The J-1 Exchange program, for all categories, intends for the exchange visitor to have a cultural experience in which they become more familiar with the customs and practices of their new home in the US, and spend time getting to know American friends and colleagues. To that extent, visitors are encouraged to participate in cultural programming at UMBC.
UMBC has many, many different resources to help students and visitors connect over shared interests. Here are a selection of opportunities we encourage you to pursue:
- UMBC Student Events Board (SEB) – this group plans events for all students, including bus trips, concerts, movie series, resource fairs, and craft and snack events on campus.
- The Mosaic Center for Culture and Diversity – this is UMBC’s main center for diversity, inclusion and social justice. They routinely offer guided conversations on current topics of interest, events, and cultural fairs.
- Graduate Student Association (GSA) – The GSA at UMBC offers many resources and events to Graduate students, including an on-campus annual conference, travel grants, workshops, events and more!
- Graduate Student Organizations – The UMBC GSA has over 25 active student groups, ranging from cultural groups to special interest groups to academic groups.
In addition, ISSS will add all UMBC J-1 visitors to an email list, and will be sure to share events that might be of special interest.
We hope you will take some time to get involved and get to know your new home at UMBC!