Jesse Friedman

UMass Lowell is just down the street from Middlesex Community College. But when Jesse Friedman transferred, she took a detour through Northern Ireland and Spain.

While pursuing an associate degree in psychology from Middlesex, Friedman took advantage of a study abroad partnership with UMass Lowell. In the summer of 2024, she earned a scholarship from Middlesex to join UML’s three-credit Honors College seminar “Stories of the Irish Island,” based at Queen’s University Belfast.

It was the first time traveling outside the United States for Friedman, who was the only Middlesex student in the group.

“I was definitely nervous, but everyone was so open and friendly, and we all bonded really quickly,” says Friedman, who enjoyed meeting with locals and exploring the coast of Northern Ireland, including the Giant’s Causeway.

“I had such a great experience,” she says. “That was probably the main thing that inspired me to apply to UMass Lowell.”

Before she transferred, though, Friedman joined another Honors College study abroad program in the summer of 2025, this time in San Sebastián, Spain. It was the last course she needed to complete her associate degree.

“It was a totally different experience — the language, the food, the culture — but just as eye-opening,” she says. “I’m a big foodie, so trying all the amazing food there was a highlight.”

Now an Honors College student at UMass Lowell, Friedman is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a clinical psychology concentration.

“It’s been an adjustment moving to a bigger campus, but I’ve had a really great experience so far,” says Friedman, who commutes from her home in Andover.

Friedman originally studied human services at Middlesex before shifting to psychology.

“I’ve always wanted to work with people and help them maximize their potential and well-being,” she says. “I really enjoyed my psychology classes at Middlesex, so I decided to keep going with it.”

Her study abroad experiences helped her grow personally and academically.

“Traveling abroad with UMass Lowell in a structured environment helped me build confidence and independence,” she says. “It also connected directly to my major, because I got to see how different cultures shape people’s experiences and mental health.”

Friedman is considering a master’s degree in social work and pursuing a career in counseling. For now, she’s focused on getting involved on campus and taking more Honors seminars — including one about travel.

“I’m still transitioning into UMass Lowell and exploring the campus, but I’m really happy with my decision to come here,” says Friedman, who has kept in touch with several of the UML students she met while abroad.

“That definitely makes it feel a little less intimidating coming into a new school,” she says.