Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How can I find a program?

2.  Can I make an appointment with the advisor in this office?

3.  My study abroad application requires a signature. Who should sign the form?

4.  Is there a fee?

5.  Are there any restrictions on where I can study?

6.  Will my BU Financial Assistance transfer to my overseas study?

7.  Will the grades I receive abroad be calculated into my GPA?

8.  Will courses taken abroad count towards my major?

9.  Who approves language courses?

10. How do I get approval for CAS courses?

11. I’m in CGS--when can I study abroad?

12. My program is an accredited one and I’ve been accepted--now what?

13. Who is my advisor at IP?

14. Is there a deadline?

Can't find the answer to your question? Email nonbusa@bu.edu.



1.  Q: How can I find a program?

A: Please see the Programs page.


2.  Q: Can I make an appointment with the advisor in this office?

A:  The assistant director for external programs has office hours on Wed. from 10am-12pm and on Thurs. from 1-4pm. Other times can be arranged.  Before you meet with the assistant director, please be sure that you have carefully reviewed the information on this website.


3.  Q: My study abroad application requires a signature. Who should sign the form?

A: Please see the Applying for Study Abroad section on the Programs page.


4.  Q: Is there a fee?

A: Yes, all students that study abroad on an external program will be assessed a $500 administrative fee.


5.  Q: Are there any restrictions on where I can study?

A: Please see the Programs page.


6.  Q:  Will my BU Financial Assistance transfer to my overseas study?

A: No. But, in many cases federal aid will apply to a non-B.U. program. See the Boston University Office of Financial Assistance for more information.  See also the Financial Aid section of the Important Issues page. You can also seek outside sources of funding.  There are some suggestions at www.bu.edu/abroad/aid.


7.  Q: Will the grades I receive abroad be calculated into my GPA?

A: No. Your transfer course grades will not be calculated into your GPA.  Transfer credit will only be granted for approved courses with grades of “C” or better. Please see the transfer of credit policies on Credits page


8.  Q: Will courses taken abroad count towards my major?

A: Ask your major advisor.  IP does not determine approval nor do they provide academic advising.


9.  Q: Who approves language courses?

A: All students should see the appointed foreign language advisor in the CAS Advising Center, CAS 105, for approval of any language courses. If you hope to transfer credit for advanced courses toward a major or minor see your language advisor. See “Ensuring Credit Transfer” on the Credits page


10.Q: How do I get approval for CAS courses?

A: Please see the Credits page.


11. Q: I’m in CGS--when can I study abroad?

A: CGS students need to have Non-BU course approval from the college in which they will graduate. This means you need to have at least one semester's grades outside of CGS before applying for study abroad.


12. Q: My program is an accredited one and I’ve been accepted--now what?

A: Please see the Credits page.


13. Q: Who is my advisor at IP?

A: Assistant Director for External Programs David Lamitie, (nonbusa@bu.edu) See question #2 for advising office hours.


14. Q: Is there a deadline?

A: Contact your overseas program for their application deadlines. The BU deadlines for submission of all paperwork required for study abroad in:

Spring- December 1

Fall and Academic Year- June 15

Summer- May 1

If the deadline falls on a weekend, materials are due the following Monday. Your Non-BU file will not be reviewed for approval until it is complete.  Students who do not submit a complete file by the deadline will have to wait to have their credit evaluated on their return from study abroad.  In such cases, there is no guarantee that credit transfer will be granted.