The Global Launch in Paris program is designed for students in the Manning College of Computer and Information Sciences (CICS), statistics and data science majors, and mathematics majors. UMass Amherst partners with API (Academic Programs International) at their Paris Center, located in the centrally located and beautiful 8th Arrondissement. Not only will students take STEM courses that keep them on track with their degree but also immerse themselves in the City of Light’s iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and thriving cultural scene.
Communications
“The skills I learned abroad set me up for success at UMass--independence, responsibility, and being able to adapt to unexpected changes. I also formed strong bonds abroad with my peers abroad that carried over to UMass Amherst.”
Courses in Paris are taught in English 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 CICS and Mathematics courses, all students in Paris will take the First Year Seminar and Introduction to Museology course. Introduction to Museology presents different opportunities to leave the classroom and visit local museums 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. The course also meets UMass General Education requirements.
All students enroll in:
- First Year Seminar
- Introduction to Museology
With guidance from their UMass academic advisor, students will choose from a variety of core courses to complete their fall schedule. Below is the list of courses that will be offered in fall 2026.
- CICS 110: Foundations of Programming
- CICS 210: Data Structures
- MATH 131: Calculus I
- MATH 132: Calculus II
- NUTRITN 130: Nutrition for Health Lifestyles
- PSYCH 100: Introductory Psychology (UMass Amherst campus synchronous section via Zoom)
- HONORS 201H: Ideas That Change the World (UMass Amherst campus asynchronous section)
- Navigating a Global City: French Language
Global Launch in Paris students will live and learn in the 8th Arrondissement, a central and chic neighborhood just steps away from the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe. Located at 66 Rue de Miromesnil at the API Paris Center, students reside in beautiful Parisian apartment-style accommodations with fellow UMass Global Launch students. Students share double rooms and apartments are complete with shared living spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, study areas, and social spaces.
Students are provided with two (2) meals – breakfast and dinner – each weekday in the communal dining area. Students are responsible for their own lunches during the week and meals during the weekend.
The Paris Metro and bus routes are just a 5-minute walk away, making it easy for students to explore Paris and all it has to offer. A Metro pass (Navigo card) is provided.
A variety of cultural activities and excursions are also included in the program fee. Previous excursions included a day trip to Rouen, an overnight trip to Brussels, visits to museums like the Louvre, and more.
In addition to tuition and program fee, students should budget for the following additional estimated costs:
|
Airfare from Boston to Paris* |
$1200 |
| French Visa | $500 |
|
Meals** |
$1500 |
|
Books/Lab Fees*** |
$200 |
|
Personal Expenses**** |
$1000 |
| Total | $4400 |
* Students must also budget for travel from their home to Boston; a group flight will be booked by OGA and paid by each student.
** Students may need to provide their own lunch each weekday and meals on the weekend.
*** Lab fees apply to certain courses. These fees are used to maintain and upgrade equipment and to provide consumable materials necessary for the course.
**** Expenses of a personal nature, may include but are not limited to laundry, phone expenses, medical expenses. Personal travel is not included in this budget.
You must have a passport that is valid through June 12, 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 students will be required to independently apply for a French Student Visa.*
When you apply for your visa, you will submit your original passport to the application center as part of your visa application and they will return it to you with the visa affixed inside. Students will need to travel in-person to their nearest application center to submit their visa application. Application centers are located in Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC.
NOTE: You will not be able to travel internationally between the time that you submit your application to the application center and when the application center issues your visa/returns your passport. For this reason, UMass and API strongly discourages students from making international travel plans prior to the start of the program.
Once committed to the program, students will receive further communication regarding the visa process and required documents. Students are responsible for any fees associated with the French visa, approximately $500-$600.
*Students that hold a valid European Union (EU) passport may not need to obtain a student visa. Please reach out to the Global Launch Team at @email to confirm.
| Dates | Activities |
|---|---|
| August 27 - 28, 2026 | Orientation at Charles River Campus of UMass Amherst |
| August 28 | Departure from Boston on group flight |
| August 29 | Arrival in Paris |
| August 29 - September 4 | Orientation with API First Year Seminar and French Language Seminar begins |
| September 7 | First day of classes |
| October 22-26 | Midterm Break |
| December 12 | Final day of program Housing ends and students depart |