Study Abroad at UMass Lowell

If I do have any advice for anybody, it’s to MOVE!🇯🇵🇮🇹🇪🇸

Solo traveling while studying abroad is without a doubt, one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done; yet, it’s one of the most rewarding! Solo traveling allowed me to grow so much as a person. It taught me how to stay flexible when plans change, adapt to the uncomfortable, and gave me a global perspective!

Traveling by myself allowed me to discover more about who I was and who I wanted to become after studying abroad. Overall, I became a much happier person since traveling and experiencing new cultures!

Whether it was learning how to communicate in various foreign languages, navigating public transportation, trying new foods, or exploring something new each and everyday. Finding joy and fulfillment, even in the small moments, made my experience worth remembering for a lifetime.

Also, I found it extremely helpful to reflect on each day by writing my feelings down in a journal. This journal is the best souvenir from my trip because it documents everywhere I went, my ups and downs, and the feelings I had in the present moment.

🏠Deciding on what housing type is best for you while you’re on your study abroad journey?! ✈️🌎

From hostels, hotels, dorms, apartments, to host families; knowing which accommodation to choose from can be a tough decision, but it doesn’t have to be!

It’s imperative that you research living conditions in your host country, including how to secure your belongings, locations of emergency exits, and general safety tips to help you prepare wherever you stay!🏠🔐

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Returning home from your journey abroad isn’t always as easy as it sounds!🌎✈️

After an experience of a lifetime, it’s completely normal to feel disconnected, miss your host country, or struggle to readjust to everyday life. This is known as reverse culture shock, and you must remember that you’re not alone💛

Make sure to Connect🫂, Reflect💬, Accept✔️, and give yourself time⏰ to adjust.

Your experience abroad changed you, and that’s something to carry forward, not something to leave behind. ✈️🌍

Learn more about common challenges, potential effects, and ways to navigate the transition home and scan the QR code to learn more!🏠

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Option 2 — Short & catchy

✈️🌎 You came home… but part of you stayed abroad.

Reverse culture shock can make returning home feel more difficult than expected. Missing your host country, feeling misunderstood, or struggling to reconnect with everyday life are all common experiences.

Be patient with yourself, stay connected, reflect on your experience, and remember: it’s okay if home feels a little different now. 💛

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Option 3 — More professional/educational

🌍 Managing Reverse Culture Shock

Returning home after studying abroad can bring unexpected challenges. You may experience feelings of isolation, frustration, restlessness, or difficulty reconnecting with your usual routine.

The good news? These feelings are common, and there are ways to make the transition easier. Stay connected with people from your time abroad, reflect on your experiences, be patient with yourself, and use the skills and perspectives you gained overseas. 💛

Your journey doesn’t end when you return home—it becomes part of who you are. ✈️

Having a mental or physical disability shouldn’t prevent you from studying abroad if it’s something you want to do during your time at UMass Lowell! 💙✈️

To learn more about how your disability can be accommodated while you’re abroad, contact disability services, scan the QR code, or visit the study abroad office! 🌎

🏳️‍🌈🌈 Are you apart of the LGBTQ+ community and interested in studying abroad? 🌈🏳️‍🌈

While you may come across some challenges, your identity shouldn’t stop you from exploring the world! 🌎

Learning about LGBTQ+ laws, cultural norms, support resources, and emergency contacts in your host country is crucial for a safe & enjoyable study abroad experience!

📍Scan the QR code on the flyer to access helpful resources

⭐️ Remember the UMass Lowell Study Abroad Office is here to support you every step of the way!🧳

Safe travels and happy exploring! ✈️🌈

Did you know when you study abroad with UMass Lowell, approved programs & experiences include international travel health insurance to help protect you while you’re overseas?

From unexpected illnesses to emergencies, you’re supported every step of the way! Learn what’s covered during pre-departure orientation before you go and travel with confidence! ✈️💙

🌎 A chronic illness doesn’t have to keep you from studying abroad!✈️

Plan ahead, pack smart, know your resources, and take care of yourself while traveling! 🧳 Even a small amount of preparation before departure can help you have a safe, healthy, and a successful experience abroad 💙

Gather more information from the UMass Lowell Study Abroad Office or UMass Lowell Wellness Center

Planning on studying abroad or traveling soon? Don’t forget to prioritize your health before takeoff! ✈️

UMass Lowell Health Services offers FREE Travel Health Consultations for on-campus students to help you prepare for a safe & healthy trip.

During your consultation, you can discuss:
💉 Recommended immunizations
💊 Travel medications
🌍 Food and water safety
🦟 Insect bite prevention
🧳 Packing medical supplies
📋 Travel health tips tailored to your destination

Schedule your appointment 4–6 weeks before departure to ensure you have enough time to receive any recommended vaccines or medications.

📞 Call (978) 934-6800 or scan the QR code on this flyer to schedule your appointment.

Safe travels! 🌎
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Meet Beatrice, a recent alumni of the University of Massachusetts Lowell! ⭐️

This summer, Beatrice is interning at a clinic in Chiang Mai, Thailand, for her public health capstone experience! 🇹🇭🐘🌳

She observes and assists with a variety of healthcare services. The clinic provides primary care, wound cleaning, vaccinations, hepatitis B and C testing, diabetes screening, methadone treatment, and routine procedures such as Pap smears and catheter replacements. It also functions as a pharmacy by distributing medications, including diabetes treatments🏥

Every two weeks, the healthcare team travels to remote mountain villages to provide medical care and medications to residents who have limited access to healthcare due to transportation barriers 🚗🌎

During her internship, Beatrice cleans, organizes supplies, and distributes medications while gaining experience observing a wide range of public health and clinical services🩺😷♥️
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Your safety travels with you🌍

It’s crucial to recognize and prevent sexual harassment while you’re abroad. Having the knowledge on how to protect yourself and those around you is one of the most important tools you can pack! ✈️💙

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