BU Study Abroad Expo
Padua, Italy is one of 30+ study abroad locations and 150+ programs offered to BU students. Photo courtesy of Joan Salge Blake
Study Abroad Expo is September 9
Programs in Madrid, Singapore, and Geneva, and new offerings in Prague, to name a few
For those interested in immersing themselves in a new culture, you’ll want to be sure to visit the annual Boston University Study Abroad Expo on September 9, from 10 am to 2 pm at Marsh Plaza. The event is open to all undergrads.
Gareth McFeely, executive director of Study Abroad, says the expo is “one of the best opportunities for students—especially students who haven’t thought about study abroad—to learn a little bit more about what it is that we do, the range of places that we offer programs, the kinds of programs that we offer.”
The expo will feature staff and ambassadors from the different cities where students can study, including Madrid, London, Singapore, Paris, and Geneva. McFeely says he’ll also be on hand to answer questions from prospective students and direct people to the appropriate tables.
“I usually work at one of those tables, and I love to meet all of the students,” he says. “It’s fun.” In addition to info, there will also be free snacks and giveaways like flags and postcards.
Study Abroad student ambassador Michael Vuong participated in the Sydney STEM Program in Spring 2025, where he worked at the aerospace startup Metakosmos as a mechanical engineering intern. “It got me exposed to another side of engineering that I haven’t been exposed to yet, so it [helped with my] general knowledge of manufacturing,” says Vuong (ENG’27).
Apart from work, Vuong traveled to Brisbane, Melbourne, Tasmania, and New Zealand. “I think [New Zealand] was my favorite place to visit,” he says. “I remember walking out of the airplane. Instantly you can see a range of mountains, which was really memorable and beautiful. It really stuck out to me.”
Nicholas Chipashvili also studied abroad and participated in the Sydney STEM Program, where he worked in a chemistry lab at the University of Sydney. He worked on creating a paint that helps capture water in the atmosphere.
Through living and working abroad, Chipashvili (CAS’27) says the experience has definitely added to his personal growth.
“I [gained] a lot of independence since I was basically halfway across the world, away from my parents, my friends from home, my friends from BU,” he says. “I had to make new friends, create a whole new social circle there… [I was] basically living on my own in a whole new country. It definitely built my character.”
New to the study abroad city lineup this year is the Fall and Spring semester Prague program. Previously, the Prague program only offered internship opportunities for the summer term. Now, it offers both internship and academic course opportunities in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Students can learn more about the expanded program at the expo.
Before studying abroad, Vuong urges students to do their research. “Make sure you read through the study abroad website, and make sure you have your schedule prepared for the study abroad,” he says. He also encourages students not to consider only one program.
“Maybe you’re set on one location, but after the expo, there’s another location that piques your interest,” he says. “Just be open-minded. There’s definitely a lot of options.”