1. What defines Cultures of the Americas?

It is the study of various aspects of U.S. , Canadian, and Latin American culture, including race, religion, education, health and wellness, music and the arts, and other social issues. World events are put into a context of North and South American cultures.

2. What is a scholar?

A Scholar is more than someone with an expertise. A scholar is curious about and educates him/herself about a variety of subjects. Particularly important in the Cultures of the Americas program is the chance to hear points of views from colleagues of differing backgrounds.

3. How much more school work do you have to do while in Scholars?

Not that much: lecture once a week, occasional movies and homework assignments. Extra-colloquium requirements also meet Core Courses requirements.

4.  What will I get out of this program?

• Diversity: As opposed to focusing on your specific field of study, the Cultures of the Americas program will broaden your knowledge and give you a more well-rounded education.
  
• Travel: Freshmen have an opportunity to go to New York ; Sophomores travel to Canada or Latin America . Cultures of the Americas subsidizes these travel opportunities so that the cost is not too great.

5. Why pick American cultures if I want to major in business?

• The Cultures of the Americas program is unique because it welcomes all majors. We have students majoring in business, in history, in philosophy, in English, in Spanish, in engineering, in political science, and in education. We also have students who are undecided about their majors and want a chance to experience a variety of topics of study before deciding. Altogether, they represent a cross-section of the University of Maryland student body.
  
• Cultures of the Americas gives you a chance to experience discussions and conversations outside of your major. It gives you an opportunity to learn about other interests that you might not have time to explore, especially in an intensive major.
  
• Most importantly, there is no field without cultural influences. Cultures of the Americas provides a chance to understand how culture works everyday to shape people's opinions and guide people's actions.

6. Are there opportunities for internships?

Yes! You have an opportunity to do an internship of any kind, quality, and/or place, for college credit.

Cultures of the Americas faculty has connections with businesses and non-profit organizations and can help you get the internship of your choice.

7.  What is the Discovery project?

You may also choose to prepare a research project, which would be presented during University of Maryland 's annual Maryland Day in May. This year we have added a great new program that involves working at the U.S. Library of Congress in Washington , DC

8.  Does this look good on a resume?

Obviously! The Cultures of the Americas program will say you are a "Scholar," and it gives you an edge on people who graduate without such distinction.

9.  How are we helping the community?

A portion of Cultures of the Americas scholarship involves service and internships. We offer an opportunity to work with Martha's Table, Greenbelt Cares, Washington, DC Foodbank, Maryland English Institute, and other social organizations, including those of your own choosing. This work allows us to pool our resources to help the less fortunate. For example, one group of Cultures of the Americas scholars packed food boxes that were sent to aid victims of Katrina.

10.  Is the Cultures of the Americas College Park Scholars program worth the time?

Absolutely! With class only one hour a week, you have very little to give up and much to gain.

• Better resume
• Well-rounded education
• Real-world work experience in service and internship projects

11. What are other benefits of scholars?

• Tight-knit Scholars community
• Travel opportunities
• Making great friends in a highly intellectual environment.