In the Spring and Summer of 2024, Middlesex Community College partnered with UMass Lowell (UML) on their study abroad programs to Belfast, Ireland; Paris, France; and San Sebastián, Spain. Middlesex students involved in the Commonwealth Honors Program (CHP) were invited to participate in the programs offered by UML’s Commonwealth Honors Council.
“Studying abroad has been a dream of mine since I began my higher education journey,” said Jesse Friedman, an MCC psychology student from Andover. “The partnership between MCC and UMass Lowell unexpectedly turned my dream into reality. Throughout the trip, I felt incredibly supported and welcomed by both my professors, classmates and locals. It was truly a life-changing experience, and I recommend it to any student seeking immersive global engagement and learning in an unconventional setting.”
Attending the trip to Belfast, Friedman was surprised to have this opportunity while studying as a community college student. Although nervous about fitting in with students from UML, Friedman grew comfortable traveling and learning with peers.
Middlesex coordinated the partnership with Julian Zabalbeascoa, UML’s Associate Director of Honors Experiential Learning Opportunities and Communication. The goal was to provide MCC honors students with the opportunity to expand their academic and global experiences.
“The students had a magical time abroad – truly,” Zabalbeascoa said. “They excelled in their studies, embraced the experience, and gelled with the group. It goes without saying that our groups and the experiences that they had abroad this summer would not be what they were without the contributions of the Middlesex students.”
Participating in the experience allowed MCC students to earn UML honors course credits, which transferred to MCC as honors credits. If the students choose to transfer to UML in the future, the credits will count toward their degree. Students would also receive the River Hawk Experience Distinction in Global Engagement, a special notation on their transcript.
“The partnership between MCC and UMass Lowell unexpectedly turned my dream into reality. Throughout the trip, I felt incredibly supported and welcomed by both my professors, classmates and locals. It was truly a life-changing experience, and I recommend it to any student seeking immersive global engagement and learning in an unconventional setting.” - Jesse Friedman, MCC student
For over 10 years, the CHP at Middlesex has provided students with opportunities for academic, professional and personal advancement. As a member of the Massachusetts’ statewide network of honors programs, MCC’s CHP is uniquely positioned to collaborate with four-year colleges and universities, according to said Kate Baker, MCC’s CHP Assistant Director and Professor of English.
“Hearing about the students’ engagement with the programs was nothing short of inspiring,” Baker said. “They returned sharing stories of transformation, both academically and personally. Their travels didn’t just broaden their horizons – they redefined their worldviews and personal aspirations. The work they produced was extraordinary, demonstrating not only their understanding of the material but also their genuine connection to the culture and the community they helped create.”