The Pardee School strongly encourages our students to study abroad. Studying abroad provides an opportunity to expand upon your classroom learning, improve your language skills, and in many cases participate in an internship. Pardee School majors can earn credit for their regional and functional tracks while studying abroad.
Study abroad programs, courses, and requirements are managed by the Boston University (BU) Global Programs: Study Abroad Office. For the most up-to-date study abroad program information including deadlines and application requirements, visit the BU Study Abroad website.
Study Abroad Application Process
Pardee School students apply to study abroad programs through the Study Abroad Office. Each application requires an Advisor Support of Participation Form. This form is completed by your Pardee School academic advisor. When completing the application online you will be prompted to enter your advisor’s name who will then be emailed a link to complete the form. You are expected to meet with your academic advisor prior to submitting this form.
Applying study abroad courses to your Pardee School major
The Student Services Office maintains lists of study abroad courses pre-approved for International Relations credit (regional and functional tracks), available at the links below. Courses listed on these documents are not guaranteed to run the semester(s) you are abroad and students should always confirm available courses with the study abroad program.
Pre-Approved Courses on BU Semester Programs
Pre-Approved Courses on BU Summer Programs
Pre-Approved Courses on BU Exchange Programs & Direct Enroll Universities
If you would like to request credit for your Pardee School major for a course that does not currently appear on these lists, you must complete the study abroad Course Approval Form.
- You must upload a detailed syllabus for each course.
- Please submit no more than six-course approval requests per study abroad program.
- Please review the pre-approved course lists before submitting the form.
- The course syllabus will be reviewed by the Pardee School’s Associate Dean for Studies. You will receive a decision via email from your academic advisor.
Featured Programs
Through BU Study Abroad, the Pardee School offers a range of quality abroad options that provide our students opportunities to study and intern in some of the most interesting and important places on the planet. All programs take place over the summer and are conducted in English. Unless otherwise noted, programs are open to all Pardee students.
Geneva: Global Governance, Economic Development and Human Rights
Geneva: Global Governance, Economic Development, & Human Rights
Economic development is typically associated with on-the-ground projects in developing countries. Often overlooked is the governance aspect of development, which is rooted in a complex web of United Nations agencies and conventions as well as multilateral financial and development institutions.
This program examines the development process from a global viewpoint. Students gain knowledge and experience in the role major global institutions and actors play in the development process, strategies they use to influence economic development, and the key challenges they face.
Designed for students with an interest in development, this four-week summer program is focused on global topics such as the right to health, food security, and political and economic freedom. The program draws on the unparalleled resources of Geneva and includes expert guest speakers and visits to international organizations.
London: Mass Communication
London: Mass Communication
The London Mass Communication Program offers students in the MAIA program with a specialization in International Communication the opportunity to spend a summer studying in London. The program provides a full 16 credits toward the degree, thus replacing one regular semester of coursework.
The first six weeks in London are spent taking two courses: CM 738, Global Marketing Communication, and CM 744, British Media in the Digital Age. During the last seven weeks, students work full-time in their internships (CM 809) and work on an independent research project (CM 909). Both the courses and the internship can be used to fulfill the International Communication specialization coursework.
It is recommended that students planning to do the London summer program make certain to complete all of their core and required specialization classes during their first year in the program.
