Academic Overview

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Stay on track academically while studying abroad.

 

During the fall semester, students will enroll in 12–16 credits as full-time, non-degree-seeking status at their host institution abroad. The number of credits a student may take depends on the program location.

Admitted students will receive detailed information from the Start Abroad team about course registration and academic advising before departure.

Mandatory Coursework

Each Start Abroad location has two required courses that all students must take. The specific classes and total credit load vary by location.

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  • Start Abroad in Barcelona

    Credits: 12 semester credits

    Required Courses:

    • Spanish Language (3 credits) *

    • Academic Writing Foundations in a Global Context (3 credits)

     

    *No previous experience is required for foreign language courses. Each program offers multiple levels. Your host institution will assess your proficiency and place you in the class that best matches your skill level—whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.

  • Start Abroad in Dublin

    Credits: 12–15 semester credits

    Required Courses:

    • Irish Life and Cultures (3 credits)

    • Writing for College (3 credits)

  • Start Abroad in London

    Credits: 12–15 semester credits (TBC)

    Required Courses:

    • British Life and Cultures (3 credits)

    • Writing for College (3 credits)

  • Start Abroad in Rome

    Credits: 12–16 semester credits

    Required Courses:

    • Elementary Italian (3 credits) *
      • Students will take either ITL 100 – Introduction to Italian Language or ITL 101 – Elementary Italian I, depending on their current major
    • Writing Fundamentals (3 credits)

     

    *No previous experience is required for foreign language courses. Each program offers multiple levels. Your host institution will assess your proficiency and place you in the class that best matches your skill level—whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.

Program information is subject to change.

Registration Abroad

After you confirm your participation in the program, the academic team at your host institution will contact you during the summer to help you prepare for the semester. They’ll guide you through your course selection, review your credit and degree requirements, and provide guidance to align your classes with your major and academic goals at UM. This process helps support a semester abroad that is both meaningful and academically compatible with your future studies in Miami.

Returning to Campus

Upon returning to campus, Start Abroad courses successfully completed with a grade equivalent of “C” or higher will appear on students’ University of Miami academic records as transfer credit. If a student earns a “C-“ or lower, the transcript will show NC for no credit. Grades earned during Start Abroad will not be calculated into the students’ UM Grade Point Average.

Please note, maintaining good academic standing while abroad is important. Your grades may be considered for future opportunities at UM.

 

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