Waseda Semester Study Abroad (SSA) at Boston University

About the Program

Application & Pre-Arrival

Student Life

Pre-Course

In the 2-week Pre-Course, you will study with other Waseda University students. This is a time for you to get used to communicating in English and living at Boston University before the CELOP Fall Semester begins. Your Pre-Course will include study of the six subjects specified below (approximately 8 hours per topic): Culture • Literature • History • Society • Media and Information • Current Topics

  • 30 hours per week of instruction
  • Class Monday to Friday, class timings will be introduced after your arrival on campus
  • Field trips to local historic and cultural sites

You will be given an online English language placement test prior to beginning the Pre-Course. The results of this test and your performance during the Pre-Course will be used to place you in the correct level of the Fall Semester Program.

Fall Semester Program

Following the Pre-Course, students will begin the Fall Semester Intensive 12-Week 25 Hours program in classes with international students from around the world. This program includes the following courses:

  • Core Courses – 15 hours per week
    Level-appropriate skill work. The courses are:

    • Speaking & Listening (6 hours per week)
    • Reading & Writing (9 hours per week)
  • Elective Courses (two courses), total of 10 hours per week
  • Students will select 2 level appropriate electives per 6-week term.
  • Examples:
    • Business Communication
    • American Culture Through Movies
    • Media News
    • Innovative Boston
    • Faces of Boston
    • Fun with Grammar
    • Readings in the Social Sciences
    • Health and Wellness for Personal Success

The class times below are approximate:

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9am – 12pm Reading & Writing Speaking & Listening Reading & Writing Speaking & Listening Reading & Writing
12pm – 1pm Lunch Break
1pm – 4pm Elective Class A Elective Class B Elective Class A Elective Class B

Program Dates

BU Housing Move-In: August 29 – September 8

Pre-Course: September 9 – September 20 (2 weeks)

Fall Intensive 12-Week Program: September 23 – December 13

BU Housing Move-Out: December 21

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