UMass Amherst Global Launch
Start your UMass Experience with a Global Perspective
Embark on a transformative adventure in Dublin, London, Madrid, or Paris and spend your first UMass semester abroad with Global Launch! Experience diverse cultures, gain global perspectives, and build a network of international connections that will enrich your growth and pave the way for a bright future before heading to the UMass Amherst campus in the spring.
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Start Your Global Adventure at UMass Amherst
Don't miss out—apply today and start your journey toward a world-class education!
UMass Amherst Global Launch Programs
Start your UMass Amherst journey with an unforgettable first semester abroad. Eligible students are invited to participate in one of four dynamic program locations—Dublin, London, Madrid, or Paris—based on their academic major, as each program is designed with a specific academic discipline in mind. Each city offers a unique blend of cultural richness, academic excellence, and vibrant community, creating an immersive experience that will ignite your passion for learning and prepare you for success at UMass Amherst and beyond.
Dublin is a global center of business, technology, and entrepreneurship. For students in the Isenberg School of Management, the city offers a powerful setting to explore how ideas move markets and shape industries. Surrounded by global companies, startups, and a culture of innovation, students gain an international perspective on business while living in one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals.
London invites students to engage with history, culture, and global ideas at scale. For students in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, psychology majors, and interdisciplinary exploratory track students, the city becomes a living classroom. World-class museums, public institutions, creative industries, and global organizations create an environment where students can explore big questions and imagine new possibilities.
Madrid is a city fueled by creativity, discovery, and forward-thinking research. Students in the Riccio College of Engineering and selected majors in the College of Natural Sciences and the School of Public Health and Health Sciences study in a capital known for innovation and scientific collaboration. With cutting-edge research institutions and a vibrant cultural landscape, Madrid offers a setting where curiosity leads to new ideas and bold solutions.
Paris brings together art, science, and technological progress. For students in the Manning College of Computer and Information Sciences, mathematics majors, and statistics and data science majors, the city offers a global environment shaped by research, data innovation, and emerging technology. From world-renowned universities to fast-growing tech startups, Paris is a place where analytical thinking and creative problem solving help shape the future.
"I left London confident in managing my time, finding common ground with all kinds of people, and finding solutions when faced with adversities, especially when it came to the tube being closed or trains canceled!"
--
Dilara Onur '27
Frequently Asked Questions
UMass Amherst Global Launch is a unique way to start your journey as a UMass Amherst student. Students in select areas of study are invited to spend their first semester living and learning in one of four global cities – Dublin, London, Madrid, or Paris – earning UMass Amherst credits that keep them on track for their major. Each location's curriculum is designed for students from specific degree paths.
This program will help you build important skills such as global awareness, cross-cultural communication, and problem-solving while immersing you in a new environment. You will gain hands-on experience, develop your academic and personal growth, and create lasting connections with peers. Whether you are looking for a unique way to start your college career at UMass or simply want to broaden your horizons, the Global Launch Program at UMass Amherst offers an enriching and transformative experience.
The Global Launch programs are designed to be close to the cost of a semester on the UMass campus, barring additional costs such as airfare, immigration expenses, and other personal expenses.
Global Launch students are fully matriculated UMass Amherst students, which means you can use your awarded financial aid toward program costs. Review the Global Launch Cost of Attendance page for more details.
The UMass Amherst Global Launch programs provide strong support through Program Assistants (UMass alumni who live on-site with students), and staff from our on-site program partners. With small class sizes, students develop close relationships with instructors, fostering a personal and interactive learning environment. This support network ensures students can thrive academically, socially, and personally throughout the program. The Office of Global Affairs also offers ongoing support, coordinating with university learning resources and other campus services and units.
Admitted UMass Students
If invited, to secure your spot on the Global Launch program, you must:
Complete and submit the interest form. Submitting the form is not an indication of commitment on your of the university's behalf, but an indication for the administration of your program interest.
Once notified of your acceptance (rolling basis), you must pay both your UMass Amherst $500 nonrefundable enrollment deposit and a nonrefundable $300 program deposit.
Due to limited spots available, participation in Global Launch is based on a first-come, first served basis. The date deposits are made will be used to determine who will participate in the program. These programs have filled in past years.
Waitlisted Students
If you have been waitlisted to UMass Amherst and offered the opportunity to start on a Launch program, you must:
Submit the Waitlist Form, indicating your interest in the Global Launch program you are eligible for.
After submitting the form, students will be reviewed and admitted on a rolling basis. If admitted, you must pay both your UMass Amherst $500 nonrefundable enrollment deposit and a nonrefundable $300 program deposit.
Due to limited spots available, participation in Global Launch is based on a first-come, first served basis. The date deposits are made will be used to determine who will participate in the program.
Important Note for Waitlisted Students:
Once admitted to the program, students cannot choose to start on the Amherst campus in the Fall
Students will be admitted to the Launch programs on a space-available basis. Students have until May 1 to deposit, but programs may hit capacity before that date.
Come Back Ready to Lead
Apply now and unlock new opportunities.
Have questions or want to learn more? We’re here to help.
Email us: [email protected]
Follow along: @globallaunch_umass on Instagram to see the experience in action