The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is a public research university in Baltimore County, Maryland, specializing in natural sciences and engineering, as well as programs in the liberal arts and social sciences. Baltimore the largest city in Maryland, and the 30th-most populous city in the United States. The University mascot is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, named “True Grit”, Inspired by the school mascot, the school's sports teams are also called the Retrievers, with colours black and gold. Baltimore city, along with its surrounding regions, is home to a unique local dialect and is the last place in America where one can still find arabbers, also known as vendors who sell fresh fruits and vegetables from a horse-drawn cart that goes up and down neighbourhood streets.
It will not be possible to complete a year abroad at this University if you have any assessments, such as supplementary or deferred exams, during the August assessment period at Swansea University.
Who can study here?
Swansea has a ‘university-wide’ partnership with this university which means that it is open to all subject areas except for Early Childhood Studies, Criminology, Social Policy, Law or Sport and Exercise Science.
Spaces are not guaranteed, can be limited and all students on a semester/year abroad programme are subject to a university-wide, competitive selection process.
Important information
ACADEMIC YEAR: Runs from August to May.
COSTS: The cost of living in Baltimore will vary depending on your chosen accommodation and lifestyle.
VISA: You will need a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa to study at UMBC. As part of the visa application, you will need to evidence financial support which meets the requirement of US$11,500 per semester (US$23,000 for the full year) for the duration of your studies at UMBC. For 2024/25, additional costs included $185 DS 160 Visa application fee and $220 SEVIS I-901 fee. Costs are subject to change for 25/26. In addition, you should factor in the cost of attending a visa interview at the US Embassy (typically in London). More information is available on the US Embassy website: https://uk.usembassy.gov/applying-f-1-j-1-visa/ You must allow enough time to complete the visa application and for your visa to be sent to you. There can be significant delays so please do not leave this until the last minute as you cannot travel to the USA without it. Your host university will provide you with more information about the application process.
ACCOMMODATION: Exchange students are typically housed in Harbor Hall, a suite-style campus residence hall. Most of the suites have 1-2 rooms with a common area and a shared kitchen. All housing is set for a 9-month period, but students are not required to stay for that entire period if they are only a single semester. If a student wants quiet housing in Harbor Hall, they need to apply as early as possible to try and secure this.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Exchange students will need to secure their health insurance before their arrival. A list of suggested insurance policies can be found here.
IMMUNISATIONS: You are also required to provide proof of immunisations upon arrival at UMBC and you should check that your vaccinations are up to date before you depart for the US. More information is available here.
ACADEMIC: Some UMBC classes, particularly in the STEM fields, visual and performing arts, and physical education, have mandatory lab or participation fees. These fees are the responsibility of the student.
Students intending to enrol on Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) courses must meet the required prerequisites before registering. These courses are highly competitive, and students should not contact professors until after meeting with the Education Abroad Coordinator. During this meeting, students will be advised on contacting professors and navigating the registration process. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that you discuss backup course options with your Faculty in case you are unable to register for the required STEM courses.
Exchange students are NOT allowed to participate in the Baltimore Student Exchange Program (BSEP). Exchange students are required to take all courses on the UMBC main campus.
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