Study Abroad and Domestic Exchange Programs
As you build skills and experiences during your years as a college student, it is always wise to break out of your comfortable patterns, try something new, and truly test yourself. One of the best ways to do this is to leave campus for a semester or a year through a study abroad or domestic exchange program. By taking this step, you’ll expand your horizons, discover new passions and talents, build independence, and strengthen your problem solving skills.
Study Abroad
UMass Amherst encourages all students to consider study abroad, no matter their major or career plans. International experience and foreign language skills (especially those perfected abroad) are excellent selling points with any potential employer. Further, the growth that you’ll experience during your sojourn will only enhance your candidacy for a job.
Each year, over 700 UMass Amherst students participate in the more than 70 campus-sponsored programs on every continent but Antarctica. You may choose from such countries as Australia, China, Colombia, Egypt, Germany, India, Ireland, Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Spain, or the United Kingdom. Adventurous students are encouraged to explore options in regions less commonly traveled by U.S. undergraduates.
Go to the International Programs Office Web site to learn more about study abroad.
Domestic Exchange
The UMass Amherst domestic exchange programs are perfect for students who want to expand their horizons but remain in the United States (and territories), or who want to explore courses and programs not available at home. You can spend a semester or a year at one of over 180 participating colleges and universities across the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. You’ll accumulate UMass Amherst residency credits and pay no more than the regular UMass Amherst tuition and fees while on exchange.
Any full-time, matriculated undergraduate student at UMass Amherst, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5, is eligible to participate.
You’ll find more details, as well as a list of participating colleges and universities on the Domestic Exchange section of the Undergraduate Advising Center Web site.
