Core English Course

Students will be placed into standard core English courses which integrate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. A strong focus is placed on reading comprehension, writing for academic purposes, grammar and vocabulary development, critical thinking and basic research skills.

Additional English Courses

Students will also take two additional English courses – Introduction to the Academic Community and Critical Readings in the Natural Sciences or Critical Readings in the Humanities:

• Introduction to the Academic Community: a specialized course designed to further familiarize students with the academic expectations and practices of Boston University. (full semester)
• Critical Readings in the Natural Sciences: a reading and discussion-based course that helps students to succeed in university-level classes in the natural sciences, including texts from fields such as neuroscience, climate change, biology, astronomy, geology, and others, with a focus on improving your reading and speaking skills. (half semester)
• Critical Readings in the Humanities: a reading and discussion-based course that prepares students for success in university-level classes in the social sciences (e.g., anthropology, sociology, psychology, political science, international relations, gender studies and economics), with a focus on improving your reading and speaking skills. (half semester)

University Success Topics

Instruction in the program will also highlight the following:

• Importance of original work and the consequences of plagiarism.
• Importance of active participation in all classes.
• Development of successful time management and study habits.
• Importance of communication with professors, both for enrichment and enhancement of what is being taught, as well as for help with academic difficulties.
• Value and use of university resources, such as the libraries, academic help centers, and Student Health Services.
• Importance of study groups and how to create them.

Some activities may include listening to guest speakers from BU, visiting resource centers on campus, writing a variety of essays, giving presentations, reading academic articles, and working with classmates to do research and gather information for a final project.

When you arrive on-campus, you will receive a Terrier ID (student ID card) and have access to the BU community. All BU facilities are available at no extra cost, including: libraries, computer labs, recreation rooms, the student union, health services, and the FitRec with swimming pools, exercise rooms, basketball/volleyball courts and a climbing wall.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities, such as visits to local museums and historic sites, attend CELOP-sponsored cultural events, and join BU student organizations.

During the Bridge to BU program, you will be required to live in on-campus BU dormitory housing. CELOP will send you instructions on how to apply for on-campus housing. Please wait to receive your housing application instructions from CELOP before you apply for housing.

*All program fees subject to final approval by Boston University.

**The Housing/Meal Plan fee is based on costs for a shared room (two or more students) in a dormitory-style residence. Students may be assigned to other accommodations which may cost more. All students living in Boston University housing are required to have a meal plan. Several plans are offered; the amount quoted is based on unlimited meals each week. Other dining plans are available and students will have the opportunity to choose a different plan when they enroll, if desired.

***The Health Insurance fee provides insurance coverage for the academic year: fall, spring, and summer semesters. All students are required to have health insurance. The fee listed is an estimate based on the 2024-2025 rate plus a percentage increase. The final fee will be confirmed by Summer 2025.

****In order to receive an I-20, students must show evidence of funds to cover tuition and fees for the entire academic year and personal expenses during the program, which can include books, supplies, and miscellaneous expenses. Personal expenses for Fall Semester at CELOP are estimated at $1,872.

Refund Policy

If you enroll in the CELOP Bridge to BU policy and withdraw from the program, you must email us in writing at celop@bu.edu. Students that withdraw from the program before it begins will receive a 100% refund, except for the application fee of $120 which is non-refundable. Students that withdraw after the online program begins will receive a partial refund; application fee and university fees are non-refundable after start of the online program. Refer to the chart below for the refund schedule: