The Office of International Education Services (IES) wishes to inform the campus community of recent staffing changes related to study abroad. After seventeen years of outstanding service to UMBC, Dr. Brian Souders, Associate Director of International Education Services, retired from his position on April 30, 2018. In late June, Dr. Souders will return to UMBC on a contractual basis to assist students through the Fulbright application and selection process. Caylie Zidwick, Assistant Director of Study Abroad, will serve as the primary point of contact for study abroad while IES develops a long-term strategy over the course of the fall semester.
During this time of transition, study abroad inquiries should be directed as follows:
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Advising for Study Abroad: Individual and group advising for all students interested in study abroad programs. Advising is available on a weekly basis and covers the basics of study abroad, including the types of programs available, costs, credit transfer, and the application process. IES staff are also available to provide brief presentations to classes and student organizations upon request. Contact Rachel McCloud, mccloud1@umbc.edu.
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Curriculum Integration of Study Abroad: Support to UMBC faculty wishing to infuse international content into the curriculum. This includes assisting faculty to identify which of UMBC’s available study abroad programs best align with faculty goals for student learning, program duration, location and affordability. Contact Caylie Zidwick, Cayz1@umbc.edu.
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Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs: Information for faculty on how to develop and facilitate a short-term study abroad program. Contact Caylie Zidwick, Cayz1@umbc.edu.
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General Study Abroad Inquiries: Requests for general information regarding study abroad options for students. Contact Rachel McCloud, mccloud1@umbc.edu.
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International Health, Safety and Security: Current information related to health, safety and security concerns in specific locations. Assistance with risk assessment, mitigation and contingency planning. Contact Dr. David L. Di Maria, dimaria@umbc.edu.
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International Exchange Programs: Year and Semester-long exchange programs. Students can study at partner universities in more than 50 countries while pursuing a degree at UMBC. Contact Caylie Zidwick, Cayz1@umbc.edu.
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International Travel Insurance: UMBC students, faculty and staff planning to travel abroad are encouraged to enroll in an affordable supplemental international travel insurance policy available through IES. Contact Rachel McCloud mccloud1@umbc.edu.
- International Program Development: Support to UMBC faculty, departments, and colleges in developing new international initiatives, including affiliations with institutions abroad, proposal preparation and funding opportunities. Contact Dr. David L. Di Maria, dimaria@umbc.edu.
Feel free to reach out to the study abroad team at sao@umbc.edu with any questions.
