<p>I received a half-tuition ($22,000) scholarship from GWU, which amounts to a total cost of approximately $36,000 a year there. Meanwhile, UMd offered me $12,000 a year, which would amount to my paying $26,000 per year at that school. I would like to major in International Relations and minor in Linguistics, which I know at UMd is not an available option. At GWU, on the other hand, I would be enrolled in the Elliot School of International Affairs, which if I am correctly informed, has a great reputation. If I choose to attend UMd, I will be majoring in Linguistics and enrolled in the College Park Scholars Program, with a concentration in International Studies. I am also concerned about study abroad possibilities, as this is something I would very much want to do my Junior year. I saw that at GWU, students who study abroad abroad incur a fee depending upon in which program they participate. What is the policy for UMd, and what are people's experiences with study abroad at each of these places? It is also significant to note that I plan on going on to graduate school, so I would want to have some money left over to spend on that.
So, my question is: is GWU worth the extra $10,000 a year? Or will UMd offer me better opportunities? Additionally, if I go into the Scholars program at UMd, is it true that I cannot live in the Language Immersion Houses until Junior year?</p>
<p>I can’t give you info on GW; sorry. I would suggest that you visit both and ask the same questions at both places. We’re a UMD family who loves it.</p>
<p>The only question I can add is that you can interview at the Language House in Spring of your Freshman year and can live there starting fall of Sophomore year, even if you are in Scholars. D2 is very active in the Scholars program. Many sophomores choose to live in different locations, while still remaining very involved in Scholars opportunities. </p>
<p>Both Ds live in the Language House…pm me if you have any specific questions; they have really had good experiences there. (German and Spanish clusters).</p>