First-Year Programs Abroad

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers an incredible opportunity to add an international dimension to your education: our First-Year Program Abroad. This fall semester program has been designed for entering first-year students. If selected, you and a cohort of 38 students will live and learn in one of the world's great global cities, all while staying on track in your college and major. Throughout the semester, you will be in regular contact, either virtually or in-person, with your academic advisor on campus, who will support your progress and prepare you for your spring semester back in Amherst.

UMass is excited to offer options uniquely tailored to the degree paths of a wide array of incoming students. The curriculum in London is designed for students in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, Isenberg School of Management, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. The curriculum in Madrid is designed for students in the College of Engineering, the College of Natural Sciences, Manning College of Computer and Information Sciences, and the School of Public Health and Health Sciences.

Onsite Partner

Our program is hosted by CEA CAPA at their London Program Center, in South Kensington.

Academics

Courses in London are taught by local instructors and meet UMass general education requirements. Each course will present different opportunities to venture beyond the classroom to learn how to analyze and explore this dynamic global city, while building the skills and knowledge that will assist you throughout your academic career and beyond. All students earn 14 UMass credits for three courses and the seminar.

All students enroll in:

• First Year Seminar in London (2 credits)
• London Museums (ATDG Gen Ed, 4 credits)

Students choose two of the following:

• London as a Global City (SB Gen Ed, 4 credits)
• Business Ethics (AT Gen Ed, 4 credits)
• Global Climate Change (PS Gen Ed, 4 credits)

Housing

First-Year London Program students live in a student residence in Kentish Town in double rooms with an en suite bathroom, and kitchenette. Two meals are provided each weekday on the main level of the Stay Club, and laundry facilities, a small fitness room, and social spaces are on the lower levels. The commute from the student residence to the CEA CAPA Center takes about 45 minutes via walking and public transportation, depending on traffic.

Onsite Partner

Our program is hosted by CEA CAPA at their Madrid Program Center. The CEA CAPA Madrid Center is in the heart of the city, in front of Palacio Real, the Sabatini gardens, and around the corner from swarming Plaza de España. 

Academics

Courses in Madrid are taught by local instructors based on UMass syllabi, to ensure a smooth transition back to UMass in the spring. In addition to a variety of core science and math courses, all students in Madrid will take the Madrid Museums course, which meets the UMass ATDG GenEd requirement. This course will present different opportunities to leave the CEA CAPA classroom to learn how to analyze and explore this dynamic global city and build skills and knowledge to take you throughout your academic career and beyond.

All students enroll in:

• First Year Seminar in Madrid (2 credits)
• Madrid Museums (ATDG Gen Ed, 4 credits)

Students choose three of the following:

• Bio 151 (4 credits)
• Chem 111 (4 credits)
• CS 110 (4 credits)
• Math 127 (3 credits)
• Math 131 (4 credits)
• Physics 151 (4 credits)
• Psych 100 (4 credits, SB GenEd, hybrid)

Housing

First-Year Program students in Madrid live in a student residence in double rooms with an en suite bathroom, and kitchenette. Three meals are provided each day on the main level of the student residence, and laundry facilities, a small fitness room, and social spaces are on the lower levels.

For either location, students are billed by UMass their regular tuition rate, plus a First Year Programs Fee for room and board (2 meals per day) of about $8500 (to be finalized before enrollment offers are made). Any financial aid package you receive from UMass Amherst will be applied to these costs. Students will also need to budget for round-trip airfare on a group flight, lunch daily, and personal expenses including personal travel and medical costs.

Admitted first-year students are invited to the First-Year Abroad Experience based on academic qualifications as well as a noted interest in international travel or previous overseas experience.

Invitations to learn more in a live webinar will be sent to selected students after admission decisions. 

Students who attend a webinar (February 14 or 15 for EA admits, March 12 or 13 for RD admits) will be invited to apply for the appropriate First-Year Program. Enrollment offers will be made on a rolling basis, beginning March 1. Students are encouraged to make their $300 First-Year Program deposit to secure their spot as soon as possible, and no later than May 1. Flight deposits of $100 and a copy of a valid passport are due June 1, with the balance due July 15.

September 5 and 6, 2024
Orientation at Mt. Ida Campus of UMass Amherst

September 6
Departure from Boston

September 7
Arrival in London/Madrid

Monday, September 9
First day of classes

Wednesday, December 4
Final day of classes

Thursday, December 5
Depart London/Madrid

December 6 and 7
Program closing at Mt. Ida

December 8
Depart Mt. Ida