EVERYTHING GUIDE

Your Everything Guide to Studying Abroad at BU

Should I do it? When’s the deadline? What are the most popular programs? (Hints: G’day, how’s your French, and do you like fish and chips?)

Studying in Boston this semester, you can observe cultural customs, like catching a Boston Bruins game, eating clam chowder, and speaking the local language (it’s pronounced “chowda”). Last spring, Beaujena Stoyanchev (Pardee’24) opted for study a little farther afield—in Chile—where her classes were in Spanish, not Bostonian, where she savored a completo italiano (hot dog with avocado, tomato, and mayo), and where she rock-climbed in the Andes. 

Immersion in the region revealed how little she knew about it, despite her previous classroom studies in international relations. While others might find that experience stressful, Stoyanchev loved it.

“I learned even more observing art on street corners, in my daily commute, at the dinner table with my host family, in cab rides from the airport,” Stoyanchev says. Chile suffers lingering trauma from its 20th-century dictatorship, and “the shadows and strengths that the population has derived from this experience are something that I had read about countless times prior to my arrival,” she says, “but something I understood completely differently once I was immersed.” Traveling has filled her with “a new kind of empathy and worldview that I could not have developed in the familiar.”

“Studying abroad can be one of the most meaningful experiential learning opportunities,” says Willis Wang, vice president and associate provost for BU Global Programs. “You often experience not only other cultures, environments, and an enriching diversity of people with new perspectives, but you also discover that you are capable of achieving more than you ever expected.”

Because travel, especially for weeks, an entire semester, or longer, must be planned, BU Today has compiled Study Abroad’s answers to frequently asked questions about packing your bags, and your education, for another country.

Where can I go?

There are 83 possible programs awaiting you in locations from A to Z. Well, to U anyway, as in United States (in addition to foreign locations, Study Abroad oversees programs and internships in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.). Australia, China, Europe, Ecuador, Mexico, the Middle East, Asia, South Africa, New Zealand—through BU, the world is your oyster. “Based on applications,” Wang says, “London and Paris seem to continue being some of our most popular sites these days, with Madrid and Sydney being close on their heels.”

What are the deadlines for applying?

March 1 for the coming summer term; March 15 for fall semester; and either September 15 or October 1 for next spring semester, depending on the program. However, Study Abroad’s website notes, “It is often possible to apply after the program deadline, on a space available basis. We can accept applications for most programs until the program is full; note that most of our programs use rolling admissions, that is, applications are reviewed as they come in.” For more information, check the application calendar.

How do I decide whether Study Abroad is right for me?

The program offers a list of planning considerations. But you should start by asking yourself some questions. What areas of study do you want to pursue? Are you flexible about when you can study abroad? Have you considered alternate program options so you are prepared if you are not accepted into your first choice program?

Also, there are some key considerations: overseas studies programs vary in frequency, with some offered every semester and others during one semester only. Last, and important, point—make sure you have a passport that’s valid for six months beyond your planned travel date. There are ways to expedite an expired passport, but don’t wait. Do it now, even if you don’t know your plans.

If I just want to sound out somebody about their experience abroad, who do I connect with?

Student ambassadors, veterans of foreign study, make great information sources. Call or email Study Abroad (617-353-9888 or abroad@bu.edu) to connect with one.

Which subjects may I study abroad?

Which can’t you? From Study Abroad’s website: “We operate language, liberal arts, fine arts, science, STEM, and internship programs, all fully approved by Boston University.” Students with all majors study overseas; some have offerings in their particular major, while others study something outside their major via an internship or for an enhanced education. 

Where will I live when I’m overseas? Is that my responsibility or does the program arrange that for me?

That depends on the program and site. Possibilities include university housing, or local apartments, or staying in the homes of local families, or living with fellow students on the program. Check Study Abroad’s housing information.

Does BU restrict me to just one semester abroad?

This one’s easy: no!

College is already expensive. Is Study Abroad then even more expensive? What about financial aid?

Actually, tuition and housing are generally comparable to what you pay on the Charles River Campus. And most financial aid can be used for Study Abroad programs in the fall and spring semesters. The general, and big, exception is work study. Tuition scholarships will be based on the tuition portion of the program fee. On all these issues, check with your assistant director in the Office of Financial Assistance.

May I list more than one program on my application?

You can—and you should. It’s a good idea to list a second and even third choice on your application, Study Abroad says, because “We cannot always accommodate every student on their first choice program.” The reason for this is that space is limited in some programs, and of course some programs and certain semesters are more popular than others. So it’s best to have options and be flexible.

You sold me: I’m flying. What do I need to apply?

All programs require an application questionnaire; advisor form, which has instructions on the appropriate form-filer; recommendations from a professor, teaching assistant (TA), or teaching fellow (TF) who has taught you for a letter grade in a college-level class; your résumé; a nonrefundable one-time application fee of $55; transcript(s) (unless you’re a transfer student who submitted transfer grades to BU’s registrar), with non-BU students sending their transcripts to abroad@bu.edu or via mail.

Those are the basics. Different programs may require specific additional materials. Please note that because of the volume of applications Study Abroad cannot confirm receipt of each and every document you send. Consult the “Check Application” tab of your online application for updates: the green checkmarks correspond to items that the office has received and processed.

Per Study Abroad, regarding the advisor form and recommendation: “Non-BU students should have this form completed by the person at their home institution responsible for approving study abroad transfer credit and may want to discuss with the study abroad office at their home institution to determine the appropriate advisor. Non-BU students should note that there may be a separate summer program approval process at their institutions.”

I’ve applied. Now what?

Most programs use rolling admissions: applications are reviewed as they are completed, prior to all deadlines. Apply early; some programs and internships have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Students will receive an emailed admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application. Some programs don’t use rolling admissions, and their applicants receive an admissions decision after the program deadline.