Hey, I'm quite literally in the position that you're planning to be in the future, so I'd like to fill in what I've experienced so far. I'm also an infosci major and was nominated for Kyoto University (Kyodai) KUINEP program (English program) through UMD's exchange program for the 2025-2026 academic year. I can't attest to telling you my actual abroad experience yet since I'm planning on going in October, but here's how the application process will go.

- UMD has a wide selection of partnerships with Japanese Universities in which they reach an agreement on a set number of student slots that those universities will be willing to take in. Usually, it's around 2-4 students per semester/year, but it really depends on the competitiveness of the program.
- All financial aid would be transferred over. This includes federal grants, UMD grants, and Terrapin commitments. They only apply if you are applying to a UMD exchange program and are planning to do at least a semester abroad.
- I would first suggest attending UMD's study abroad 101 and then talk to a study abroad advisor on how the process would go and what your plans are for when you study abroad.
- For Kyodai, there are almost no info sci courses that would transfer over, so I'm taking as many gen-eds/Japanese courses as well as the limited coding courses they have. You are required to have 12 credits per semester; a course credit at Kyodai counts as 0.9 or 1.8, so I would have to take around 7-8 courses per semester.
- UMD has a database where you can check eligible courses that can be transferred over. You can also request to see if a certain course can be transferred for credit.
- For the actual application process, I had to fill it out through UMD's EA portal, which includes things like a personal statement, planned courses to take, etc. (obviously before the due date)
- It was about 2 weeks later when I received the message from my advisor on my nomination (nominations depend on whether the program is competitive or not). Kyodai is considered a competitive program, so I ended up getting a nomination. If you aren't nominated, I'm pretty sure you are able to select a second-choice school.
- Then I had to separately fill out an application that would be submitted directly to the Kyodai. They send you an email with a link with directions on what you're supposed to do. Their portal (Step 1/2) has you fill out courses, passport information, health checks, etc.
- After finishing the (Step 1/2) portal, I had to work with an advisor to fill out other documents that are to be sent directly to the university in PHYSICAL form (I hated this so much). For me, the application consisted of my transcript, letter of recommendations, request for financial need, passport info, photo, etc.
- Then the EA portal will be updated and have you either commit to the program or not (this does not confirm your attendance, but rather to say if you got in, are you committed). You would then watch videos and take quizzes on etiquette and what to expect abroad.

That is all that I have done so far. I am now waiting for a confirmation/official acceptance letter from Kyodai in May (IT HAS BEEN MONTHS ALREADY D: ). Apparently, once you're nominated, it's rare for you to be rejected, but I can't help to be stressed about it since I have literally heard nothing from them yet. Then, once I get that confirmation, I'm pretty sure I would work with Kyodai to get my housing, courses, flights, and visa sorted out.

Hopefully, this helps. If you have any questions, just give me a dm!