Education Abroad & Exchange - FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

At International Programs (IPO) we want to show you the ways to expand your UMass Amherst education to include education abroad. There are many types of programs around the world for virtually all fields. Opportunities are available for full year, semester, summer and short-term study.

Where can I go to study abroad?: UMass sponsors programs on six continents. You can study in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America. The possibilities are endless. A list of programs can be found here
Will I be able to get credit for my major, minor and General and Global Education requirements?: Yes. Most majors and many minors will give credit toward departmental requirements for courses taken abroad. Students must get their study abroad courses approved by their academic advisors prior to departure.
Many departments encourage students to include study abroad in their plans. IPO can help you plan ahead if you are undeclared when you first seek advice. Many courses abroad can fulfill General Education and Global requirements as long as they fall within the guidelines for those areas. Check with your academic advisor to be sure. (It is not advisable to take the Basic Math Skills and/or Analytic Reasoning while abroad.)
Can I afford to study abroad?: UMass Amherst programs and fees are designed to be affordable and to keep costs as low as possible. While each program and location has a separate program fee, there is a common $25 application fee. Whether attending a UMass or Non-UMass program, all UMass students studying abroad for a semester or year must pay a $750 Education Abroad Fee payable to UMass-Amherst. For non-UMass programs, please contact the individual organization or institution for the application and program fees. If you already receive financial aid to attend UMass, you may be able use your Financial aid for your UMass or non-UMass study abroad period. Some special scholarships are also available. Credits gained abroad move you toward graduation. Scholarships can be found here.
Do I have to have a certain cumulative average to study abroad?: Eligibility will vary from program to program. In general, most programs require a 3.0 or better. Some programs accept a 2.5 or better. A strong start in your freshman year will be very helpful, but as long as you are in good academic standing, there are programs of study or work abroad for all students. Talk to us about requirements for different programs.
Do I have to be a junior in order to study abroad?: No. While most students who go abroad do so during their junior year, there are many programs open to qualified sophomores and seniors. If you wish to take language courses or fulfill general education requirements, you may go at any time, including summer or winter break for short-term programs.
When should I apply?: Check the application deadlines for the program of your choice. Generally, for year-long programs, you should begin to prepare your application a year in advance. For semester programs, a semester ahead of time is usually appropriate. Deadlines can be found here.
Do I have to withdraw from UMass Amherst in order to go abroad?: NO! Do not withdraw from UMass. Study abroad is part of being a UMass student. Once you have been accepted to an academic year or semester program, you need to be "withdrawn-on-exchange" through IPO in order to maintain your status as a UMass student. This is the same whether you go on a UMass or a non-UMass program. IPO collaborates with various office on campus to simplify the process.
How are tuition and fees handled?: Students pay tuition and fees directly to their study abroad program, not to the UMass Bursar. If it is a UMass program, fees are paid to the International Programs Office.
How will my credits be evaluated?: UMass students must be enrolled as full-time students. If approved, major, minor, general education, and global requirements may be fulfilled on exchange. Up to 36 exchange credits can be considered as residence credits. All international transfer credits are handled by IPO, in partnership with the Records Office.
Are study abroad credits counted as residency credits towards the total required for graduation?: Yes. Regardless of whether you participate in a UMass or non-UMass program, the credits you receive are counted as residency credits.
How do I pre-register?: Students are eligible to pre-register for the semester following their study abroad through SPIRE.
What happens when my semester/year is over?: Students are automatically reinstated at UMass, unless graduating seniors, for the semester following their period of exchange.
Do my study abroad credits get transferred? Are the grades averaged into my cumulative grade-point average?: Credits you receive while studying abroad can be transferred back to UMass. For all programs, grades will appear on your transcript. Grades are not averaged into your cumulative average unless the program director is a UMass faculty.
Where do I find out about what options are available to me?: At the Education Abroad Advising Center, located in Hills South 455. Speak with an IPO advisor or peer counselor and investigate the many options available to you.