Welcome first-year students! BU Study Abroad offers over 90 programs in 30 cities worldwide, so planning ahead is key. Below are useful resources to help get you started. Remember you can always contact our office by emailing us at abroad@bu.edu, calling us at 617-353-9888, or stopping by our office on West Campus at 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor.
Who Can Study Abroad?
BU Study Abroad offers 90+ study abroad and academic internship programs in a diverse range of academic areas. Whether you are majoring in fine arts, business, communications, engineering, science, or anything in between, you are likely to find a program that fits into your academic plan. You do not even need to know another language (although there are several opportunities to learn or improve a foreign language if you do). Study abroad and exchange programs are open to international students, as well.
While most students wait until later in their academic career to study abroad, approximately 20% of students will study abroad in their sophomore year. That is why it is important to plan early.
You might be surprised to learn that tuition and housing on a BU Study Abroad program are generally comparable to your on-campus costs for many students, and you can also apply most of your financial aid to any fall or spring program. In addition, there are a number of grants and scholarships available specifically for study abroad. If you are looking for program costs, you can find them on the specific program pages.
What Academic Areas are Available Abroad?
BU Study Abroad has study abroad and academic internship programs in a diverse range of academic areas. Whether you are majoring in fine arts, business, communications, engineering, science, or anything in between, you are likely to find a program that fits into your academic plan.
Start by visiting our Find page to narrow down the list of programs that fit your academic interests. Each program page has details on the courses offered so you can easily determine how closely the curriculum aligns with your needs.
When Should I Start Planning for Study Abroad?
It is never too early to start planning your study abroad experience. We recommend speaking with your academic advisor sooner rather than later to get it on their radar. Some majors have more rigid curriculum, so it is important to know your best opportunity to study abroad. By speaking with your academic advisor about it now, you can ensure that study abroad becomes part of your academic plan.
Science and Engineering students should pay particular attention to this timeline, as the majority of science and engineering students will study abroad during their sophomore year.
Where Should I Start my Planning?
Our website has many valuable resources to help you plan your study abroad experience.
- Start with the Plan section to explore the different options you have.
- Speak with your academic advisor to map out when study abroad fits into your academic plan.
- Visit BU Study Abroad Walk-In Advising Hours to speak with a staff member about your options. Walk-In Advising Hours take place every Monday-Thursday between 10am-4pm.
- Review our Financial Considerations section and speak with the office of Financial Assistance to make a plan for your time abroad.
- When you’re ready to apply, start your application!
How Do I Contact Study Abroad?
Come See Us
Our office is located at 888 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor and we’re open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. We also have special Walk-In Advising Hours every Monday-Thursday from 10am-4pm. You can review all of our advising options here.
Talk to Us
Email us at abroad@bu.edu or call us at 617-353-9888. Our staff is very knowledgeable and can connect you to the right person to answer your questions. You can view our staff and their contact information here.
Connect on Social Media
BU Study Abroad is on Instagram (@buabroad) and on Facebook (/buabroad). Follow us so you can stay up to date on our upcoming events and hear from current and former students.
