Committed Students

Global Launch New Student Timeline 2026

Global Launch students will complete some, but not all, of UMass New Student & Family Programs New Student Experience requirements that students starting on the Amherst campus typically complete. 

Guide to the U is a series of self-paced, online modules that introduces new students and their families to the university: its community, resources, values, and expectations. The Guide to the U is available to support you from the time you matriculate until you graduate. Students must complete the Guide to the U before they can attend Ready for the U and schedule an advising and course registration appointment.

Guide to the U opens on April 6. 

Guide to the U is due June 4.

Global Launch students must participate in the Ready for the U orientation as part of the UMass Amherst New Student Experience. You may participate in the 1-Day Online Session, 1-Day On-Campus Session, or 2-Day On-Campus Session. 

Ready for the U provides an opportunity to engage with the university community before arriving on campus by learning about campus resources, expectations, and strategies for academic success. Participating in the online session helps Global Launch students begin building connections with the UMass community before transitioning to campus in the Spring semester.

It is critical that all Global Launch students complete their placement exams in a timely manner. You are automatically enrolled in placement exams the next business day after you submit your UMass enrollment deposit.  

Global Launch students must complete the writing and math placement exams as soon as possible. Placement exams are due May 8th for Global Launch students.

For students in the Madrid and Paris programs, the math placement exam determines which math class you will register for in Madrid or Paris, so it is extremely important that your score reflects your math knowledge.

UMass advises that you take the exam when you are well rested and have an appropriate amount of time to complete the exam. Make sure you use a calculator. Only ONE attempt will be allowed.

Information and instructions for the placement exams can be found on this website under the “Placement Exams” tab (https://www.umass.edu/new-student/academic-advising). 

To take the placement exams, you may click here.  

Global Launch students are required to meet online with an academic advisor to review placement assessment results, discuss academic requirements, and register for your classes for the upcoming semester. An academic advisor from your admitted School / College will contact you at your UMass email address in June to arrange your first online New Student Advising and Course Registration appointment using the Navigate system.

You must meet with your academic advisor before July 2^nd. Do not wait to schedule your appointment. Guide to the U must be completed before you can schedule an appointment with your academic advisor. 

In addition to UMass New Student and Family Program New Student Experience tasks, Global Launch students must also complete the following. 

You must complete your UMass Abroad application in Via TRM, including all required forms. In order for your tuition bill to be processed correctly, you must submit the full application and all required documents. Once these materials are completed and approved, your tuition bill will be updated in June to reflect your participation in Global Launch.

Your Partner Program (API or CEA CAPA) will ask you complete an application and additional forms, which will include housing preferences, dietary restrictions, and other important information. It is important that you complete all required materials and meet the deadlines set by your Partner Program. You will receive direct communication and instructions from the Partner Program regarding these requirements.

All students are required to travel on the designated group flight from Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to their Global Launch city. Global Launch will organize this one-way group flight and provide students with the relevant booking information. Students must submit a flight deposit in May to secure their seat, with full payment due in July. The group flight includes one checked bag, one carry-on bag, and one personal item per student.

Students are responsible for arranging and purchasing their own return travel at the conclusion of the program.

Students will be invited to join the Global Launch Canvas course. Canvas is UMass Amherst’s learning management system (LMS) and serves as the central information hub for the program over the summer. It is critical that students check Canvas regularly over the summer and enable email notifications to ensure they do not miss important updates, deadlines, and announcements.

Students and families are invited to attend the Global Launch Kickoff Call — our first opportunity to connect. During this session, you’ll meet the Global Launch team, learn about your support resources, and get an overview of what your summer orientation period will look like. We will also review important dates and key action items to help set you up for success as you prepare for departure and the start of your Global Launch journey. 

Zoom link will be shared directly with students.

The Global Launch Health & Safety Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) will cover important UMass Amherst and Office of Global Affairs (OGA) health, safety, and security protocols, as well as cultural and academic insights from our in-country support staff. 

The session will be held via Zoom, recorded, and will last approximately two (2) hours. It will include a large-group presentation from OGA followed by smaller breakout sessions led by your in-country Partner Program, with time for questions and answers. 

Attendance is mandatory. Students will be required to complete the make-up assignment if they cannot attend. 

Zoom link will be shared directly with students. Parents and family are encouraged to attend with their student. 

Global Launch Program Assistants host a series of virtual orientation sessions in July and August for their cohort. Students are strongly encouraged to attend. These sessions include introductory activities to foster community building, along with helpful information about life in your host city, including packing tips, international phone plans, and what to expect upon arrival. 

Session dates will be shared with students in June.

All Global Launch students are required to attend the Global Launch Charles River Orientation. This two-day, one-night program takes place immediately prior to departure and brings together students, Program Assistants, UMass Amherst staff, and a member of the in-country team to prepare for the semester abroad.

Day 1 includes student drop-off, Family & Student lunch, Welcome Address, and light refreshments before saying goodbye. Students will stay overnight at the Charles River Campus. Bedding, towels, and meals are provided for students. 

On Day 2, Global Launch will provide coach bus transportation from Newton, MA to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) for the designated group flight.

2026 Orientation Dates