Application Process

Admission Criteria

Who should apply?

Students enrolled across UMB’s or UMBC’s Schools and academic programs may be able to take this course for academic credit. This program is not exclusive to gerontology students. If a student is interested in the course, then faculty are available to consult with your program director.

Program Eligibility

All students applying to the UMB study abroad course should have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. UMB students whose GPA is currently below a 3.0 are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Diane Martin (diane.martin@umaryland.edu) and UMBC students are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Takashi Yamashita (Yamataka@umbc.edu) to discuss your application and eligibility.

Additionally, applicants are expected to be in good academic standing at either UMB or UMBC. Students must maintain a strong, consistent academic record and meet the academic standards set forth by their respective University. Students are not eligible to participate in a study abroad program while on active academic probations.

Passports

Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyong the end date of your travel. Processing times for U.S. passports have increased significantly. Standard passport issuance is 10-12 weeks. You can pay an additional $60 if you want to expedite your passport in 4-6 weeks. Additional information is available at U.S. State Department passport information. You can find locations for submitting passport applications at the U.S. State Deparment's Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page.

Visas

Every country has their own process, requirements, and fees for applying for a visa. Check the visa requirement for each country you are visiting and traveling through. Apply for visas through international consulates and embassies.

A Tourist visa is required to visit Japan. Please refer to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo's COVID-19 information for more details on tourists permitted to travel to Japan at this time.

A consular office may deny your visa application, so it’s best to adhere to their requirements and apply as early as possible. It is important that you know what is required of you before attempting to enter a country. Failing to obtain a visa could result in a denial of entry into a country, and even criminal charges.

International Students

Check with the Office of International Services before traveling outside the United States. Be aware that it may take non-U.S. citizens longer to obtain a visa, so research this information early in your planning.

Application Process

Admission Criteria

Passport and Visa Information