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$2,000 per month for 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 will be housed in on-campus accommodation in Harbor Hall Residence. Students are required to purchase a meal plan for the full academic year. More information on accommodation and meal plan costs are available on UMBC's webpage.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Exchange students are automatically enrolled in the UMBC's student health insurance, sponsored by Aetna Student Health.
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.
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