Study Abroad and International Education
See the World
See the world, receive a world-class education, and dive into the global economy. Montgomery County has a large and diverse ethnic population which is reflected in enrollments at the three Montgomery College campuses. The college mission to bring a greater awareness of global perspectives to the student body and community has led to the development of an International Education program that provides opportunities through a variety of activities to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
Study Abroad has been a part of Montgomery College since 1996. Formed with the International Education program, it addresses the International Education mission through five areas: education, extended study abroad, culture, travel, and continuing education.
Long-Term Study Abroad
Students study abroad full time to earn academic credits that are transferrable to Montgomery College and many four-year colleges and universities in the United States.
Long-term study abroad may take place for a semester, year, or summer at accredited
academic institutions within 30 different countries through the College Consortium
for International Studies (CCIS). Advising occurs through MC’s Study Abroad Coordinator
who serves as the consortium’s State Representative. Students must begin the application
process for long-term study abroad at least 6 months in advance of departure. Get more information about the program (PDF, 
) .
More Information
It is not uncommon for recently completed study abroad programs to generate double-digit events on three campuses through partnerships with college organizations, clubs, and departments.
Programs arise from coordinated collaboration with student clubs, college-wide organizations, conference groups, distinct writers and speakers, and friends, allowing for a medley of cultural and educational experiences. Many of the events, such as hunger banquets, silent auctions, and service learning functions, are brought forth in order to give lasting aid to our less fortunate hosts and friends abroad.
For full details about Study Abroad and International Education, please review the entire website, and consider attending a SAID (Study Abroad Information and Discussion) session held at the start of each semester.
The International Education office advises students desiring to study abroad about college requirements and the course selection in order to meet their MC program needs and about the choice of countries best suited to advance their academic careers and broaden their global understanding.
As a member of the College Consortium for International Studies (CCISnew window), MC can send students to any one of 52 accredited college programs in 30 countries around the world. Any student that wants to study abroad at an institution outside of this consortium may only select an institution within one of these accepted consortium's: AIFSnew window (American Institute for Foreign Study), CIS Abroadnew window (Center for International Studies), EFnew window (Education First), or ISAnew window (International Studies Abroad).
All courses to be taken abroad must be approved in advance by the MC transfer officer. Upon successful completion, credits transfer to MC, are recorded on the students' transcripts, and may be applied toward graduation requirements.
The pre-departure advising process must be initiated at least one semester in advance of departure in order for the International Education office to help students prepare the necessary documentation. Students will be advised of the Montgomery College fees and the in-country expenses, orientation fees, cost of room and board, and all other financial responsibilities. Students receiving Financial Aid may use it for study abroad. Scholarships may be available through the International Education Program.
Students must satisfy the following requirements in order to study abroad:
- Have a 2.5 GPA
- Have successfully completed a minimum of 12 credits
- Be able to demonstrate the maturity and flexibility necessary to meet cultural and academic challenges abroad
- Be able to study abroad full time (12 credits; additional credits require an advisor's approval)
- Complete the CCIS application form (available from the Coordinator of Study Abroad in the International Education Office)
- Complete two reference forms
- Present a "letter of intent" that documents the purpose for study abroad
The Coordinator of Study Abroad will forward all materials with a cover letter and a copy of an official student transcript to the CCIS sponsoring institution.
Upon acceptance, students must complete the following steps:
- Register at Montgomery College for STBR 200 (12 credits abroad)
- Provide evidence of health insurance or obtain individual short-term-term student insurance policies available through the International Education Office
- Provide evidence of health immunizations
- Obtain a passport at least three months in advance of departure
- Obtain visas, if required
Complete these forms to apply to Study Abroad:
Application for Short-Term-Term Study Abroad (PDF, )
Application for Semester or Year (Long-Term) Study Abroad (PDF, )
Conditions of Participation (PDF, )
Scholarship Application (PDF, )
Sample Proposal to Lead a Short Term Program (PDF, )
Faculty and Staff Opportunities (PDF, )
Fellowships, Financial Aid, Grants and Scholarships (PDF, )
Faculty and Staff Opportunities (PDF, )
Return the forms to the mailbox of Greg Malveaux in the Study Abroad Office:
Rockville Campus, Macklin Tower 212
Scholarship Application Deadlines for Studying Abroad (PDF, )
Scholarship Application (PDF, )
Access CCIS scholarships information through the CCIS websitenew window
Gilmannew window and Gilman-McCainnew window Scholarships
Adding Study Abroad to your course - a Professional Development opportunity
As part of the continuing effort to advance the Montgomery College Study Abroad goal of providing distinctive learning experiences and professional development that foster lifelong success, we seek MC faculty input for developing short-term-term study abroad programs. The market for short-term-term programs has grown dramatically, and recent data show that more than half of all students studying abroad participated in short-term-term programs (NAFSA 2010).
Proposals are reviewed by a Study Abroad Committee, and an interview with the Study Abroad Coordinator will follow. Faculty with selected proposals will receive a fully paid program while abroad. It is essential to share your proposal with your supervisor, prior to submission, in order to avoid potential scheduling conflicts (email confirmation from a Department Chair and Dean is adequate).
The Study Abroad Faculty Proposal (PDF, ) form needs to be completed and submitted to Gregory Malveaux via email. View a sample proposal (PDF, ) .
In addition, last year’s Study Abroad Survey, completed by MC students, faculty, staff and administrators, shows the venues in which the audience would most like to participate in or lead a study abroad activity.
However, do not feel limited to the venues noted in the survey with your own proposal; we appreciate multi-cultural, diverse educational opportunities that span the entire globe.
MCCIEC (Maryland Community College International Education Consortium): The Meaning
of Citizenship in Turbulent Times
Jon Greg Malveaux, MC employees, and other community college members throughout the
State at the MCCIEC 2020 Conference in Prague, the Czech Republic. The conference
dates are January 5-11, 2020. See the flyer for more information (PDF, ) .