Chuo University studying at the Faculty of Commerce have the opportunity to enroll at Boston University’s Center for English Language and Orientation Programs (BU CELOP) for a semester of study and receive a partial tuition scholarship. This webpage has information on program options, how to apply, and how to pay for your program. If you have any questions on CELOP, please email celop@bu.edu. If you have any questions about Chuo University policies to participate in this program, please email c-ryugaku-grp@g.chuo-u.ac.jp.
Eligible Students and Programs
This study abroad opportunity is available to undergraduate students currently enrolled at Chuo University in the Faculty of Commerce. Students must have at least an intermediate level of English as shown through one of the following:
- TOEFL iBT of 46 or higher
- IELTS 5.5 or higher
- Placement into CELOP Level 5 through CELOP’s free online placement test
Students can choose from one of two twelve-week (semester-long) programs:
Both programs have English language skills classes in Reading & Writing and Speaking & Listening offered at different levels. The 20 Hour program has two elective classes, each 6 weeks long, over the course of the program while the 25 Hour program has four elective classes. You can read more about each program at the links above.
Chuo University students are required to take Business Communication as one of their elective courses. This course may be offered in either the first six weeks or last six weeks of the 12-Week program. Students receive a survey where they select their preference for elective classes prior to the start of classes.
Application Process
Before applying to CELOP, all Chuo University students must first apply through the Office at the Faculty of Commerce. The Faculty of Commerce then provides CELOP with a list of students who plan to apply for upcoming semesters.
Once the Faculty of Commerce approves a student to apply to CELOP, students can apply directly on the program webpages linked above.
Students are required to live in BU on-campus Residence Halls (dormitory housing) and must select this option when applying. Please refer to the current application instructions for information on how to select this option, or email celop@bu.edu if you have questions.
Students must pay the Full-Time CELOP Application Fee at the final step in the application process. Students who complete the application process are provided with an I-20 to obtain an F-1 visa as described on CELOP’s Immigration and Visas webpage (see information on “Intensive (Full-Time) Programs”).
Payment Process and Partial Tuition Scholarship
Students are required to pay their tuition and fees, excluding the Application Fee by the end of the first week of class. The Application Fee is due earlier as part of the application process and must be paid before a student is accepted to the program. Tuition and fees appear on students’ accounts as charges. Payment options and instructions are available here. Students are able to make payment by credit card for the programs linked above. Tuition and fees for current programs are available here.
Chuo University students receive a 15% partial tuition scholarship. The scholarship is only available to students who complete the program and will be withdrawn if students withdraw from the program and/or receive any separate tuition refund. The scholarship is posted on students’ accounts, but it may not appear by the start of the program. Therefore, in order to make sure that students pay the correct amount for tuition, CELOP will email each student with the exact amount they need to pay for tuition. Students should not pay their tuition charge before receiving this email.
In addition to tuition and fees, students may incur other charges for textbooks, Convenience Points (used for laundry and food purchased on-campus not part of a meal plan), lost Residence Hall keys, etc. and are required to pay any charges before leaving the program.
Health Insurance
Massachusetts state law requires that all Boston University students have proof of immunizations and medical insurance that meets benefit levels mandated by the state. All CELOP students are automatically enrolled in the Boston University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) at the Student Basic level and all basic services and immunizations are covered if received at BU Student Health Services.
Chuo students enrolling in the Summer semester are charged for SHIP only for that semester. Students enrolling in the Fall semester are automatically charged for the entire year. However, they can request to have their SHIP plan adjusted to cover only the Fall semester at a significantly reduced cost. For more information on this process, visit our Health Insurance webpage and click on “Fall Term ONLY Adjustment.”
More Information
For students who want to learn more about the experience of being a CELOP student and the requirements to apply, the following pages on our website are helpful: