Studying permaculture and ecological design at Ecocentro IPEC, Brazil

Curriculum Information

Academic curricula for each Living Routes program is developed in partnership with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and academic directors at host communities. Each course goes through the standard UMass approval process and is vetted by a series of departmental committees, and ultimately by the UMass Faculty Senate. In addition, because our programs are international, they are also reviewed by UMass’ International Studies Council (ISC) and Committee on Overseas Programs and Exchanges. Courses are further backed and regularly reviewed by UMass Faculty Sponsors, who are leading scholars in their respective fields and members of Living Routes’ Five College Advisory Committee.

Working with your Home School

Academic credit for all Living Routes programs is granted through UMass Amherst and is widely transferable to colleges and universities across the country. Because many schools require prior approval to transfer credits earned through study abroad, it is important that students meet with their international programs office and/or academic advisor prior to enrollment to ensure that Living Routes credits will transfer to their home institution. Academic advisors and study abroad offices can also suggest how students’ experience overseas can be integrated into their course of study and help arrange the transfer of federal financial aid.

Grades and Narrative Evaluation

At the end of each program Living Routes faculty assign a letter grade for each course completed and write narrative evaluations of student’s participation, personal and academic progress and mastery of content. The Living Routes office will email narrative evaluations and grades to students within three weeks of the program end date.

Transcripts

An official transcript from the UMass Amherst Registrar documenting Living Routes coursework is sent to students and their home institution within eight weeks of the program end date, assuming students have completed all coursework and financial obligations. Students can obtain additional transcripts (free for semester and $6 for short-term programs) from UMass. Transcript request forms and instructions can be found on the student paperwork page.