FAQs

Boston University Study Abroad makes it possible for college and university students to realize their dreams to study abroad. We operate language, liberal arts, fine arts, science, STEM and internship programs. The BU Study Abroad office is located at 888 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston MA 02215.

By studying or interning abroad, you will experience new perspectives, learn how to navigate different cultures, work with diverse peers, and sometimes even communicate in other languages. Whatever your future career plans, the skills you develop abroad can help transform you into a responsible, engaged citizen. According to the Institute of International Education, less than 10% of U.S. undergraduate students study abroad — which means you will differentiate yourself from your peers in a competitive job market.

Spend some time doing self-reflection before you begin your search. Think about why you are studying abroad and how your program will align with your personal and academic goals. Please also explore our Planning & Resources section. We highly recommend meeting with your academic advisor in advance to discuss how a study abroad program can fit into your academic plan.

Some programs are offered every term, some only during the academic year, some only in a single term. Many students spend consecutive terms at their study abroad destination or combine two different programs for a full year abroad. Studying abroad multiple times is possible, but keep in mind the importance of planning ahead.

Absolutely! Language learning is not the only reason to go abroad, and Boston University offers many programs in English-speaking countries as well as multiple programs where some or all courses are taught in English. Using our Finder tool, you may tailor your search by language — and other criteria. Each program page lists language requirements, if they are applicable.

BU Study Abroad offers information sessions and events throughout the year to help you learn more about our programs. We also offer many advising options. Our study abroad staff members are always happy to meet with prospective students and answer questions about planning experiences abroad. If you are not a BU student, we are happy to meet with you virtually. We also suggest speaking with your own study abroad office. BU study abroad staff also visit institutions throughout the school year, so no matter where you are, we can help you find the right program for your needs. BU Study Abroad holds a wide variety of event programming throughout the academic year, ranging from location and major-specific info sessions to general study abroad and financial aid workshops. You can also follow us on our social media platforms.

Tuition and housing on a BU Study Abroad program are generally comparable to the Charles River Campus. Most financial aid may be applied to BU Study Abroad programs in the Fall and Spring – talk to the Office of Financial Assistance about your individual financial aid package. If you are not a BU student, we recommend starting with your school’s study abroad office to determine eligibility and costs.

Generally, tuition and housing on a BU Study Abroad program are comparable to the Charles River Campus, but you should consider other costs, such as air fare. Each program page has a budget sheet that breaks down billed and out-of-pocket costs for the program.

Most forms of Boston University financial assistance travel with students on fall and spring term programs; however, some forms of financial aid (such as federal Work Study arrangements) may not transfer. Tuition scholarships will be based on the tuition portion of the program fee. BU students must contact the Office of Financial Assistance (617-353-2965 or finaid@bu.edu) for specifics about their individual circumstances, and to notify them of study abroad plans. BU students can apply for summer scholarships and grants through our office. Please check out our financial aid page for more information about study abroad scholarships. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office of Financial Assistance for full information.

We welcome students from other universities on our programs, and they enrich our student experience.

Our applications open three times a year: June 1 for spring programs, December 1 for summer programs, and December 15 for fall programs. Please check the Study Abroad Admissions Calendar and individual program pages for more information. Most Boston University Study Abroad programs have a rolling admissions policy, which means that applications are reviewed as they are completed, prior to all deadlines. To ensure full consideration, students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Note that date of application does not guarantee acceptance, as we assess all aspects of each application. Students will generally be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.

No. Students from all majors study abroad. Some students are able to find programs that apply primarily to their major requirements, and others take a term to broaden their education or take advantage of an internship.  We recommend discussing with your academic advisor how a study abroad program would fit into your academic plan.

Housing varies from site to site. On some programs students are housed with other students on the program, some may live in university housing, some live in city apartments, and some in homestays. Learn more about the different housing types.

Yes. In fact, returned students are one of your best sources of information about all aspects of the program, and many have volunteered to talk to students thinking about going abroad. We have Study Abroad Ambassadors – student leader volunteers who are eager to share study abroad stories and experiences, raise awareness and interest in study abroad opportunities, and increase on-campus participation and outreach.  Check out our Ambassadors page to connect with one of our Study Abroad Ambassadors.

Yes, for more information please see External Programs.

Yes. We maintain up-to-date syllabi for most of our courses. You can email us at abroad@bu.edu and tell us what you need.

Select the Apply button on your desired programs page. Be sure to review the Application Components on the Apply Now page prior to selecting the Apply button to ensure you have, or begin to gather, all the components you will need to complete your application.

Applicants are only considered for one program at a time. However, we encourage you to list alternate programs that you would like to be considered for should you not be admitted to your first choice.

Please contact the program manager so they can advise on alternate program options or alternate terms to study abroad. We also recommend meeting with your academic advisor to ensure you are meeting your degree requirements when considering courses abroad.

Applications will not be reviewed until all materials are on file. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials have been received by the BU Study Abroad office.

Most Boston University Study Abroad programs have a rolling admissions policy, which means that applications are reviewed as they are completed, prior to all deadlines. To ensure full consideration, students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as some programs and internships have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Date of application does not guarantee acceptance, as all aspects of the application are considered. Students will generally be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.

If a program does not use rolling admissions, it will be noted on the program page. Applicants to these programs will receive an admissions decision after the program deadline.

Due to the high volume of application materials we receive, we are unable to confirm the receipt of every document by email. You will be able to confirm receipt of application components via the online application.

Unfortunately, we cannot always accommodate every student on their first-choice program. Space is limited in some programs, and some programs are more popular than others; spring programs tend to be especially popular. For this reason, it’s really important to think about listing an alternate program (or two) on your application.

Please check our website to see if we are still accepting applications for your program of interest. We are often able to extend the deadline for certain programs on a space-available basis.

BU students should discuss with their school or college to find the appropriate person to complete the Advisor Form. Students who do not attend BU should have this form completed by the person at their home institution responsible for approving study abroad transfer units and should discuss with the study abroad office at their home institution to determine the appropriate advisor. Students who do not attend BU should note that there may be a separate summer program approval process at their institutions.