Application Instructions - UM Study Abroad Programs

All students currently enrolled at the University of Maryland (College Park) now complete the application form for University of Maryland Study Abroad programs on-line.

(Students currently enrolled in other universities, including other USM campuses, who wish to apply for a Maryland Study Abroad program should see the guidelines for non-UM students.)

If you are a currently enrolled Maryland student planning to apply to a study abroad program, you will complete this form and then send it electronically to the Maryland Study Abroad Office. You will still need to bring or send all supplementary materials (transcripts, personal statement, etc.) to the Study Abroad Office. All supplementary materials must be turned in simultaneously during office hours. Your application will not be reviewed until these materials are received by our office.

• UID
• Directory Password
• Emergency Contact Name, Address, Phone number
• Program Name, Country, City (if known)
• Host Institution
• Program Term and Year

1. To access the new electronic form called "Application for Study Abroad," click on http://ares.umd.edu/Elf/Elf.html.
2. Select Access My Forms from the left hand column of the screen.
3. The Common Login screen should now appear. Login with your Maryland UID and password.
4. You have now accessed your personal Elf Box. To create a new application, select New Form (button at the top left of your screen).
5. From the "Create a New Form" screen, select Application for Study Abroad.
6. The Study Abroad-Elf form should now appear on your screen.
7. The addressees should be pre-selected. You do not need to change the names at the top of the form.
8. You may change the form description by clicking Change to the right of "Description: Application for Study Abroad." Change the name to include your program country and term, ie. Application Nice Fall 2008
9. Next, carefully review the instructions on the "General Information" screen. Click Next to begin completing the forms. You must complete all fields before advancing to the next tab.
10. On the Signature tab, review the listed guidelines and check the check box to accept and follow the guidelines. Type in your complete name at the bottom
11. You have now completed the Study Abroad-Elf form. Print this page and turn it in to the Study Abroad Office with your supplementary materials. Once you have reviewed your form and wish to submit it, select Send.
• If you wish to review and/or make changes to the form before you submit it, select the "Folders" tab and the different sections of the form will appear on the screen. Select the section you wish to review and make any changes you see necessary. The system will automatically run a check on the form for any errors. After the system checks the form, any errors or warnings found with the form will appear in the error box. To access the section(s) of the form to correct the error(s), select the section name listed in blue in the Error Box. After you correct the errors, if any, try to send the form again.
• If you still have errors, correct them and try to send your form again. If you still have errors appearing in the error box, please contact the Study Abroad Office for help during office hours.
• You can save a draft of your form by clicking on Save at the top of the Elf screen.
12. When asked if you want to send the form to the four people listed, respond Yes.
13. You will receive an email when your form has been accepted, rejected or returned. Check the status of your form periodically.

IMPORTANT: Do not forget to turn in all supplementary materials to the Study Abroad Office to ensure your application is considered complete and reviewed.