This Week in Education Abroad: Applications for Summer 2026 Faculty-Led Programs to Kenya, Portugal, and Vietnam Extended to March 1

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:56:49 -0500

This Week in EA

Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Essay Workshop Session
Are you a U.S. citizen​ or national of the United States receiving a Pell grant and planning to study abroad? If so, you may be eligible for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship! This U.S. Department of State program enables students receiving a Federal Pell Grant to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. These awards offer up to $​8000 to support your study abroad plans. The program aims to encourage students to study and intern in a diverse array of countries or areas and world regions and to study languages, especially critical-need languages (those deemed important to national security). Veterans of military service are encouraged to apply, and preference is given to veterans when other factors are equivalent.
Join us for an Essay Workshop Session to get your essay reviewed and learn application tips and tricks!

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 2PM – 3:30PM | Virtual

"Made in Ethiopia" Screening and Q&A | March 5 | 4:30PM | Library Gallery
Join the Asian Studies program in the AOK Library Gallery on Thursday, 3/5/26 at 4:30PM to watch the screening of Made in Ethiopia! Our event will also include a Q&A with the filmmaker herself, Xinyan Yu, along with discussants, Tracy Tinga (MCS) and Guenet Abraham (Visual Arts). Learn more about the documentary that explores rapid industrialization and China's economic influence in Africa. Food will be provided during this event. This event has been organized by Asian Studies with support from the Global Asia Initiative's Course Expansion Grant.

Celebrate Study Abroad Day with The Forum on Education Abroad!

Today, February 23rd, our community comes together to spotlight the transformative power of international education and the lasting impact global learning has on students, campuses, and the world. Study Abroad Day is all about bringing awareness, celebrating our work, and supporting the professionals who make global learning possible every day. Learn more here!

Upcoming Events and Deadlines

March 1, 2026: Applications for Faculty-Led Programs in Kenya, Portugal, and Vietnam due

March 5, 2026: Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Applications due for Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Academic Year 2026-2027

March 10th, 2026: Summer (non-faculty led), Fall, and Academic Year 2026-2027 Applications due

April 7th, 2026: Freeman Awards for Study in Asia Application due

Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Academic Year 2026-2027 advising is available now! Contact educationabroad@umbc.edu to schedule an advising appointment.

Study Abroad 101 Sessions
Monday | 2pm-3pm | Virtual
Tuesday | 1pm-2pm | Virtual
Friday | 11am-12pm | Virtual

Can't get enough of education abroad at UMBC? Follow along on the @UMBCLife and @UMBCeducationabroad!