Frequently Asked Questions

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, only 10% of 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 check out the Plan section on our website. 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 semester, some only during the academic year, some only for a fall semester, some only in the spring. Many students spend consecutive semesters at their study abroad destination or combine two different sites for a year abroad. Studying abroad multiple semesters 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 the courses are taught in English. On our study abroad website, students can tailor their search by language. Each program page lists any language requirements under the “Requirements and Considerations” tab.

BU Study Abroad offers information sessions and events throughout the year to help you learn more about our programs. Check out our calendar for upcoming events. We also offer many advising options. Our study abroad staff is always happy to meet with prospective students and answer questions about planning their abroad experience. If you not a BU student, we are happy to meet with you virtually. We also suggest speaking with your own study abroad office. Study abroad staff also visits 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 info sessions, to financial aid workshops. We update our events calendar regularly. You can also follow us on our social media platforms.

Tuition and housing on a BU Study Abroad program is 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 office about your individual financial aid package. If you are not a BU student, we recommend starting with your study abroad office to determine eligibility and costs.

Generally, tuition and housing on a BU Study Abroad program is comparable to the Charles River Campus, but you’ll need to consider extras such as air fare.  On each program page under the “Costs and Considerations” tab there is 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 semester programs; however, some forms of financial aid (such as federal Work Study arrangements) may not transfer. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office of Financial Assistance for full information: 617-353-2965 or finaid@bu.edu.

Yes, almost all aid can be used by BU students attending BU Fall and Spring programs. The most common exception to this general rule is Work Study. Tuition scholarships will be based on the tuition portion of the program fee. The Office of Financial Assistance has a webpage that outlines different forms of aid and how they are affected by studying abroad. 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 the Financial Considerations page on our website for more information about study abroad scholarships.

Every semester, 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. Date of application does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.

No. Students from all majors study abroad. Some studentsare able to find programs that apply to their degree and others take a semester 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 accommodations vary from site to site. On some programs students are housed with other students on the program, some live in university housing, some live in city apartments, and some in homestays. Learn more about housing accommodations.

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. Many are available online on each program page under the “Curriculum” tab, or you can email us at abroad@bu.edu and tell us what you need.

Once you’ve selected your program, you’re ready to apply!

• Application Questionnaire
• Advisor Form/Academic Agreement
  • Please read the instructions to find the appropriate person to complete this form. Please keep in mind:
    • Non-BU students should start with their Study Abroad Office.
      • When completing the Advisor Form, select “Recommender Not Listed” and enter the appropriate advisor’s contact information
    • If you are a double major within the same school, one advisor form is sufficient.
    • If you are a Dual/Collaborative Degree major, you will need an Advisor Form/Academic Agreement from both colleges.
    • CGS students should start with the Advising office of the college they are entering after CGS.
• Résumé
• Non-refundable $55 Application fee
• Transcript(s)
  • • Non-BU students only will upload their transcript through the application system
• Some programs require an Academic Recommendation from a professor, TA or TF that has taught you in a university-level course
• Additional program-specific materials as required.

Students can submit their application at any time once the application has opened for the particular semester. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance.

Once all items have been received and processed by BU Study Abroad, your application will be ready for review. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials have been received by the BU Study Abroad office. Please note, your application will not be considered complete until all materials have been received. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed 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 semesters 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 internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Date of application does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.

Details of programs that do not use rolling admissions can be found here. 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 and semesters are more popular than others. 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. Non-BU students should have this form completed by the person at their home institution responsible for approving study abroad transfer credit and should discuss with the study abroad office at their home institution to determine the appropriate advisor. Non-BU students should note that there may be a separate summer program approval process at their institutions.

Go to your online application to complete the post-decision components and keep an eye on your email for follow-up information from your Program Manager. If you have questions, please contact us at 617-353-9888 or abroad@bu.edu.

In many cases, yes. Non-BU students will receive an official Boston University transcript on completion of your program which you can submit to your own college or university. It is your responsibility, though, to consult with your advisor beforehand, to determine whether the credits can be applied to your degree program.