The International Student and Scholar Services and the UMass Amherst community are committed to ensuring that exchange students have a fulfilling and successful experience throughout their exchange program. To accomplish this, we have established several essential campus support systems and compiled important information below regarding final exams, transcripts, healthcare, and more.
UMass Amherst and ISSS organize several support networks to help exchange students succeed academically and enjoy their time while on studying abroad.
ISSS offers regular walk-in hours for student advising on a number of topics, including visa issues. Visit the IPO website for more information about hours. The International Exchange Advisor is available by appointment or during regular zoom hours to assist students with course enrollment, cultural adjustment, and connecting with campus resources. Email [email protected] for the booking link.
Writing and ESL Support
- UMass Amherst Writing Center: Offers one-on-one tutoring and assistance for any academic genre and stage of the writing process.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Program: Provides courses that help English learners improve their academic writing and speaking skills.
Disability Services
UMass Disability Services offers a wide range of services to support students with disabilities, including accommodations for documented physical, medical, and learning disabilities.
Additional Resources
University Health Services (UHS)
UHS provides comprehensive primary care, walk-in care, mental health services, referral, and educational services, with a special focus on the health needs and concerns of students. There are no out-of-pocket expenses, such as co-payments, co-insurance, or deductibles, for medical services provided at UHS for students enrolled in the (required) Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP).
Center for Counseling and Psychological Health (CCPH)
CCPH offers a community of care to UMass Amherst students to help cope with stress or anxiety, find strategies to overcome challenges, promote mental wellbeing, and succeed in college life and beyond. Confidential services include crisis intervention, short-term psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families, support and therapy groups, psychological assessment, behavioral medicine, psychiatric services and eating disorders consultations.
Exchange students on J-1 visas are allowed to work while studying at UMass Amherst. However, there are specific parameters and steps to follow to obtain proper work authorization:
- Work Authorization: Visit the ISSS J-1 Student Employment, follow the instructions, and complete the J-1 Student Employment Authorization Form.
- On-Campus Employment: Exchange students must work on the UMass Amherst campus. On-campus positions can be found on the Student Job Board.
- Working Hours: Employment is limited to 20 hours per week during school sessions and 40 hours per week during vacation periods.
- Reporting: Students must report assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and on-campus employment to the International Programs Office.
- Academic Training: Students are eligible to extend their program dates and work off-campus with Academic Training authorization (under Off-Campus Employment).
Applying for a Social Security Number
A Social Security Number (SSN) is used by employers and employees for reporting individual earnings for tax purposes. It is also useful for other day-to-day living situations in the United States. All exchange students are encouraged to apply for an SSN regardless of employment status. However, those who choose to work on campus must secure an SSN before the end of their program.
Academic Training
Academic Training (AT) is off-campus training related to a J-1 student's field of study at UMass Amherst. AT provides employment experience to complement your program of study in the United States. The work must be directly related to your field of study and commensurate with your education level. AT can be completed during your academic program and/or after completion if the total amount does not exceed prescribed time limitations. For more information, attend an Academic Training workshop and read about off-campus employment on the J-1 Employment webpage.
For more information, attend an Academic Training workshop and read about J-1 student off-campus employment.
Final Exams
Final exams take place during the last weeks of the semester. For details on the exam schedule for the current semester, log in to your SPIRE account and select “Final Exam Schedule.”
Ordering Transcripts
Partner universities will receive an official electronic UMass Amherst transcript via email once grades have been posted in SPIRE. Students who would like to order additional copies can request them from the UMass Amherst Registrar’s Office.