Boston College
University Information
At the Office of International Programs, our mission is to prepare students for citizenship, service, and leadership in a global society.
Almost 40 percent of BC undergraduates have an international experience by the time they graduate. We are proud of our comprehensive network of more than 60 academic partnerships in over 30 countries worldwide. Each year more than 1,000 students from all fields of study and with varied foreign language backgrounds participate in tailored programs during the academic year and in our faculty-lead summer programs abroad. Students can enroll in BC programs or approved external programs. Our staff is dedicated to helping each participant find the right program.
OIP also hosts over 150 international exchange students annually from our partner universities around the world.
If you are a student or a prospective student at BC and have initial questions about study abroad, we can show you how to begin the process. If you know already where you would like to study abroad, have a look at our programs.
For parents we have prepared answers to some frequently asked questions.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Go to Boston College Study Abroad to see future deadlines/advising periods.
"The people I met in Vienna are some of my closest friends. Our time traveling together cemented a bond that I will cherish forever. IES: Vienna also sponsors trips and provides information to aid students in traveling both in Austria and across Europe. IES: Vienna provides a space for its students to take academically rigorous c..."
Diana M Boston College
"I learned alot about other culture from going to this program"
Alex Boston College
"Improved language skills "
A student Boston College
"Coming abroad was definitely worthwhile. It exposed some of my inherent biases and arrogance when interacting with a different culture and showed me the ways that I can improve myself when I go home. "
Natalee Deaette Boston College
"I had an amazing time in New Zealand and overall I think it was the best study abroad program possible. "
A student Boston College
"I learned so much about my host culture and about myself. I faced new challenges that really helped me to grow as a person. "
Molly Anderson Boston College
"My Chinese enhanced significantly, as well as my knowledge and understanding of the Chinese culture."
Shannon West Boston College
"I gained so much from the academic portion from hands on learning to in the classroom lectures. I can honestly say I retained more from my trip abroad then I do in a normal school year. It was so practical and hands on the learning felt natural. Other than academics, I learned how to carry myself while with peers and in a new cu..."
A student Boston College
"Aside from the module, it was great being able to explore a new city with people from all over the world!"
Annie Kim Boston College
"I learned a lot about myself. You are with people so much but you really learn how to be alone and support yourself. I had never been far from home and now feel older and more mature. The whole experience is definitely worthwhile-- you will make amazing memories and meet so many great people. No one will ever understand your exp..."
A student Boston College
"I gained a new perspective and experienced a new culture. Definitely worth it"
Nick P Boston College
"I gained so much confidence, the ability to be adaptable, and fantastic cultural awareness. It was definitely worthwhile. "
A student Boston College
"I loved my experience abroad. I had a great time at AUR. The classes were interesting and engaging, the housing was a lot better than I anticipated, my roommates were great, and the opportunities were endless. I traveled throughout Italy and Europe and learned so much about myself and the world."
Lisamarie D Boston College
"Extremely worthwhile. I gained an insight into one of the most amazing cultures in the world. I learned so much about their history, culture, tradition and value. I know I will definitely be back"
Thomas S Boston College
"Going abroad enabled me to become a more independent person and enabled me to experience and immerse myself in a new culture. I am so happy that I studied abroad in Vienna because it was an amazing city and had many different cultural offerings. "
Alli P Boston College
"I gained a solid group of girlfriends that I believe I will be friends with for the rest of my life. I also improved greatly as a musician, and received invaluable career advice from my private lesson teacher that has encouraged me to consider pursuing a Master's in music performance. The experience helped me become more indepen..."
A student Boston College
"My time in Vienna was an incredible experience. IES helped me find a balance between academics, exploration, and travel that made my time in Vienna exactly what I wanted. Unlike some other abroad programs, IES values a rigorous academic schedule that allows you to get the most out of the city by learning about it's past while yo..."
A student Boston College
"My abroad experience was fantastic. I made friends with my German roommates in our student apartment. Class scheduling allowed me to travel on most weekends. The workload in classes was fair and I was able to increase my German speaking, writing, reading and understanding skills. The administration was knowledgeable and efficien..."
David C Boston College
"I was able to meet new people and learn about new cultures. I was able to travel to watch a football match in London, ski the alps, skydive in Italy, cook local Viennese cuisine, and go to mass at Stephansdom Cathedral. I gained independence and confidence and loved my time abroad!"
A student Boston College
"I think my semester at Georgetown was extremely worthwhile. As a student interested in the American political system, what can be better than living in DC surrounded by other college students who love politics, being taught by teachers who specialize in American politics and can introduce you to the stars of the political syste..."
Jen O Boston College
"I gained real use of the language and found myself able to communicate with locals on the street better than I could have ever imagined prior. I was so happy finally be able to really use Arabic."
A student Boston College
"Learned how to integrate quickly and think on the go. "
Benjamin M Boston College
"My time in Greece was 100% worthwhile! It was an adventure, and I gained a new perspective on things. After completely emerging myself in a completely different culture from my own and being accepted with open arms, I learned the importance of understanding people on a deeper level and seeing how cultural differences affect how ..."
A student Boston College
"I learned how important and exciting it is to interact with people from all over the world with different backgrounds and experiences. I learned how exhilarating it is to explore a new culture. Every day is a new adventure, and I gained that attitude when I came back to the States."
A student Boston College
"I learned so much about myself as an individual-- traveling, experiencing a new culture, and meeting new friends"
carolyn.griesser Boston College
