Summer Institute Discover the USA
The Office of International Affairs at the University of Maryland (UMD) welcomed 24 German Fulbright students through the 2025 Summer Institute Discover the USA sponsored by the German-American Fulbright Commission. This four-week immersive program was designed to blend cultural immersion, leadership training and community engagement.
The result: fearless ideas, global friendships and skills that will continue to shape them as future-ready leaders.
About the Program
Host Institution
The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) is a leading comprehensive research institution situated in College Park, Maryland, just minutes away from Washington, D.C. Renowned for its cutting-edge research across diverse fields, UMD offers students unique opportunities to engage in groundbreaking projects and collaborate with industry leaders. The prime location allows students to seamlessly connect theory with real-world applications through internships, research endeavors, and cultural experiences in the nation's capital. UMD's commitment to global readiness, community engagement, and leadership development enriches the campus environment, creating a dynamic community of learners. Cross-cultural exchange, global competency, future-ready leadership, and community engagement are core components of UMD’s mission and are articulated throughout UMD’s strategic plan:"Fearlessly Forward".
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Sponsor
The program is sponsored by the German-American Fulbright Commission.
Program Information
The 2025 Summer Institute Discover the USA occurred during August- September 2025 and followed the following schedule.
Participants in the institute were invited to enroll in an optional online course "Intercultural Communication " as preparation for the institute. The course provides an introduction of major theories and concepts of intercultural communication, examination of processes that make up cultural differences, and the use of intercultural communication competence skills. Participants interacted with UMD students to discuss and practice their intercultural communication skills.
Participants were welcomed into the program and introduced to the foundations of global cultural awareness, cross-cultural communication, and personal development in an interconnected world.
Featured Sessions:
- Presentation: Adapting to New Cultural Environments
- Seminar: What Shapes Cultural Identity?
- Presentation/discussion: Global Mindset
- Workshop: Navigating Cultural Misunderstandings
- Presentation: Key Principles of Intercultural Communication
- Workshop: Active Listening & Nonverbal Communication Across Cultures
- Workshop: Understanding & Challenging Stereotypes & Case Studies
- Workshop: Reflection, Discussion and Role-Play
This week focused on equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to navigate and succeed in a globally interconnected world. By focusing on adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and international collaboration, participants developed competencies essential for effective engagement in global contexts
Featured Sessions:
- Seminar: Understanding Puzzles of the World
- Workshop: Strategies for Effective International Collaboration
- Seminar: Creative Problem-solving in a Changing World
- Workshop: Entrepreneurial Thinking
- Workshop: Developing Global Readiness Skills
- Designing group projects on community engagement
Participants learned what it means to become future-ready leaders by developing the skills and mindset needed to navigate complex global challenges.
Featured Sessions:
- Seminar: What Makes a Great Leader?
- Discussion: Leadership Styles Self-Assessment & Discussion
- Seminar: Public Speaking & Persuasive Communication
- Mock Leadership Speech Exercise
- Workshop: Balancing Ethics & Business in Leadership
- Case Study: Leadership Decision Making
In the final week, participants explored what it means to create meaningful change through community engagement and social impact. They collaborated on community-based project proposals, and visited local organizations to deepen their understanding of global citizenship. The program concluded with final presentation, a celebratory dinner, and a heartfelt send-off before departure back to Germany.
Featured Sessions:
- Workshop: Developing a Community Impact Plan
- Seminar: What is Community Engagement?
- Discussion/Reflection: Food Insecurity
- Fall First Look Fair: Exploring UMD student clubs
- Community volunteer events
The institute also included field trips to national and regional landmarks such as the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, Washington National Cathedral, various Smithsonian museums, and the City of Annapolis and City of Baltimore. Participants enjoyed on campus events such as American football game, recreational group lessons, and club fairs, etc.
Lodging
Participants were accommodated in the Cambria Hotel, which is a 15-minute walk and 5-minute drive from the UMCP campus, with double occupancy beds and shared bathroom facilities.
Dining
Participants were provided with a mix of food options, including UMD dining halls as well as local restaurants, to explore the multicultural delicacies of Maryland.
Things to Do
College Park and Hyattsville are family and student friendly towns with various things to do, accessible by metro or bus.
Transportation
Group transportation during the program was provided in the form of pre-arranged charter bus services. This included transportation to and from the Washington DC area airports, as well as field trips, excursions, and site visits. For some local activities, participants used the public transit system in the Washington DC area as well as, some routes of Shuttle UM to explore campus.
Contact the Host Institution
For additional information or questions about the program, please email the host institution at info-gli@umd.edu.