UMB Global Pathways runs a student exchange program every semester, with two cycles per academic year following the international academic calendar: the Spring semester and the Fall semester. The program places UMB students at partner universities in multiple countries for a defined study period, where they attend regular classes alongside local and international students at the host institution. It is a full academic experience, not a short visit. Students live, study, and engage with campus life abroad for weeks or months, and they return to UMB with credits, language skills, professional networks, and a frame of reference that simply cannot be replicated in a domestic classroom. Partner universities span several countries across Asia and beyond, and the list continues to grow as UMB Global Engagement expands its institutional network.
Credits earned during the exchange are formally recognized by UMB under a Rector's Decree on credit transfer. Students who complete a full semester abroad, roughly four months, can transfer up to 20 credits (SKS) back to their UMB academic record. Those who spend more than one month but less than a full semester may transfer up to 15 SKS, and students on shorter programs of under one month are eligible for up to 9 SKS. This recognition means that participating in a student exchange does not delay graduation. Students are studying toward their degree while they are abroad, not taking time away from it.
To be eligible, students must be enrolled in at least their third semester at UMB and hold a GPA of 3.25 or above. Active English language proficiency is also required, as all exchange activities at partner institutions are conducted in English. Students who meet these criteria and are interested in applying should contact UGE early in the semester, well before the program cycle opens, as places are limited and the selection process is competitive. UGE handles the application coordination, partner placement, and pre-departure preparation for all selected participants.