Journalism plays a crucial role in the free exchange of ideas and information. That’s why Merrill College students are encouraged to take advantage of an international experience during their time at the University of Maryland.
Study Abroad brings students one step closer to understanding media on a global scale. You will take learning outside the classroom, and be able to take part in a forum for the intercultural exchange of knowledge. And it’s fun, too.
You can learn more about study abroad programs here through the university's Education Abroad Office.
Our Abroad Programs
In recent years, we have expanded our abroad offerings:
- Our Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism has taken students to Rwanda and Senegal to produce reporting projects and a documentary on NBA Africa.
- Our Povich Center took students to London to practice real-world journalism while exploring the expanding role of Americans in the Premier League ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
- Merrill College traveled to Tanzania for "Journalism and the Media: Covering Africa and the African Diaspora," in collaboration with the University of Dar es Salaam.
Upcoming Opportunities
Salzburg Academy on Media & Global Change
For three weeks every summer, undergraduate, master's and doctoral students from five continents and leading universities around the world come together in Austria, to work on real projects that address global problems, such as climate change, human rights, extremism and radicalization. Students work in teams with faculty mentors, visiting journalists and officers from partnering international organizations, such as the United Nations and the Red Cross/Red Crescent.
Students receive credit for two 400 or 700 level courses (six total) — cross-listed with Journalism, American Studies, Government & Politics and the University of Maryland’s Honors College. The program runs from July into early August.
International Travel Awards
Travel awards make it possible for students to practice journalism abroad. Please fill out the Travel Award Application.
Hiebert Journalism International Travel Award
An endowed fund established by and named for Merrill College founding dean and Professor Emeritus Ray E. Hiebert. Provides travel reimbursements to enable undergraduate or graduate journalism students at Maryland to travel outside the U.S. on a particular journalistic or research project with a specific itinerary. Preference will be given to multiplatform journalism students with an interest in public affairs reporting.
Gene Roberts Award
An endowed fund established by and named for Professor Emeritus Eugene Roberts to inspire more knowledge and understanding of the world outside the United States. Provides travel reimbursement to undergraduate or graduate journalism students at Maryland to travel outside the U.S. on particular journalistic or research projects with a specific itinerary. Preference is given to multiplatform journalism students with an emphasis in public affairs reporting.
Questions? Contact Assistant Dean Josh Madden at jmadden@umd.edu.