Start Your UMass Experience with a Global Perspective
The Global Launch Programs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offer an incredible opportunity to add an international dimension to your education in your very first semester. These fall semester programs have been designed for entering first-year students. If selected, you and a small cohort of students will live and learn in one of the world's great global cities, all while staying on track in your college and major.
UMass Amherst offers Global Launch in four locations: London, Madrid, Paris, and Dublin. The curriculum in each location is uniquely tailored for first-year students from specific UMass schools and colleges. You will take courses taught by local instructors with your cohort and receive UMass credits, fulfilling General Education requirements and/or other major requirements. You’ll be a matriculated student at UMass Amherst and can use your financial aid while abroad. All your courses will be UMass courses and count towards your UMass degree requirements.
This exclusive opportunity is offered to selected high-achieving First Year UMass Amherst applicants.

Finance
“Studying abroad through the [UMass Amherst] Global Launch program was one of the best decisions I’ve made at UMass. It gave me lifelong friendships, a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures, and a newfound curiosity inspired by incredible teachers, making the experience truly unforgettable.”
Where Can I Study?
We offer programs in four major global cities: London, Madrid, Paris, and Dublin; each location is designed for students from specific schools and colleges.

London
The curriculum in London is designed for selected majors in the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the School of Public Health and Health Sciences, and psychology majors.

Madrid
The curriculum in Madrid is designed for selected majors in the College of Engineering, the College of Natural Sciences, and the School of Public Health and Health Sciences.

Paris
The curriculum in Paris is designed for students in the Manning College of Computer and Information Sciences and Mathematic majors.

Dublin
The curriculum in Dublin is designed for students in the Isenberg School of Management.
More Information
The UMass Amherst Global Launch programs foster both academic and personal growth by providing a collaborative learning environment in a small cohort of like-minded students. Global Launch students are fully matriculated UMass Amherst students; you can use your awarded aid towards program costs and courses will count towards your degree requirements.
Academics:
UMass Amherst Global Launch programs are designed for entering first-year students in each college, ensuring that students who attend stay on track with their degree requirements. The curriculum is set in consultation with academic deans and advisors in each college, and most are based on UMass courses. All courses are taught by local subject matter experts with special attention to integrating field studies, site visits and other place-based learning opportunities.
Student Support:
The UMass Amherst Global Launch programs offer robust support through various dedicated individuals and teams. Program Assistants, who are UMass Amherst alumni, live in-residence with students and provide on-site support throughout the program, including during the summer. On-site, professional student support staff provide support for issues ranging from medical concerns to culture shock. Academic support is provided by instructors and in the mandatory seminar course, as well as by UMass Amherst Learning Resource Center.
Personal Growth:
Outside of class, explore your new home with your cohort to gain unique insights and perspectives that enhance your academic experience, and push you out of your comfort zone. The opportunity to live and learn in a global city will help you build resilience, independence and the intercultural competency skills that are highly valuable in today’s job market.
Selected students will be invited to join the Global Launch program appropriate to their program of study following their acceptance to UMass Amherst. Students are selected by the UMass Amherst Admissions team based on a variety of factors including academic achievement and interest, as indicated on the Common App.
For questions regarding the UMass Amherst Global Launch programs, please contact the Global Launch team in the Office of Global Affairs by emailing @email .
