Preparing Your Arrival

Your MyEA Portal provides information you need to prepare for your arrival at UMD, including instructions for:

• Applying for your DS-2019 on iTerp
• Charges to Your Account & Paying Your UMD Bill
• Health Insurance Requirement For Exchange Students
• Housing Information
• Important Contacts for Exchange Students
• Important Immigration Documents & Applying for Your J-1 Visa
• Incoming Exchange Student Orientation (Spring)
• Incoming Exchange Student To Do List (Spring)
• Registering for Classes at UMD
• The Exchange Visitor Program - Welcome Brochure
• Traveling to UMD Campus from Local Airports
• U.S. Customs and I-94 Process

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) also has extensive resources for exchange students studying at UMD that includes information about academics, campus activities, communication, money/banking, climate, cultural considerations, housing, safety & security, transportation, and more. 

When to Arrive:

• Undergraduate students who live on campus are given permission to move into their accommodations the day before International Student Orientation begins. In the fall term, arrival day is usually 1 week before the start of classes, and for spring term, this is usually the Friday before the start of classes.
• We suggest that those who are living off-campus arrive a few days prior to International Student Orientation to search for housing, if necessary. 
• All J-1 visa exchange students can enter the US up to 30 days prior to the program start date listed on their DS-2019 form; and leave up to 30 days after their program end date.

Orientation

All exchange students are required to complete two orientations:

• Your online International Student Orientation, which must be completed prior to your arrival. You will receive a link from the ISSS Office in your email.
• Your in-person International Student Orientation and Welcome Week. Registration for these sessions occurs via iTerp or Google Forms prior to the start of the semester.

Exchange students do not need to register for the UMD undergraduate orientation.

The International Student Orientation and Welcome Week activities will assist in your academic, social, and cultural adjustment to UMD. Orientation will cover topics such as academic culture and norms, the UMD student code of conduct, housing services, J-1 immigration regulations, and health and safety. Orientation also gives you an opportunity to meet other exchange students and learn more about Maryland and the DC area.