Country: Panama
Term: Spring Break 2026
Embark on a transformative journey with Honors Global Challenges & Solutions (HGLO) as we invite you to join our immersive study abroad program in Panama during Spring Break 2026!
In Spring Break 2025, our first cohort of 15 students traveled to Panama, engaging in meaningful discussions, hands-on learning, and cultural immersion. Students documented their experiences through blog entries. Check them out at go.umd.edu/panama! Plus, don’t miss our Instagram story highlights for a firsthand look at the adventure.
This unique program focuses on three key areas:
- U.S.-Panama Relations and Panamanian Culture
- Humanitarian and Non-Profit Organizations
- Indigenous Advocacy
This program gives preference to HGLO students but is open to all UMD students. First-year HGLO students are especially encouraged to apply!
Applications for Spring 2026 are now open and are due on September 30, 2025. Stay tuned for upcoming info sessions and details!
This isn't just a study abroad program; it's a gateway to a world of limitless possibilities. Join us as we redefine the boundaries of academia and cultural exploration, offering you an unforgettable fusion of learning, adventure, and personal growth. Don't just learn about change, be the change. Join us for this incredible opportunity with HGLO in Panama!
Are you ready to seize the opportunity of a lifetime? Apply Today! (Application Deadline: September 30, 2025).
Fall 2025 Info Sessions
- Study Abroad Fair at Stamp Union - Wednesday, September 10 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm
- Cultural Dinner: Panama in Dorchester Hall - Wednesday, September 17 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm
- Zoom Info Session #1 - Wednesday, September 24 from 11:00pm to 11:45am
- Zoom Info Session #2 - Wednesday, September 24 from 2:00pm to 2:45pm
Country: Brazil
Term: Summer Term 2026
Go to go.umd.edu/umdinbrazil for more information! Application for our study abroad to Brazil opens on November 11, 2025!
This study abroad course offers students a unique opportunity to explore how education, culture, and belonging intersect within a dynamic cultural context. Through immersive experiences in two distinct regions of Brazil (Santa Catarina and Bahia), students will engage critically with contemporary social issues, including educational inequality, racial identity, political participation, and cultural heritage.
In Santa Catarina, students will visit local schools such as Colégio Salesiano Itajaí and community organizations like Parque Dom Bosco to learn firsthand about Brazil’s K–12 education system and youth development programs. In Salvador, Bahia, the emphasis will shift to Afro-Brazilian history and culture, with special attention to how organizations like the Steve Biko Institute address racial disparities in education and promote social transformation.
The course blends academic seminars with site visits, community engagement, and reflection, offering students a holistic and place-based understanding of social change. Special emphasis will be placed on the lived experiences of marginalized communities and the role of grassroots movements in shaping a more inclusive society.
Save the Date: The program is scheduled to take place in Brazil from May 27 to June 10, 2026.
Scholarship: Make sure to review the process for the Gillman Scholarship. Even if you do not receive the full amount, you are guaranteed $500.00. (If you apply for the Gilman and work with NSO, we’ll guarantee you at least $500—no matter the outcome. More information about the Gilman Guarantee here.)
