International Programs
- Study Abroad and Short-Term Academic Experience Abroad
- Summer Service Abroad
- International Education Internships
- International Students
- English Language Institute
Study Abroad and Short-Term Academic Experience 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 students have access to hundreds of sponsored semester and summer programs in more than 30 countries around the world through vendors and exchange agreements. Students who participate in these sponsored programs earn Notre Dame credit for course work. 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 Winterim and summer terms. These one- 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 undergraduate 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. To be eligible, part-time graduate students must have matriculated at Notre Dame of Maryland University; successfully completed at least 12 credits; and have earned a GPA of at least 3.0. 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. Coursework 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 (There are select programs that require a GPA of 3.0. Please look at the program listing for details.). 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 October 15 for spring semester programs and March 1 for summer and fall programs. The Assistant Director of Study Abroad can assist students in planning international study, internships, service, and work abroad programs. Interested students are encouraged to investigate the many opportunities available by contacting the Office of International Programs (410-532-5561) or by browsing the website at http://www.ndm.edu/academics/international-programs/study-abroad/.
Summer Service Abroad
Summer Service Abroad in Brazil or Peru 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 teaching, education, health care, community building and pastoral ministries. Participants become fully integrated into the community and experience the culture, poverty, social and economic problems on a personal level. This develops their cultural sensitivity and empathy. Summer Service Abroad trips are available in Peru and Brazil, and each program runs for approximately four to five weeks. The application deadline is November 15. Interested student should contact the Office of International Programs to learn more about the requirements for each program and the application process.
Participants may receive up to four credits. The first credit is to be earned in the Spring semester (prior to travel) through IDS-310L-01. This course prepares students in the history, politics, and culture of Peru or Brazil (depends on the program the student is participating in). The class meets for an hour every other week depending. The remaining three credits are earned during the Service Abroad portion of the program.
Undergraduates who have successfully completed one full academic year at Notre Dame of Maryland University are eligible to apply. Graduate students are also eligible to apply.
Participants are responsible for all program costs, including travel expenses, room and board, health insurance, and miscellaneous expenses. Participants may be eligible to apply for scholarships to partially or nearly fully fund this experience.
International Education Internship
The deadline for the below programs is November 15. Interested students should contact S. Catherine Sarther (csarther@ndm.edu) or the Office of International Programs at 410-532-3183.
Hungary and Austria, Fall semester
After ten weeks of student teaching in the United States students travel to Europe to assist with English teaching in an elementary school in Makó, Hungary (3 weeks). The school in Hungary participates in a European Union program, Content and Language Integrated Learning, that opens the doors of language leaning for a broad range of learners. (Web site: http://www.szignum.hu) After three weeks the students travel to a multilevel school in Vienna, Austria. Here they spend another three weeks assisting with English classes and providing opportunities for secondary students to practice conversing with a native speaker of English. (3 weeks) (Web site: http://www.schulefriesgasse.at)
Housing is provided by the School Sisters of Notre Dame at each site. Students are responsible for: travel to and from Europe, personal expenses while in Europe, non-resident students — $600-800 room and board for six weeks in Hungary and Austria.
Cape Coast, Ghana, Fall semester
After ten weeks of student teaching in the United States students travel to Africa to complete their student teaching internship at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic School in Cape Coast, Ghana. The school welcomes students of varied abilities ranging from academically gifted to those with learning disabilities. Students come from a variety of ethnic and economic backgrounds. Following a curriculum outline by the Ghana Ministry of Education, the school prepares students to take the national exams at the completion of Junior High School. (Web site: http://www.wix.com/mqpcs1066/maryqueenofpeacecatholicschool)
Housing is provided by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Cape Coast. Students are responsible for: travel to and from Ghana, personal expenses while in Europe, non-resident student -- $600-800 for room and board for six weeks in Cape Coast, Ghana, West Africa. In addition students need a tourist visa for Ghana (currently $60) and immunizations (yellow fever, malaria, check with the Center for Disease Control web site).
International Students
Notre Dame values the contribution international students make to the community and welcomes applications from these students. In the 2014-15 academic year, approximately 100 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, immigration counseling and a voluntary mentor/mentee program. 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.
English Language Institute (ELI)
The English Language Institute (ELI) offers an intensive English program to women and men from around the world who seek to improve their English language skills for academic, career or personal pursuits. International students at Notre Dame are also invited to take courses in the ELI to supplement their learning at the University. Students can study full-time or part-time and take courses in listening and speaking, writing and grammar, reading and discussion, TOEFL preparation, vocabulary, pronunciation, advanced skills through language and culture and other electives. The ELI also offers the TOEFL exam several times a year for students interested in applying to a degree program. The ELI also sponsors the Spanish Language and Culture Program (now a credit bearing course) that teaches both the Spanish language and Latino culture to those who work with or will work with the Latino community. If you are interested in learning more about the ELI or would like to volunteer and get involved, please email eli@ndm.edu or call 410-532-5566.