The Global Launch Dublin program is an exclusive opportunity for Isenberg School of Management students. This program is an exciting collaboration between UMass Amherst, University College Dublin (UCD), and API (Academic Programs International). Students will immerse themselves in campus life, taking carefully curated UCD and UMass Amherst courses. With a vibrant cultural scene, a welcoming international community, and a strong focus on innovation, Dublin is the perfect destination for Isenberg students looking to expand their academic and professional horizons and gain an international perspective on business.
Management
"I decided to join Global Launch because I have lived in Massachusetts my whole life and I desired to see another part of the world before settling back into UMass for the next four years. I wanted a fun adventure where I could also participate in my studies...After joining Global Launch, I realized that many of the "cons" I made up as I was making my decision were just me being scared about such a big change. I have never been so happy of a decision. Dublin has been one of the best experiences I have ever been a part of and I made so many friends and memories."
Students will enroll in a combination of University College Dublin (UCD)* courses and UMass Amherst courses, all taught by local instructors. Course selections will be made in collaboration with the Isenberg School of Management to ensure students stay on track with their academic goals and degree requirements. At UCD, students will have the unique opportunity to enroll in courses that allow them to immerse themselves in the Irish university environment and learn alongside local and international students. The UMass Amherst courses will offer distinctive opportunities to go outside the classroom, helping students explore and analyze Dublin while developing valuable skills and knowledge for their academic journey and future careers.
All students enroll in:
- First Year Seminar
- Dublin Museums
With guidance from their Isenberg School of Management academic advisor, students will choose from a selection of UCD courses to complete their fall schedule. Below are the courses offered in fall 2025. The course offerings for fall 2026 are still being finalized and will be updated in spring 2026.
- Intercultural Skills: Exploring Your Host Country
- Inside Organizations
- Business Plan
- Global Marketplace
- PHIL 163: Business Ethics
- HONORS 201H: Ideas That Change the World (UMass Amherst campus asynchronous section)
*The Global Launch in Dublin program is held to the University College Dublin academic calendar and the Irish higher education system, which do not align directly with the University of Massachusetts Amherst academic calendar. UMass Amherst has systems in place to accommodate for this misalignment of academic calendars.
Global Launch in Dublin students will live on the UCD campus located in a lively and student-centered suburb of Dublin. Global Launch students will reside in apartment-style accommodations, with four (4) single rooms to an apartment. Each apartment contains two (2) bathrooms, a living space, and a kitchen.
On-site amenities include laundry facilities, a fitness center, social spaces, and study rooms to support both academic and personal well-being.
Students are provided with two (2) meals – breakfast and dinner – each weekday on-campus. Students are responsible for their own lunches during the week and meals during the weekend.
UCD’s campus is well connected with several bus routes, including 24/7 service to Dublin City Center, making it easy for students to explore all that the city has to offer. The campus’s proximity to Dublin allows for a perfect balance of peaceful academic life and the excitement of urban living. A transportation pass (Leap Card) is provided.
Students also have a unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in UCD campus life, taking part in a wide range of clubs and societies. Past students have joined a wide variety of clubs and societies, including Women's Rugby, Equestrian Club, Surfing Club, Law Society, Erasmus Society, and more.
Additionally, the program includes a range of cultural activities, excursions, and business visits all covered in the program fee. Previous excursions included a day trip to Causey Farm, Gaelic Games, an overnight trip to Cork, visits to River Rye Brewing and Google's Accessibility Discovery Centre, and more.
Discover what the UCD Village has to offer
In addition to the tuition and program fee , students should budget for the following additional estimated costs:
Roundtrip Airfare from Boston to Dublin1 | $1200 |
Additional Meals2 | $1500 |
Books | $200 |
Personal Expenses3 | $1000 |
Irish Residence Permit | $311 (300 EUR) |
| Estimated Out of Pocket Costs Total | $4211 |
1Students must also budget for travel from their home to Boston; a one way group flight will be booked by OGA and paid by each student. Students are responsible for booking their travel home from Dublin.
2Students will need to provide their own lunch each weekday and meals on the weekend.
3Expenses of a personal nature, may include but are not limited to laundry, phone expenses, medical expenses, etc. Personal side travel is not included in this budget.
You must have a passport that is valid through June 20, 2027 (6 months after the program end date) in hand by June 1, 2026. If you need a passport or your passport needs to be renewed, please start that process ASAP.
All Global Launch Dublin students will need to obtain an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) once in Ireland, which allows US citizens to stay in Ireland for longer than 90 days. You will receive more information about the IRP and documents you will need to obtain prior to departure. Students are responsible for their IRP registration fee of €300.
The Global Launch Dublin program closely follows the University College Dublin academic calendar.
| Dates | Activities |
|---|---|
| August 30 and 31, 2026 | Orientation at Charles River Campus of UMass Amherst |
| August 31 | Departure from Boston on group flight |
| September 1 | Arrival in Dublin |
| September 1- September 4 | Orientation with UCD and API |
| September 7 | Classes begin |
| November 27 | Classes end |
| November 28 - December 4 | Reading / Revision Week |
| December 5 - December 19 | Exam Period |
| December 20 | Housing ends |