Ever wanted to travel abroad?
Attending college can be a very special time for anybody. The four years (hopefully) is a time for you to learn a lot, make new friends, and most importantly try new things.
In my opinion the first year of college is the most fun. Not to say the rest of college isn’t fun, but most students fall into a pattern of comfort and do the same things over and over again, so why not switch it up your Sophomore or Junior year by studying abroad?
The University of Massachusetts Lowell has a very large study abroad program and you can study anywhere in the world! You can study abroad any semester, including the summer.
Studying abroad can definitely be confusing and I’m sure you have a lot of questions so here is some FAQ:
Will the courses I take abroad transfer back to UMass Lowell?
Yes, pending pre-authorization. There is a process to pre-approve the courses that you plan to take for transfer of credits back to UMass Lowell. You must file paperwork with the study abroad advisor to get your coursework approved prior to your departure. Your grade must be a grade of C- or better in order to receive credit for the course.
Can I get financial aid for a study abroad program?
If you are eligible for financial aid while attending UMass Lowell, you may also be able to receive financial aid from UMass Lowell in order to study abroad. You are considered to still be a student of the university, while you are a full-time student abroad and are therefore eligible to apply for and receive financial aid.
Who can go on study abroad or exchange?
Any UMass Lowell student can study abroad with proper approvals. The GPA requirements vary widely for each study abroad program. Most study abroad programs have a minimum requirement of a 2.5 to a 3.0 cumulative GPA. In addition, most programs require you to be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
Is studying abroad more expensive than my normal college costs?
Not necessarily. It all depends on the program you choose. There are programs available in a large range of costs.
Do I have to speak a foreign language to study abroad?
Sometimes you do. In most cases, knowledge of a foreign language is not required. There are English-speaking countries and programs all over the world. You can do all of your coursework in English, or if you have competency in another language, you may take some or all of your classes in that language!
How many classes can I take while I am on study abroad?
During fall and spring semester programs, students must maintain full-time status at an accredited academic institution while on the study away program. Students typically take four to five classes per semester, just like they do at UMass Lowell. Students who participate in short-term programs in the winter or summer take one to two courses.
I hope that cleared up some possible questions you may have had. If you are interested in studying in a specific location or country. Feel free to check out all the possible study abroad programs offered, located here.
Or you can contact Umass Lowell’s Study Abroad office by phone at 978-934-4660 or by email at: StudyAbroad@uml.edu
Or you can stop by the office located at:
UMass Lowell, South Campus
O’Leary Library, 271M
O’Leary Library, 271M
Lowell, MA 01854