Study Abroad

• Improve your employment opportunities. Did you know that students who study abroad generally increase their salary by more than 20%? Your international experience will help you find a more fulfilling and better-paid position!
• Improve your decision-making, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Studying abroad improves self-confidence, the ability to resolve problems and helps you think critically about important problems. You can leverage these skills in the classroom and on the job.
• Work abroad. Students who have spent a significant amount of time studying abroad are more likely to be chosen by their employer for both short-term and long-term international assignments—even in countries whose language is different from the one the student learned!
• Business is not conducted only in English. Studies indicate that speaking a language other than English is absolutely critical in business.

• Improve your language skills and interpersonal communication skills. In a global society, learning to communicate effectively with colleagues, customers and clients is as important as ever. Second Language speakers have sharper reasoning skills, greater interpersonal communication skills and problem-solving skills.
• Try something that is not possible at UMass Lowell or in the U.S. Students traveling abroad have the opportunity to undertake internships in business, engineering or education, or work in community service-learning projects abroad. Each of these hands-on experiences sets you apart from others and can lead to a meaningful career.
• Challenge yourself. Studying abroad in another country can be challenging. Improve your language skills, understand other cultures and become not only bilingual but bicultural!
• Get some perspective. Learn about traditions, ethics and morals, cultural differences, expectations and socio-cultural points of view. These are excellent things to know for travel and working abroad.
• Gain confidence and independence. Feel confident about traveling across the world and talking with people in different countries.
• Make new connections and form lasting relationships. Meet people in your host country, make new friends, connect with your professors—and keep these relationships long after graduation.

Bordeaux, France

Take advantage of a month of intensive language study while enjoying cultural excursions in Bordeaux, France. As the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwestern France, Bordeaux is only two hours from Paris by train and has easy access to nearby beaches and wineries from its beautiful historic downtown. Students live in university accommodations and study at the Université Bordeaux Montaigne, bringing home 3 credits to UMass Lowell at the appropriate level for advancing their progress toward completing their language requirement, or the major or minor in French.

Chicoutimi, Canada

This intensive French immersion stay in Chicoutimi, Canada offers classes for all levels (from French 1 to advanced courses). In the summer, more than 200 people from around the world come to this city to learn French while discovering Quebec culture in the most French-speaking region of America. The School of French Language and Quebec Culture (École de langue française et de culture Québécoise) has a long tradition of providing French courses. Students can choose between a family stay with a Québec family or a private room in a shared dorm, on campus.

There are two options available: a three-week course (for 3 credits) or a five-week course (for 6 credits), starting mid-May or July. For more information, please email: Mercedes_Baillargeoneuml.edu.

To get a first-hand look at previous student Study Abroad experiences please check out the UMass Lowell Study Abroad blogs.

Lisbon, Portugal

Experience Portugal’s capital city after learning about it through film in “WLPO 3020 Lisbon in Film and Culture,” a 3-credit course taught in English in the spring. The course satisfies an Honors Course requirement and can apply to the Core Curriculum Arts and Humanities Perspective Requirement, the World Ready: Portuguese Option, a Minor in Portuguese Studies, as well as the Major in Portuguese & Spanish. It is followed by a 10-day study abroad experience in Lisbon, usually in the last two weeks of May. Open to all university majors.

To get a first-hand look at previous student Study Abroad experiences please check out the UMass Lowell Study Abroad blogs.

Florence, Italy

A Taste Of Italy: Food Culture In Art, Literature, And Cinema

Learn about Italy through its gastronomy in “A Taste of Italy: Food Culture in Art, Literature, and Cinema,” a 3-credit course in Florence, Italy, offered in Summer Session 1. Students will live in Florence for two weeks, meeting for classes, food-focused walking tours, a cooking class, and day trips. The course continues remotely for the remaining 4 weeks. This program will count toward the Honors requirement H3-H7, the Arts and Humanities elective, the World Ready Language Requirement, the Minor in Italian Studies, and the Major in Spanish / Italian. Open to all university majors and taught in English!

For more information, contact Giulia DeLisle by email: giulia_delisle@uml.edu and Fabiana Viglione by email: fabiana_viglione@uml.edu.

Modena, Italy

Live in Italy while studying world languages, sociology, history, and economics through UMass Lowell’s academic partnership with the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Students can live in Modena or Reggio for one semester or one academic year.

For more information, contact Giulia DeLisle by email: giulia_delisle@uml.edu and Fabiana Viglione by email: fabiana_viglione@uml.edu.

To get a first-hand look at previous student Study Abroad experiences please check out the UMass Lowell Study Abroad blogs.

Cádiz, Spain

Imagine stepping into Europe's oldest western city, where your classroom extends far beyond university walls. UMass Lowell’s Cádiz study abroad program has two options: a summer term and a semester-long term. Both are detailed below:

Summer program

Welcome to Cádiz, where three weeks of immersive learning will transform your Spanish and change your perspective forever. The program (6-9 credits) begins through an online module prior to departure. From there you continue the coursework in Spain for 3 weeks, attending class and taking advantage of the University of Cádiz’s resources. Students can expect to increase their language skills substantially. To enhance the experience, students will have the opportunity to explore the local city and participate in cultural immersion activities. They include learning how to cook local recipes, enriching your understanding of history through guided visits to museums, participating in a Flamenco workshop, taking day trips to unique sites and much more. In addition, all students will receive a pre-departure guide to prepare for living abroad and an on-site orientation including a walking tour of the area. Students wrap-up the learning through a 1-week online module after departure from Cadiz.

Quick facts:

• Complete Intensive Spanish 3 and 4 or Advanced Spanish for total of 6 credits under the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences’ language requirement, World language option
• Consider the optional add-on of the 3-credit course WLSP 3130 "Fieldwork in the Spanish Community," bringing the total potential credits to 9
• Complete 6-9 credits of Major/Minor requirements
• Earn up to 6 credits of the Arts and Humanities, Breadth of Knowledge requirement
• Satisfy the Honors requirement through HELO
• Earn 1 course + 1 experience towards the River Hawk Experience Distinction in Global Engagement.

Semester program:

Immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture while earning 12-15 credits at the historic University of Cádiz. This comprehensive program combines rigorous academic study with cultural immersion, allowing you to advance your Spanish proficiency while experiencing daily life in this vibrant coastal community.

Academic Overview

• Earn 12-15 undergraduate credits
• Classes are taught at the University of Cádiz
• Courses are available in Spanish language, literature, history, and culture
• Small class sizes ensure personalized attention
• Access to university facilities including libraries, study spaces, and computer labs

Ready to write your own chapter in Cádiz's ancient story? ¡Vámonos!

Summer 2024 students’ testimonies:

Over the summer I had the opportunity to experience the study abroad opportunity that the Spanish Department was offering in Cádiz, Spain. This experience not only helped me to practice my Spanish skills, but it also allowed me to learn about a new culture. Engaging in the cultural activities offered during the trip, such as a cooking lesson and a flamenco performance, provided me with a new understanding of Spanish culture. In addition, these experiences helped to familiarize me with the local culture while practicing my Spanish skills. I recommend this trip for people looking to learn about a new culture and practice their language skills in Spanish.
Santiago Andrews (Summer 2024)

Cádiz was an amazing experience in learning about the language and culture of Spain. In class, I was absorbed in a Spanish environment that brought my skills to the next level in a short amount of time. Through the extracurricular opportunities, I learned about the rich culture of Cádiz while having a great time. Cadiz was transformative in expanding both my abilities and enthusiasm for Spanish and I would relive my experience in a heartbeat.
Jack Fahey (Summer 2024)

My experience at Cádiz was life-changing. Not only was I able to immerse myself in a culture that was very similar to my own, but I was also able to refine a part of myself that I'm not able to do in the United States. Staying in Cádiz for 2 weeks took me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I took solo adventures, took advantage of the 18-hour days and beautiful sunsets, and laughed at everything with friends I made along the way. To this day, I often think about the time I had at Cádiz.
Jeremiah Adames (Summer 2024)

Cádiz was such an incredible experience. The city is so beautiful and simple to navigate once you get used to it. You're never bored, as there's always something new to do. I learned so much both in and out of school, culturally and linguistically. If you're someone like me who has never traveled out of the country, this was a perfect first experience to have and I feel much more confident to travel again in the future!
Hailey Bergman (Summer 2024)

Santiago De Compostela, Spain

Language, Culture and Footsteps Across Northern Spain (June, 3-6 credits)

The Camino de Santiago is a network of paths leading to a shrine in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. This program offers a dynamic, multidisciplinary experience exploring the significance of the site through the study of language, history, art, food, and testimonies of social and economic impact.

During the first two weeks you will attend university classes taught by specialists, becoming immersed in the traditions and contemporary reality of the Camino. In the third week, you will have the chance to walk some of the Camino with a teacher from the University of Santiago de Compostela and with María Matz, a UMass Lowell faculty member.

For more information about this program, visit its host university: University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) - the Camino de Santiago: Training and Experience webpage.

Spanish for the Health Care Professionals (Summer Program, 3-6 credits)

Develop specialized Spanish abilities in Health Sciences in both written and oral contexts in Spain. Students will also gain first-hand knowledge about the Spanish Healthcare System while they carry out supervised medical practice in a hospital or healthcare center, getting involved in different daily tasks. Their progress will be supervised by a tutor together with the head of the healthcare center they are assigned to.

To participate, students must have completed at least one 3000-level Spanish language course or receive permission by Department of World Languages and Cultures (email us at: Department_WorldLanguages@uml.edu). Heritage Spanish speakers may also be permitted to participate without taking a 3000-level course but need to request permission from the department.

For more information about the academic and experiential aspects of this program, visit its host university: University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) Health Sciences webpage.

To get a first-hand look at previous student Study Abroad experiences please check out the UMass Lowell Study Abroad blogs.