International Programs
Study Abroad
Service Abroad
International Students
Study Abroad
Notre Dame of Maryland University is committed to providing all students an educational experience that is truly international. Students are encouraged to include study abroad in their educational program while at the University. Study in another culture will enrich students' academic study and can help them develop an international perspective, intercultural and linguistic skills, and a sense of global responsibility.
Notre Dame sponsors 35 semester and 19 summer programs in more than 40 countries through various exchange agreements and academic consortia arrangements. Students who participate in these sponsored programs earn Notre Dame credit for coursework. Grades and credits are reported on the students' Notre Dame transcripts and calculated in their GPA. Where possible, study abroad courses may be used to fulfill requirements in the major and general education. Students who qualify for federal, state or institutional aid may apply that aid to Notre Dame-sponsored programs.
In addition, short-term academic programs abroad are regularly offered during the Winterim and summer terms. These ten-day to three-week courses, taught by Notre Dame faculty, normally carry three credits. Students who are full-time in both the fall and spring semesters are permitted to choose either a Winterim course or a summer short-term academic program abroad without incurring additional tuition charges. Eligible part-time students will be awarded a half-tuition scholarship to be used for one Notre Dame-sponsored short-term academic program abroad. To be eligible part-time students must have matriculated at Notre Dame of Maryland University; successfully completed at least 15 credits at the University; and have earned a GPA of at least 2.5. Interested students should consult WebAdvisor and contact the faculty member assigned to the course.
Notre Dame students may apply for permission to participate in study abroad programs not sponsored by the University. Course work completed as part of a non-sponsored program in which a student earns a grade of C (or better) will be posted to the student's Notre Dame transcript as transfer credit and will not be calculated in the GPA. Courses taken as part of non-sponsored study abroad programs may not be used to fulfill general education or major requirements. Exceptions to this policy are granted only in special circumstances and prior approval must be obtained. Students who qualify for federal aid may apply that aid to non-sponsored study abroad programs.
Students who wish to participate in semester or summer programs must meet the following requirements: have completed 30 credits at the time they apply; have declared a major; and have a cumulative GPA of 2.75. Transfer students must have completed one semester at Notre Dame before they can apply. (Some programs have additional requirements.) Because of the time required to obtain transcripts of courses taken abroad, students may not study abroad during their last semester at Notre Dame.
Deadlines for filing applications for study abroad are September 15 for Winterim and the spring semester and February 15 for the summer term and fall semester. The director of study abroad can assist students in planning international study, internships, volunteer and work abroad programs. Interested students are encouraged to investigate the many opportunities available by contacting the office of international programs (410-532-3183) or by browsing the website at ndm.edu.
Service Abroad
Service abroad is a partnership between Notre Dame of Maryland University and the School Sisters of Notre Dame. This partnership brings together Notre Dame's vision to serve and to prepare globally-aware citizens with the School Sisters' world-wide mission to strive for social justice by serving the poor through education, health care, community building and pastoral ministries. Participants become rapidly integrated into the community and experience the culture, poverty, social and economic problems on a more personal level. This develops their understanding, cultural sensitivity and empathy. Students participating in the service abroad program may earn academic credit.
International Students
Notre Dame values the contribution international students make to the community and welcomes applications from these students. During the past decade, the number of international students attending Notre Dame of Maryland University has increased significantly. In the 2010-11 academic year, approximately 300 students representing almost 30 different countries attended the University's undergraduate, graduate, Pharmacy and English Language Institute programs. Programs and services for international students include the English Language Institute, orientation and immigration counseling. For information on applying as an international student, see the admissions section. Notre Dame also offers special credit-bearing courses in various disciplines for international students and second language learners.
For more information on international programs at Notre Dame of Maryland University, contact the office of international programs at 410-532-3183.