The Office of International Education (IE Office) assists visiting international students from SMCM's partner institutions:

• Akita International University, Japan

• Heidelberg University in Heidelberg, Germany

• Lingnan University in Hong Kong, China

• Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Sciences Po in Paris, France

• University of The Gambia in Kanifing, The Gambia

• Université Michel de Montaigne, Bordeaux 3 in Bordeaux, France

Exchange students from these partner institutions typically study at SMCM for a semester or a year.  This site is designed to provide these students with helpful information about SMCM and to help them prepare for attendance.  Students may also contact the Office of International Education at any time.

Application Process

Pre-Departure Information

Upon Arrival

Exchange students from partner institutions would complete SMCM's Application for Admission to International Exchange Programs.

Once completed, students would turn in the application to their home campus international programs exchange coordinator, who will work with SMCM to place students in exchange programs.

Students will be notified of acceptance by letter from SMCM's Office of International Education.

Take a

of campus!

Once exchange students have been accepted to study at SMCM, students will need to complete the following forms and return them to the Office of International Education at:

Office of International Education
100 Anne Arundel Hall
St. Mary's College of Maryland
18952 E. Fisher Rd.
St. Mary's City, MD 20686

1. Housing Contract

2. Health Services Letter and Health History Form

3. Drug-Free Campus Policy Statement and Acknowledgement

Each of these forms is required for students who live on campus.

Incoming exchange students will also need to apply for a student F-1 visa. Upon acceptance, SMCM's IE Office will enter students into the U.S.'s SEVIS system in order to issue each student a SEVIS I-20. Each student will take this SEVIS I-20 from the IE Office to a U.S. embassy or consulate in his/her home country to obtain the entry visa. To learn more about visas, visit the following links:

• "Obtaining a U.S. Visa"

• "Foreign Students -- Tips for U.S. Visas"

• "Studying in the U.S."

• Forms:  DS-156 and DS-158

Incoming students have many questions about life at SMCM. 

Click above for a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

The Office of International Education will coordinate pick-up plans and transportation for arriving exchange students. 

Once on campus, students will participate in an International Student Orientation prior to SMCM's New Student Orientation.   Both orientation programs will help international students get to know the campus and its many services for students.

Learn about campus activities and news through such resources as:

Campus Recreation Program
Activities, excursions, trips, and more!

Campus Events Calendar
Online events calendar

The Bulletin
Online weekly newletter

The River Gazette
SMCM community newspaper

Service and Social Change
Community Service

Upon Departure

Students preparing for departure need to complete a SMCM Exit Evaluation form and a check-out form.