With classes at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and directed research at the CERN Laboratory, straddling the French/Swiss border just outside of Geneva, students will work with the world’s leading physicists to explore the universe on the level of its most basic constituent particles. The first six weeks of the program will be dedicated to an intensive French language course, and the Undergraduate Physics Seminar. When the UNIGE term begins in mid-February, students will enroll in two UNIGE physics courses as well as a directed study at CERN.
Key Facts
Area of Study
Location
Home University
Program Structure
Internship Availability
Term
Coursework Level
NoneBU Hub Offered
Housing
Language of Instruction
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Must be an upper-division Physics or Astronomy & Physics major
- Minimum of two terms of college-level French, or the equivalent, is required
- A foundational knowledge of C++, UNIX and Python is expected
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0; students with a GPA below 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Courses carry prerequisites
- Admissions requirements for all programs
Curriculum
The first six weeks of the program will be dedicated to an intensive French language course, and Computation for Experimental Particle
Physics. When the UNIGE term begins in mid-February, students will enroll in two UNIGE courses (typically Electrodynamics II and Quantum Mechanics I). Students wishing to enroll in other UNIGE courses must obtain prior approval from their academic advisor or home institution. Any UNIGE courses taken outside of the recommended curriculum listed below must be worth at least 6 ECTS.
Housing & Student Services
Program Residence
- Double or triple rooms with shared bathrooms
- Shared, fully equipped kitchen
- No dining hall
- Laundry in BU residence
- Common study and recreational space at BU residence
- Limited single rooms may be available for an additional charge
Program Dates
This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.
Spring Term
Mid-January to early July
Spring Term
June 1*
Applications Open
Spring Term
September 15
Application Deadline
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. 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. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
- 2025/2026 Tuition & Fees: $44,244
- Cost includes tuition, housing, program related activities, administrative fee, overseas medical insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage
- Estimated program budget including cost of living expenses.
- Grants and Scholarships available