In this global economy, all students should take advantage of the opportunities that studying abroad can offer them — a chance to experience another culture, travel, meet people from all over the world and possibly learn another language. UMass Lowell students have studied in more than 23 countries. Students who wish to study abroad in their sophomore, junior, or senior year should get started as early as the freshman year with planning a semester, year, or summer abroad.

Study Abroad participants often call their experiences "life changing" and that's not an overstatement.  You'll have the opportunity to enhance language skills, complete degree requirements, make an impact on a developing community and build your professional network as borders and boundaries dissolve. Study abroad is a stepping stone on the road to your academic and career goals, providing you the knowledge, perspectives and understanding of yourself in relation to the world.

Meet Our Students

James Joutras poses with a group of students in Japan
James Wilson Joutras '19
Liberal Arts – Digital Media and Theatre Arts

James Joutras came to UMass Lowell to discover himself. His experiences instilled confidence – and took him to Japan, where he plans to work after graduation.

I discovered I was good at editing – taking a bunch of different elements that don’t necessarily make sense and putting them together in a way that creates a coherent story.
Read More About James Wilson Joutras 
Maddie leaning on whiteboard
Maddie Gear '24
Marketing

Maddie Gear’s favorable first impression of UML steered her to a marketing co-op position at CarGurus.

I’m so excited to apply the skills that I’ve learned in my business classes.
Read More About Maddie Gear 
Aya Oulal in Dubai while attending the COP28 summit.
Aya Oulal '23
Environmental Science

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Aya Oulal was able to study abroad in Spain, attend COP28 in Dubai and become a resident advisor.

UMass Lowell was great. I don’t think I would have done so much or even considered this path for myself without the university.
Read More About Aya Oulal 
Twins Jessica and Jennifer Dossantos
Jennifer Dossantos '23
Business

Honors College student Jennifer Dossantos is majoring in business because she’s inspired by her mom.

I wanted to have a major where I could have versatility, so business seemed like a good option.
Read More About Jennifer Dossantos 
Gerrit Boldt sits at a round table with UMass Lowell students
Gerrit Boldt '17
History & Economics

Honors history and economics major Gerrit Boldt landed an internship at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, working with cities to improve conditions for low-income residents. Now he’s back on campus as an AmeriCorps volunteer, helping first-generation college students succeed.

There are few teaching assistants, so the professors do most of the teaching, and they’re excited to engage with students and share their knowledge. It’s a hallmark of the university.
Read More About Gerrit Boldt 
Jenna Kapp at scenic overlook
Jenna Kapp '19
Peace and Conflict Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies major Jenna Kapp has taken advantage of nearly every opportunity that’s come her way on campus. Now she’s finding more abroad.

I’ve tried to make the most of my opportunities at UMass Lowell. I love this university and all these things I get to do.
Read More About Jenna Kapp 
Franchesca Arias takes a selfie in Spain during her study abroad program with a group of students and Assoc. Teaching Prof. Thomas Piñeros-Shields
Franchesca Arias '20
Sociology & Spanish

Honors student Franchesca Arias is passionate about studying abroad after completing a summer program in Valencia, Spain.

Study abroad is one of those life-changing experiences. When you’re immersed in the culture, you realize you have the ability to learn every single aspect of that culture and what they’re going through socially and politically.
Read More About Franchesca Arias 
Emoni Baffour in London during a study abroad experience
Emoni Baffour '18
Management

Studying abroad in London convinced business student Emoni Baffour ’18 to return to the UK for graduate school and pursue her passion for a career in the fashion industry.

I want to make a positive mark on the world as much as I can. And I can definitely say that I did that here in every way I could.
Read More About Emoni Baffour 
Dana Ibrahim, second from left in front, and fellow students touch a statue on street in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Dana Ibrahim '20, '21
Peace and Conflict Studies & Political Science

Dana Ibrahim chose UMass Lowell for its peace and conflict studies program, which lets her combine classes across the social sciences and humanities to suit her goal: to become a diplomat and aid refugees.

You’re not just getting a degree; you’re building your future as you go.
Read More About Dana Ibrahim 
Daphne Shakira Naut posing on a mountain during study abroad with views of rocky, snowy mountains in the background
Daphne Shakira Naut '20
Political Science & Philosophy

Honors College student Daphne Shakira Naut was already fluent in two languages and had started on two more by the time she finished high school. Here at UML, she’s picked up a fifth language and studied abroad three times – all while supporting herself.

Languages are like M&Ms. You just keep adding more.
Read More About Daphne Shakira Naut 

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