1. Earn academic credit while abroad

2. Enhance your resume

 

3. Immerse yourself in another culture

 

4. Improve your foreign language skills

 

5. Make friends from around the world

 

6. Gain a new perspective on the U.S.

 

7. You can't afford not to study abroad

 

8. Gain life-changing, life-enhancing skills

 

9. Impress grad schools & future employers

 

10. Have fun!
 

1. Earn academic credit toward your UMass Boston degree, while traveling the world!
   
   With planning, you can take courses specific to your major(s), minor, general education, or elective requirements. You may also do internships and independent study projects abroad, with approval from your academic department. All grades and credits from abroad will become part of your transcript and be applied toward your degree, as long as you follow the academic policies and procedures for study abroad.
   
   
2.  Enhance your resume
   
   Studying abroad will set you apart from other graduates in the increasingly competitive global job marketplace.  Did you know that more than 50% of students entering college want to study abroad, while fewer than 5% actually do? Or, that fewer than 10% of state university students study overseas while more than 60% of private college students do? Be counted among the growing number of UMass Boston students to successfully achieve this goal.
   
   
3.  Immerse yourself in another culture
   
   Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to actually live in another culture, not simply be a tourist or observer. Being a student in another country allows you an opportunity to experience the traditions, culture, and society from the inside.
   
   
4. Improve your foreign language skills
   
   Intimidated by another language? Maybe you're ready to become fluent in your second or even third language? Everyone can enhance their language skills when studying abroad. Learn a language by living it, not by reading it in a textbook, and complete your language requirement, abroad.
   
   English only? Many programs take place in English-only institutions, such as universities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, South Korea, Japan, the West Indies and more. Other programs offer the opportunity to take courses in English in a non-English speaking country.
   
   
5. Make new friendships that will last a lifetime
   
   You are likely to become "globally-minded" by studying abroad because you will have the advantage of meeting people from other cultures and countries. You will make lifetime friends who are from all over the U.S., your host country, and around the world. You will be a personal ambassador and link to the U.S for those in your host country, and will bring that global mindedness back to friends and family members who have never been abroad.
   
   
6. Gain a new perspective about the U.S.
   
   See your home from the perspective of others. You will gain a more informed perspective on world affairs and the global community when you engage in conversations with students and citizens from your host country and other countries. You will begin to understand the range of opinions and complexities when you're in a totally different place in the world. You will bring those insights home when you return.
   
   
7. Studying abroad is affordable!
   
   Study abroad usually does cost more than studying on campus, but, with planning, all undergraduate students can afford to go abroad. If you currently receive financial aid, your aid can be applied to your program abroad. There are also scholarships (need- and merit-based), grants, and low-interest loans available to students studying abroad. The costs of education abroad programs vary. It is possible to find a program that fits your budget.
   
   
8. Gain invaluable life-changing and life-enhancing skills.
   
   Increased self-confidence, independence, self-sufficiency, patience, adaptability, cross-cultural communications skills, and a willingness to take on new challenges are all examples of the many personal benefits of studying abroad. The skills you gain while studying abroad will last a lifetime.
   
   
9. Impress Graduate schools & Employers!
   
   Your experiences abroad as an undergraduate will enhance your application and give you additional information that helps you stand apart in the selection and/or hiring process. Refer to reason #2: "Studying abroad will set you apart from other graduates in the increasingly competitive global job marketplace. The skills you gain while living abroad will give you an advantage in just about any career field."
   
   
10. Have fun!
    
    Meet new people, try new foods, have new adventures! Take advantage of your time abroad to expand your horizons academically and personally. At the end of a summer, semester or year abroad, come home filled with stories about your experiences, and excited to share them with others!