Carolina Spring Forward
Carolina Spring Forward
Go abroad during the Spring semester of your first year with other Tar Heels!
Why participate?
- Going abroad in your first year of college is an exciting opportunity to have a transformative experience that helps you develop new skills and abilities that you can bring back and apply during the rest of your college career.
- Carolina Spring Forward makes it easy, with a list of pre-approved courses that will fulfill UNC requirements.
- There are lots of built in excursions and opportunities for you to develop strong friendships with other Tar Heels on the program.
- Participants are eligible for scholarship funding.
Program Offerings
GRANADA, SPAIN
Highlights include language development and cultural immersion via homestays
LIMERICK, IRELAND
Offers STEM coursework in a modern yet historic setting, where old meets new at every turn
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
Experience an exciting urban setting with language development and cultural immersion
STIRLING, SCOTLAND
Great for history buffs, natural beauty, and students seeking a perfect balance of urban and rural
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the 4 sites (University of Limerick, University of Stirling, University of Granada, Korea University) and select the one you’d like to apply for. Applications open August 1 and are accepted until September 10. Virtual drop-in advising will be offered on the following dates:
- Thursday, August 24 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Thursday, August 31 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
- Wednesday, September 6 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Click here to access drop-in advising.
After reviewing your application to the university, we thought you showed the maturity and curiosity to take on the challenge of a semester abroad during your first year at UNC. If you decide to participate, you are guaranteed a spot, pending successful completion of your Fall semester at UNC. You must still complete the program application for the location you are interested in so that we can collect important information needed to participate.
You are not required to participate in Carolina Spring Forward. You are more than welcome to spend both the Fall and Spring semester of your first year on campus. If you do not apply for one of the program tracks, we will assume you plan to stay in Chapel Hill for the Spring semester.
Absolutely! While some students received assured enrollment to Carolina Spring Forward, any new first year student can apply.
Carolina Spring Forward is a good match for many different types of students with a broad range of academic interests. Students can take a wide variety of courses that fulfill the general education requirements of the University, and they will be able to find engaging and relevant courses regardless of intended major(s). Students in the program should be willing to take on the excitement and challenge of living abroad in a new cultural context. Carolina Spring Forward will help students develop a sense of adventure, intellectual curiosity, and independence. It will also help them thrive at Carolina and build important skills for their careers.
Yes! You can select the location that meets your personal and academic interests and needs.
Carolina Spring Forward will begin in January or February, depending on the location, and continue throughout the Spring semester. The exact dates of the program will depend upon the campus you attend. If you are offered a place in Carolina Spring Forward, specific details will be shared throughout your Fall semester.
You will take approved classes that transfer to Carolina and satisfy degree requirements. To see a full list of available courses, check out the program pages for the University of Stirling, University of Limerick, University of Granada, and Korea University.
Yes! Students who take part in Carolina Spring Forward will be able to finish any remaining First-Year Foundations requirements in the fall of their second year once they return to Carolina.
UNC is partnering with Academic Programs International (API), a recognized leader in the study abroad industry known for its commitment to designing and delivering international experiences that inspire learning and enrich students, partners, and communities. Resident Directors from API are available 24/7, and will greet you at the airport, introduce you to life in the host country, and support you throughout the semester. In addition to API, you will also have the support of your host institution abroad.
In most cases, your regular financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans) can be applied to study abroad expenses. For more expensive programs, additional loans may be available through the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid (OSSA). There are also numerous Study Abroad Office Scholarships available to help cover higher costs.
Carolina Spring Forward students will be able to opt out of their housing on campus or at Granville Towers if you decide to participate. In order to opt out, you will need to provide proof of program dates and airline tickets to your host site.
You must meet the minimum GPA requirement for the Carolina Spring Forward location by the end of the fall semester. Please refer to the program brochure for academic requirements.
Yes! This program is open to all first-year students at UNC. That being said, you should work with your academic advisor to ensure Carolina Spring Forward coursework is the right fit based on your academic needs.
Certainly! If you will be a first-time passport holder, you can apply for the Phillips Passport Initiative between June 1 and September 1.