Transferring as a Spanish Major
Transferring is annoying and UMass doesn't give you much help. But here we are.
By Esther Kang, Clair Hegarty, Sonya Trust
Coming in as a transfer
Navigating UMass
Common Problems
Scheduling, Finishing Requirements, Going Abroad, Honors College
Transferring comes with many difficulties. UMass does not provide a lot of guidance, which is why we are here to help.
Make Connections
Talk to your professors!
UMass is a big school but your professors want to help you! In order to do that, they have to know who you are. Go to office hours and make appointments with them. When they know more about you and see that you are passionate about your education, you will be surprised at how much they are willing to help you find opportunities/classes/internships that are suited for you.
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The Spanish Portuguese program isn't that big, either, so you're in a good position for getting to know your profs.
Don't miss out!
You can study abroad too
As a transfer, it can seem like studying abroad is not an option for you, but it is! There is a lot of planning that goes into studying abroad, but the international programs office (IPO) on campus can be a big help. Studying abroad is more affordable than you think, and so worth it!
Even if you can't spend the whole semester abroad, their are summer programs as well. They are a great way to finish your Spanish credits, and you can take other subjects while abroad too. You can read more about Kaitlan's experience with the Salamanca summer program under the Abroad section of the website. However, don't feel bad if you can't. Service learning courses or internships can provide you with great experience.
Honors College
Plan ahead
Joining the Honors College can be worth the time and hassle. In departmental honors, ask a Spanish professor if you can take the class as honors by doing an extra project. Think about your thesis in your junior or sophomore year. Speak with all the Spanish professors to share your interests and find who you many want to work with.
If you're a multidisciplinary honors student and you do not wish to individually contract your senior thesis, look at the list of thesis seminars on the honors website that are typically offered. There are a variety of subjects at least one will interest you, but check the official list when it comes out and pick one and a back up. Immediately email the class professor when enrollment begins since they fill up fast.
Advice for Transfers
Clair Hegarty
Transferring to UMass is definitely an overwhelming experience. Whether you’re transitioning in from a small private college, a local community college, or even if you took a semester off from school, it is not an easy process. There is a lot to learn about navigating this enormous campus. Not only is it confusing to find where your classroom is in the ILC, or to figure out what floor is the best one to study on in the library, it is also nerve wracking to put yourself out there and make friends. There is so much going on at this campus constantly, which can make it easy to forget why you’re even here to begin with: SCHOOL! It can be very stressful to decide what you want to study, or what classes to take, and oftentimes it becomes even more stressful as a transfer because you may be behind on credits. My advice to transfer students is not to stress. Take advantage of the resources you have here and be sure to meet with your academic advisor to map out the remainder of your time here at UMass. It is easy to feel lost and lonely, but remember that you are not alone. Ironically enough, a large portion of Spanish majors here at UMass are transfers. We all come from different places, but share a common interest - that’s the beauty of being a Spanish major!
UMass and Back again
Andrea Velazquez
I probably have one of the weirdest transfer stories transfer stories out there. I initially started school here, at UMass. Initially, I did not even want to attend school here, I was planning on going to a small school in Boston, but I got a better scholarship to attend school here, and so I went. After 2 semesters, I knew that UMass couldn’t possibly be the school for me. So I did what anyone would do. I left. To UMass Lowell. After one semester there, I came back. Coming back to Amherst felt like coming back home. I resolved to really get involved on campus and to get to know more people than I had initially had. I joined a sorority, IGU and that really helped me find my home on campus. I loved being surrounded by smart and talent women who cared about philanthropy and academics. It was a really great way to figure out more things about campus and what classes to take. I joinec a couple of clubs. When it comes to being a transfer, you’re kind of left to your volition. Take initiative and join an RSO!