UMass students can explore and apply to approved Education Abroad Programs that have been curated for academics, safety, and affordability. Explore this page to find out how to choose a program and the different types of programs we offer!
Explore the UMass Abroad Portal
Create your traveler profile, search for programs, message your Education Abroad Advisor, and complete application requirements in the UMass Abroad portal. Your profile unlocks the "Program Match" feature, enabling you to bookmark favorites and apply to your Education Abroad Program.
- You must choose an Education Abroad Program approved by the Office of Global Affairs. If you need help searching for a program that fits your needs, reach out to us at @email or visit the Global Education Advising Center.
- Unless specified, as long as you are eligible and meet application deadlines, you will be accepted! You do not need to apply to more than one program.
Planning ahead and your term isn't posted? Search by the previous year and check the "Apply" tab to see when future terms will open.
Which program is right for you?
Some questions to think about before and during your program search:
- What are your academic goals and what kind of classes would you like to take? Are you interested in learning another language or improving your fluency? Do you want to do research or intern abroad?
- What's your budget and how will you pay for your term abroad?
- What are you looking for in a location? Consider factors like climate, cuisine, student life, university, and city size.
- How long do you want to be abroad, and when do you want to go?
- Are you eligible to study abroad? Make sure you meet UMass eligibility requirements and understand any additional program-specific requirements before applying.
Program Types
Partner Programs are U.S.-based companies that design and facilitate education abroad programs for students at U.S. colleges and universities, offering enrollment at host universities, global study centers, or a combination of both. They typically provide a high level of in-country staff support. As long as you are eligible and meet application deadlines, you will be accepted! You do not need to apply to more than one program.
The Partner Program Fee typically covers tuition, fees, housing, insurance and cultural events, and is paid directly to the Partner Program. You pay the Global Education Fee to UMass and apply through the program's website after submitting your UMass Abroad application. Your Partner Program will have information on your housing options and how to request a specific roommate; you cannot live in independent housing.
On an Exchange, you enroll as an international student at a university abroad. Like being at UMass, Exchanges require you to be more independent and proactive in choosing courses, securing housing, making friends, and accessing student resources. In addition to your Education Abroad Advisor, you will have an inbound Exchange coordinator at your host university who will offer pre-arrival information and in-country orientation and support. You cannot live in independent housing and must choose from the host university’s student housing options.
OGA accepts students from the host university, which is why it is called an Exchange, and your Education Abroad Advisor will confirm your eligibility. You will be nominated and given instructions on how to apply. You are responsible for meeting their deadlines.
The Exchange Tuition fee and the Global Education Fee are paid to UMass, and housing costs are paid separately. Your tuition will not be identical to what you pay for an on-campus UMass semester. Exchanges are often less expensive than Partner Programs in the same location.
A Direct Enroll university program allows you to enroll directly as an international student at an approved university abroad. Like being at UMass, a Direct Enroll university program requires you to be more independent and proactive in choosing courses, securing housing, making friends, and accessing student resources. In addition to your Education Abroad Advisor, you will have an inbound coordinator at your host university who will offer pre-arrival information and in-country orientation and support. You cannot live in independent housing and must choose from the host university’s student housing options.
Unlike an Exchange, you pay tuition and fees directly to the host university and will pay housing costs separately. You pay the Global Education Fee to UMass. You do not need to be nominated, and you will receive application instructions after submitting your UMass Abroad application.
Faculty-Led Programs are courses abroad taught by or in collaboration with UMass faculty. Programs vary in length and are generally developed with students from a particular college or major in mind.
The application process and deadlines are customized for each program and you will not follow these Steps to Study Abroad if you are applying to an FLP—instead, follow the instructions from your faculty leader.
Planning to study abroad is about more than choosing a destination. It's a chance to think through your academic goals, personal interests, and the kind of cultural experience you're looking for. You'll also want to consider your budget, timing, and eligibility to find a program that truly fits you and sets you up for a successful experience abroad.
- Academics Abroad: Earn credits and stay on track for graduation.
- Understanding Finances: Identify expected costs.
- Eligibility: Confirm that you meet the requirements for the Office of Global Education and your program.
- Identity, Access and Inclusion: It is important that you feel safe and comfortable maintaining your own identities during your travels. Confirm the mental, physical, and academic support that may be available to you while abroad.
- Global Safety & Security: Get guidance on health, safety, and security so you can feel confident and prepared abroad. Find out more information about the UMass Emergency International Travel Insurance policy.
- On-Campus Housing: If you live on campus the term before studying abroad, you remain eligible for on campus housing when you return. Review housing policies, deadlines, and information about avoiding cancellation fees.
- Off-Campus Housing: Worried about subletting your apartment while you’re abroad? Will you need to find off-campus housing when you return? Visit the UMass Off-Campus Housing website and sign up for the roommate finder.
- Immigration and Entry Requirements: Will you have enough time to complete the required action items? This will differ by country and may include applying for a student visa, a medical examination, and scheduling vaccinations.
Application dates and deadlines
There is not one deadline for all UMass Abroad programs, so you must confirm when your application is due. Do not rely on friends who are applying to different programs because late applications will not be accepted.
Winter and Spring applications open on UMass Abroad on April 1
Application deadlines vary from early September to November 15
Summer, Fall, and Academic Year applications open on UMass Abroad on November 1
Application deadlines vary from early February to April 15
Preparing early? Search by a previous term and save the programs you are interested in.
Do you have a valid passport?
Check your passport expiration date now! Your passport must be valid at least 6 months to one year after the end of your program—for example, if your program ends on June 1, your passport must be valid until December 1 of that same year, or June 1 of the following year. Your host country may also require a student visa, a medical examination, and vaccinations.
Don't have a passport? Don't wait, apply for one now.
More questions? Overwhelmed by your options?
We know how confusing this can be and want to make things easier! Drop into the Advising Center to meet with Global Education Staff and Peer Advisors who can help you research a program that fits.
The application process has two parts, and you are responsible for completing both and managing all required steps. You’re welcome to meet with our office before submitting if you’d like us to review your materials.
1. Submit your application in the UMass Abroad Portal
After submission, your application will be reviewed for eligibility and updated within two weeks. Once your status is Conditionally Approved, OGA can complete University Approval forms or submit nominations on your behalf.
You will also have additional forms to complete within the UMass Abroad Portal. Once all required forms are submitted and approved, your application status will be updated to Accepted, and you must log in to officially commit to your program.
2. Apply directly to your partner program or host university
Carefully review the tabs below for specific instructions on how to apply to your selected program.
- After submitting your UMass Abroad application, apply directly to your Partner program (API, CEA CAPA, CET, CIS Abroad, Worldstrides, USAC, etc.) on their website. Some Partners may have an application fee. Their application deadlines are different from the UMass Abroad deadline, and you are responsible for meeting both. Once you apply to your Partner and you complete requirements in their portal, you’ll have an enrollment coordinator who will answer program-specific questions.
- Your Partner will have information on your housing options and how to request a specific roommate, if possible. You cannot live in independent housing.
- Most programs will ask you to complete a Home University Approval Form. Send it to @email and OGA will submit it when your UMass Abroad application is conditionally approved. Do not send it to your Academic Advisor.
- Finance Reminder: You pay the Program Fee to the Partner Program Provider, you pay the Global Education Fee to UMass. Withdrawing from your program after a certain date means you may pay part or all of your program fee. Any non-refundable fees will not be reimbursed. It is your responsibility to communicate with your program coordinators as soon as possible should you need to cancel your study abroad plans.
- After submitting your application on the UMass Abroad portal and meeting with your Education Abroad Advisor, you will be nominated to the Exchange. You will then submit an application to the host university to be administratively admitted. Your Education Abroad Advisor will provide you with the instructions. Do not apply to your host university until you have been nominated.
- You will have a separate housing application process after you are accepted by your host university and your Education Abroad Advisor will explain this to you. You cannot live in independent housing and must choose from the host university’s student housing options.
- Finance Reminder: Exchange tuition and the Global Education Fee are posted to your UMass bursar bill. Your tuition will not be identical to what you pay for an on-campus UMass semester. You will pay your housing directly to the Exchange university or the housing provider with varying due dates, varying payment options, and you may be billed in a foreign currency. Housing deposit may be required.
- After applying on the UMass Abroad portal, you will receive instructions from your Education Abroad Advisor on how to apply to your Direct Enroll university.
- You will have a separate housing application process after you are accepted by your host university. This information is included on the UMass Abroad brochure page and you are responsible for meeting deadlines. You cannot live in independent housing and must choose from the host university’s student housing options.
- Finance Reminder: You pay tuition and fees directly to the host university and will pay your housing directly to the host university or the accommodation provider with varying due dates, varying payment options, and you may be billed in a foreign currency. You pay the Global Education Fee to UMass. Housing deposit may be required.
To complete the application process and be officially accepted by UMass, you must complete all requirements for UMass Abroad which includes attending required pre-departure sessions and completing all forms throughout the UMass Abroad application process.
Attend a Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO)
- You are required to attend PDO, which is conducted via Zoom. Dates, times, and the links can be found here.
- Families and your support network are invited to attend our PDO! They must have an authenticated Zoom account and we recommend they test the webinar link before the session begins. They may need to configure their Zoom account to join. They do not need your UMass login to attend.
- Partner programs and host universities may also have mandatory pre-departure orientations that you must attend as well.
Review Financial Plan
- Review how to pay your Education Abroad Expenses and plan for your Variable Costs and the Global Education Fee. Students can refer to "How To Pay for Education Abroad" in their UMass Abroad portal for detailed information.
- Ensure that you are enrolled in Excess Express. Verify the bank account where your refund will be deposited.
- Confirm that you are in good financial standing with University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Commit on UMass Abroad
- A critical and final step is to commit to your program in the UMass Abroad portal. This happens after you complete all your UMass Abroad requirements and your application status is "Accepted."
- Once you commit, your SPIRE will be updated to reflect your term abroad. You are responsible for resolving your SPIRE holds so that you can study abroad.
- Remember your conduct history will be re-checked. Please self-disclose if you have recent incidents with the Office of Student Conduct.
Finalize Travel Preparations
- Download and configure the Microsoft Authenticator Mobile App and opt out of SMS-only alerts before your program starts. You will be locked out of ALL UMass accounts (SPIRE, your UMass Abroad portal, Navigate, your UMass email, etc.) if you do not do this.
- If you live on-campus, follow the instructions sent by Residential Life Assignments to cancel next semester's housing to avoid late fees.
- Confirm your immigration and entry requirements and what documents you need to present when you arrive in your host country. Do not wait until the day before you depart to discover you are missing something.
1. How do I get started?
Check out our Study Abroad Prep video and review the Steps to Study Abroad. If you need extra guidance or support we recommend meeting with our Peer Advisors who have all been abroad and can help you discover your ideal program!
2. Where can I study abroad?
All approved study abroad programs are listed on the UMass Abroad portal for each term. UMass students are required to select an approved program when studying abroad.
3. When should I study abroad?
Students must complete their freshman year on campus before they are eligible to study abroad. Transfer students are eligible after completing one semester on campus.
4. When do applications open?
Summer, Fall, and Academic Year applications open in November. Winter and Spring applications open in April. Be sure to create your UMass Abroad profile to receive timely updates from the Office of Global Affairs.
5. I can't find any programs for the term I want to study abroad in.
It may be too early and applications haven't opened yet. You can search under the prior year's term to view your program options.
6. Can I apply to multiple programs?
Students should submit one application per term. Competitive programs require a back-up option. Speak with your Education Abroad Advisor about the process if you need to apply to a back-up program.
7. Can I study abroad more than once?
Yes! You can study abroad multiple times. Please discuss this with both your Academic Advisor and Education Abroad Advisor to plan accordingly.
8. How do I withdraw my application?
You can withdraw your application within the UMass Abroad portal. Applications to the Partner or host university must also be withdrawn. Before you withdraw, make sure you understand your partner’s withdrawal policies and understand the financial implications. If you have questions, please email your Education Abroad Advisor.
9. Will my credits earned abroad transfer to UMass?
Yes, your credits earned abroad will either count as general credits towards graduation, or fulfill a specific requirement. To fulfill specific requirements for your major, minor or certificate you need to obtain pre-approval by completing the International Course Approval Form (ICAF). You cannot take courses Pass/Fail abroad. Please refer to Academics Abroad for more information.
10. Can students from any major study abroad?
Yes! Students from every major can study abroad. Students can complete major, minor, GenEd, or elective requirements. We encourage you to start planning early so you have the greatest flexibility in choosing a program that fits your academic goals.
11. Do I need to speak another language to study abroad?
No. Most approved programs offer courses instructed in English so you do not need to know a second language to study abroad. If the program requires previous knowledge in the host country’s language, this will be listed as an admissions requirement.
12. I'm an international student at UMass, can I study abroad?
Yes! International students are welcome to study abroad outside of the United States. However, we recommend speaking with your UMass ISSS advisor and researching visa requirements in advance.
13. How much does it cost?
The cost for study abroad programs vary, and it’s important for students to understand fixed and variable costs associated with studying abroad. Please refer to our Understanding Finances page for more details. Explore our Deals and Discounts and Affordable Adventures for budget-friendly programs!
14. Can I use Financial Aid to pay for study abroad?
Yes! Most Awarded Financial Aid is eligible to be used toward Education Abroad Expenses. Please refer to our Financial Aid for Study Abroad for more details.
15. Are there scholarships for study abroad?
Yes! OGA offers scholarships every semester. Many study abroad providers also offer program specific scholarships, and students may be eligible for national awards such as the Gilman Scholarship and the Fund for Education Abroad. We encourage all students to explore their options and apply for multiple scholarships.
16. Who do I contact in case of an emergency abroad?
OGA staff are available on-call during and after university business hours. Please review and save these emergency contacts.
17. What type of insurance coverage will I have abroad?
UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff traveling abroad on approved travel are covered by UMass Emergency International Travel Insurance provided by ISOS. This coverage is intended to provide the first line of coverage for emergency, security, or medically-urgent issues while abroad. Coverage also includes 24/7 teledoc consultation services and 24/7 remote mental health counseling services. Read more about coverage details here.
18. Where will I be living overseas?
Housing accommodations can vary by program and location. Generally, the options range from local homestays, on-campus dormitory living, or sharing an apartment with local or other international students. Students are required to use program provided housing while studying abroad.
19. If I currently live on campus, will my housing placement be available when I return?
If you live on campus the term before studying abroad, you remain eligible for on campus housing when you return. See here for more information.
20. Do I need a visa to go abroad?
Every country’s visa requirements, process, and timeline are different, and UMass has no control over these factors. In some cases, it can take several months to secure a student visa so we always recommend applying early and starting the visa process as soon as you are accepted to your program.