Gateway to the American University

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.

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

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

Airport Transportation, Housing, Meals, and Supervision

Students are picked up at Boston Logan International Airport the Sunday before the program begins and dropped off there the Saturday after the program ends.

During the program, students stay in supervised on-campus residence halls and are provided with BU’s maximum meal plan of 19 meals per week, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekdays and brunch and dinner on weekends.

Students are supervised throughout the program by CELOP faculty and staff and Program Assistants, who stay in the residence hall with students and accompany them to cultural activities.

Program Requirements

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, ages 15-17 during the program dates
• Copy of your passport and visa