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.
Exchange students who attend UMBC and have J-1 status are eligible to extend their time in the US in order to get practical experience in their field of study before returning to their home institutions. This type of work is called Academic Training. With the support of their academic adviser and the IES office, a J-1 exchange student is able to participate in Academic Training for a period of time that does not exceed their term of enrolment at UMBC. IES and the Education Abroad Office are happy to assist interested students with this process. If students decide to take up this opportunity then it is important to remember that it is an optional extra and will not be credit-bearing.
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.
