The Carolina experience doesn't necessarily have to start in Chapel Hill. For some Tar Heels, it begins with a semester abroad. Carolina Global Launch enables first-year students to study abroad at a partner university during their fall semester and then enroll at Carolina in the spring. Through the program, students immerse themselves in a new culture, earn credits toward their Carolina degrees and get to know other new Tar Heels.
Learn more about Tar Heels’ Carolina Global Launch experiences in Spain, Scotland, Ireland, Costa Rica and South Korea.
At the University of Granada, Tar Heels can discover Spain’s rich heritage and practice their Spanish language skills in the heart of Andalucía. During its almost 500 years of existence, Universidad de Granada has become a major intellectual center in southern Spain.
During their time at the university, students stay with local host families and share a room with a fellow student. Tar Heels also have the opportunity to explore nearby destinations such as Madrid and Seville on organized excursions.
“I’m really enjoying the food — especially the food my host family makes because I think it’s genuinely authentic. I also enjoy the excursions and the palaces we visit. I loved rowing the boat at Retiro Park.”
One of the perks of Carolina is the campus environment, and the same can be said for the University of Stirling.
Tar Heels in Scotland live and study at a university with its own loch and castle, and is ranked first in the U.K. and fifth worldwide in campus environment. Students can also fully immerse themselves in the Scottish experience with trips to Edinburgh and Hadrian’s Wall, among others.
“I wanted to do Carolina Global Launch because I thought it was a great opportunity to open my experiences to new cultures and people, especially going into college.”
Located in Costa Rica’s capital, Universidad Veritas gives Tar Heels numerous opportunities for academic and cultural enrichment. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities and offers a wide range of programs, including world-renowned offerings in art, design and communications. Students live with local host families, perfect for experiencing Costa Rican culture firsthand and improving their Spanish.
Living in a city of around 350,000, students have the chance to enjoy San Jose’s modern architecture, historic landmarks and vibrant cultural attractions. Also accessible is the country’s remarkable nature, including rainforests, volcanoes and beautiful coastlines.
“The host family experience has been absolutely amazing. My host family is very talkative, and they like to get into conversation, especially at the dinner table. That’s just what I need — not just to brush up on my Spanish skills but to also get to know people in general.”
Located in Ireland’s third largest city, the University of Limerick gives Tar Heels the chance to enjoy city life and an idyllic campus. Carolina Global Launch students can take advantage of the university’s wide variety of courses, covering everything from the humanities to STEM fields.
The University of Limerick also has 25 societies and 45 sports clubs, and students have access to local festivals, music and shopping.
“I think going to Ireland and having a good group of about 50 students — it’s an easier pool to jump into. We can build closer relationships. We’re spending more time, and then going forward into the spring, I think it’s going to be an easier jump into campus life.”
Tar Heels who head to Seoul are treated to a culturally immersive experience through their studies at Korea University. Students take classes alongside Korean and other international students and live in freshly renovated dorms adjacent to the university campus.
Students are situated in the heart of one of the most vibrant cities in Asia and within walking distance of several attractions, including Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site. They have ample opportunities to check out Korean culture such as local cuisine and K-pop concerts.
“Coming to South Korea created a pretty close bond immediately due to the cultural barrier, the language barrier and different aspects of Korean life compared to American life. It allowed me to connect with the girls and the guys within my group.”
See what treasued items Carolina Global Launch students have brought with them to help adjust to life in college and on a new continent.