Gateway to the American University

The application for the summer 2025 program will open in spring 2025.

This Program Is For

  • International high school students, age 15-17
  • Interested in Boston as an education destination
  • Planning on applying to college or university in the United States

Program Features

  • Guidance on successfully applying to a U.S. college or university and obtaining scholarships
  • Academic classes to experience an American university classroom
  • Private meeting with the BU Board of Admissions and Boston-area university visits including Harvard University and MIT
  • Meeting with a panel of Boston-area international students for Q&A
  • Opportunity to live on the BU campus in supervised residence halls
  • Cultural activities around Boston including museums, historical sites, shopping, and more

Curriculum

  • Introduction to different institution types including private and public universities and help on choosing best-fit, reach, and safety schools
  • Classes covering the Common Application and its components including standardized testing with the SAT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.
  • Workshops on writing an effective college application essay/personal statement, creating a digital profile, and identifying scholarships for international students
  • Sample university classes in a range of subject areas popular with undergraduate students in the U.S.
“

Boston University enhanced my skills to work in a diverse group as both a member and a leader. Now I have a network of friends around the world. ”

Ayham Ehab, West Bank
CELOP Alum

Two Program Options: 2-Weeks or 3-Weeks

  • 2-Week Program includes all of the college preparation content above as well as one academic class
  • 3-Week Program adds two additional academic classes, preparation for admissions interviews, one additional university campus visit, and a team presentation project to develop teamwork, intercultural competency skills, and presentation and public speaking skills

Class Schedule

Students participate in a class, workshop, activity or field trip 5 days per week in the morning and afternoon, and a study hall or social activity 5 days per week in the evening. On weekends students participate in day trips for cultural and social activities in the Greater Boston Area.

Sample Weekly Schedule

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Morning Program Orientation College Essay Workshop Academic Class The Common Application International Student Panel Q&A
Midday Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
Afternoon BU Campus Tour BU Admissions: How Selective Admissions Works Visit: Harvard University Creating a Digital Profile Visit: Museum of Fine Arts
Evening Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner
Assignment: Journal Writing Activity: Group Visit to BU FitRec Assignment: Visit Reflection Assignment: College Essay Draft Activity: Movie Night

Days and times are approximate and subject to change throughout the year.

Application Closed

Key Facts

Hours/Week

17 Hours

Duration

2 Weeks or 3 Weeks

Semester

Summer II

Visa

Tourist


Visa Waiver (ESTA)

BU Housing

Required

Required Proficiency Level

  • Intermediate (CEFR B1) or above. If you have questions about your eligibility, please email celop@bu.edu.
  • CELOP will administer the online Pearson Versant English Language Placement Test to all applicants approximately one month before the start of the program.

Admission Requirements

  • High school student, age 15-17
  • Copy of your passport and visa

2-Week Program Dates & Fees

Arrival: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Class Dates: Monday, July 14 – Friday, July 25, 2025
Departure: Saturday, July 26, 2025

Program Fee: $4,450*
*Includes Tuition, Application Fee, University Fees, Room and Meal Plan, Student Health Insurance Plan, airport pick-up and drop-off, and ground transportation during the program.

3-Week Program Dates & Fees

Arrival: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Class Dates: Monday, July 14 – Friday, August 1, 2025
Departure: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Program Fee: $5,950*
*Includes Tuition, Application Fee, University Fees, Room and Meal Plan, Student Health Insurance Plan, airport pick-up and drop-off, and ground transportation during the program.

The application deadline for both the 2-Week and 3-Week programs is Monday, May 26 at 11:59pm EDT.

There is an additional fee for students who want to access the BU Fitness and Recreation Center outside of a scheduled group visit.

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