Special Programs

At UMBC, our Special Programs bring together bright minds from around the globe, from high school students to university scholars, educators, and professionals. Through prestigious initiatives like the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Fulbright, and our Customizable Global Programming, we create immersive, cross-cultural experiences that foster academic excellence, global citizenship, and professional growth.

Our team collaborates with global partner institutions to design tailored programs aligned with their specific goals. We work with diverse groups, students seeking language study, cultural immersion, or leadership development, and professionals pursuing TESOL training, leadership development, or professional exchange opportunities. Whether you’re a student seeking inspiration, a teacher pursuing professional enrichment, or a partner looking to make a global difference, UMBC is where meaningful exchange begins.

Our Special Programs are customized English language training programs tailored to meet the unique needs of organizations and institutions. We collaborate with partners to deliver:

Fulbright Programming

The Special Programs team works with a variety of Fulbright programs to provide and facilitate trainings, orientations, workshops, and networking for scholars, professionals, and advisors within the Fulbright sphere.

Examples include designing and delivering the Pre-Departure Orientation for the Scholar-in-Residence program and hosting the Gilman Scholarship Advisor’s Workshop for higher education professionals from around the nation.

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Customizable Global Programming

Our team collaborates with global partner institutions to create tailored programs that align with their specific goals. We work with diverse groups, including students seeking language study, cultural immersion, or leadership development, as well as professionals looking for TESOL training, leadership development, or professional exchange opportunities. We’re always eager to partner with new and existing organizations to design programs that meet the unique needs of our collaborators.

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Mandela Washington Fellowship- YALI

Proud partner of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders , empowering young leaders across Africa through leadership training, networking, and community impact. Every Summer we host young African leaders for a six-week leadership program. Since 2014, the fellowship has supported nearly 3,700 leaders from 49 African countries, offering academic, leadership, and professional development opportunities. Fellows also attend a summit in Washington, D.C., and some participate in additional professional development with U.S. organizations.

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