure which study abroad program is right for them should schedule an advising appointment with the Center for Global Business to talk through the academic, financial, and personal considerations of choosing the right program. The deadline to apply to 2019 Smith short-term and semester exchange programs is October 1, 2018.

- Greg Rafal, Program Manager, Undergraduate Programs, Center for Global Business