Take off on a USM travel course! USM is proud to offer summer and winter session travel courses that take learning on the road and offer the experience of a lifetime.

As part of the course, you will travel overseas with a group of USM students and faculty members and attend lectures, visit museums, and explore sites you have only dreamed of seeing. Depending on the course, you will earn 3-6 credits and travel for one to three weeks. Many of the courses offer core credit.

We know that finances are tight for most students. Travel courses are a good value and you can use financial aid and scholarships to help cover your costs. You will not only see another part of the world, but you will learn more about the culture of your destination and yourself than simply traveling as a tourist. The experience will be something you will be sure to highlight in job interviews and may distinguish you in a competitive environment.

With so many amazing travel courses, ask yourself: Where in the world will I study this year?

In order to participate in a travel program, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA and have a minimum of 15 USM credits.

Faculty looking for information about how to propose a short-term travel program can find resources on our Travel Course Management page

Upcoming Travel Courses

Summer 2025 – Check back for more information in November

Cancellation & Refund Policies

USM reserves the right to cancel travel courses due to low enrollment, changing political or economic factors, unusual circumstances or any other event which would dramatically impact the nature of the course or the ability of the faculty to conduct such a course. If USM cancels the course due to low enrollment, the non-refundable deposit and any payments made toward the program will be refunded to the student. Other costs incurred by the student will not be subject to refunds.

If a student cancels their participation after being accepted to the program, they will forfeit the $300 deposit and any amounts that have been committed and/or expended on their behalf such as airplane tickets or prepaid hotel accommodations. Tuition and regular USM fees cannot be refunded after the course begins.

Financial Aid

Federal financial aid and loans are available to matriculated students who participate in travel courses.

  • In order to receive the benefit of financial aid for a summer travel course, students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits total during the summer.
  • Courses taking place in the winter session are considered part of the fall semester, so fall financial aid can be applied.
  • A small number of travel courses meet during the spring semester and end with a period of summer travel. These classes are considered part of the spring semester, so spring financial aid can be applied.

Please apply for financial aid as early as possible. If you have questions about financial aid, please contact the financial aid office at (207) 780-4166. If you are not a matriculated student at USM, please check with the financial aid office at your institution.

If financial aid does not cover the full cost of the program, students are responsible for paying the remaining balance according to the payment plan schedule.

Scholarships

For information about scholarships, please visit Study Abroad Scholarships