Facts and Highlights about Boston University

>> U.S. News & World Report (2017) ranked Boston University 32nd Best Global Universities;
>> U.S. News & World Report (2018) ranked Boston University 39th overall among national universities;
>> The Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2018) placed Boston University as the 70th ranked university in the world;
>> QS World University Rankings (2018) placed Boston University as the 81st ranked university in the world.

Boston University (most commonly referred to as BU) is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. The university is nonsectarian. Boston was founded in 1630, it is also one of the oldest and most historic cities in the United States. Boston is a center for higher education, innovation and technology, as well as a center for the healthcare and bio-pharmaceutical industries in the Northeastern United States. Boston is home to more than 60 colleges and universities with over 250,000 students. The city also earns a reputation as “the intellectual capital of the United States” under the academic atmosphere.

Boston University traces its roots back to the establishment of the Newbury Biblical Institute in 1839, it is also the fourth largest private university in the United States. The university has about 10,000 faculty and staff members and over 30,000 students. BU is composed of undergraduate and graduate students from more than 130 countries. The percentage of international students is among the top of the national universities. BU has 17 degree-granting schools and colleges offering over 250 programs and an abundance of courses to inspire and challenge students.

Boston University is located in downtown Boston, and the main campus is near transport facilities. The Boston University Bridge crosses the Charles River. Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are 10 minutes by car. Boston University has a peaceful campus with a precise learning and research environment. There are many advanced facilities on campus, such as gymnasium, library, student activity center and so on. USIEA students on the Study Abroad program at Boston University are able to live in a student dormitory, which allows them to be part of the dynamic BU student community.   They also have access to nearly all campus facilities and educational resources offered by BU. At BU, students have opportunities to participate in students’ activities, as well as a wide range of student clubs and societies.

Features of Study Abroad Program offered by BU

>> Study high quality programs at a world-class university;
>> More than 100 museums and cultural venues and cultural events in Boston provide  students with the opportunity of exploring American society and culture;
>> Fully integrate into the American campus culture in a safe community;
>> Better cost-effective visiting program. USIEA students enrolled in academic courses offered by Metropolitan College can enjoy preferential tuition rate of 60% off the standard rate;
>> Centrally located in Boston and adjacent to Harvard University and MIT, this makes a strong academic neighborhood to visiting students.

Dates and Courses

Based on students’ study goal, the level of English and academic background, two tracks of study abroad programs can be selected: English Language Programs and credit bearing academic programs. English Language programs are offered by CELOP (Center for English Language & Orientation Programs), the English language center of Boston University.  Students are registered and managed by CELOP throughout the study abroad program.  Students will be awarded CELOP Study Certificate and Evaluation Form upon successful completion of programs.

Academic programs are offered by Metropolitan College of Boston University. Students with academic backgrounds on business, computer science or biotechnology can apply to study the related courses during the one-semester program at Metropolitan College. Visiting students will be able to register for courses and study with Boston University Metropolitan College degree-seeking students.  Upon successful completion of courses at Metropolitan College the student will obtain a Boston University official transcript and Boston University academic credits.

>> English Language Programs (CELOP)

Students who would like to improve their English level, understand American society and culture, and strengthen the sense of innovation through study with students from all over the world can choose to study at CELOP.  As Boston University’s English language center, CELOP was established in 1975 and now has over 40 years’ teaching experience.  This organization and its members are dedicated to promoting and upholding the highest professional standards to ensure that students receive the most advanced methods of intensive English instruction from trained, professional instructors.  CELOP is also fully accredited by The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) and proudly upholds the high standards of this organization. CELOP offers every student: small classes, maximum learning potential, personalized attention and instructors who are Boston University faculty with years of experience. Students can improve their English level and communication skills through studying with students from all over the world in friendly small-size classes. While at CELOP, students will explore the country’s history and culture, as well as enjoy the cultural ambience of an  international metropolis.

Winter Session, 2018

Intensive English: 2018.02.12 - 2018.03.09
The Intensive 4-week program is offered in the winter. The program has 4 levels instruction: Elementary, Intermediate, High Intermediate and Advanced. The program consists of morning Core classes from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Core classes focus on improving skills in all four areas; listening, speaking, reading, and writing. There will be also Special Focus Class twice a week in the afternoon from 1:30pm to 4pm.

Spring Semester, 2018

12-week program is offered in Fall from January 18 – April 20, 2018. The program is designed to help students develop the skills, fluency, and confidence they need to communicate effectively in English. Students will be able to improve overall abilities in both spoken and written English, as well as their understanding of U.S. culture. There are 20 academic hours per week and 8 levels of instruction, from Elementary to Advanced. The program offers four Core class concentrations: English for Academic Purposes, English for Science and Technology, English for International Business, and English Language and Culture, which enables students to focus an area of personal interest. New students are given an English Placement Exam to determine their English level. Students at the lower levels are placed in the English Language and Culture concentration. Students in the upper levels can choose a concentration. The program consists of morning Core classes and afternoon Elective classes. Core classes are integrated instruction in all four language skills: speaking, listening reading, and writing. Elective classes include Academic Writing, Introduction to American Culture, Business Communication and iBT TOEFL Preparation. All the courses allow students to customize a program based on their needs and goals.

Admission Requirements

1. Undergraduate and graduate students with good academic performance. Students are formally registered at USIEA’s partner universities;
2. Students should have basic English skills and rational study plan; Students also need to pass the interview of US International Education Association and academic review by CELOP, Boston University.

>> Non-degree Visiting Students at Metropolitan University

Spring Semester: January 18 – May 11, 2018

Metropolitan College offers a unique study-abroad program to international students from its partner organizations. The undergraduate program is open to students with majors related to Business, Computer Science or Biotechnology, who have completed freshman courses. The graduate program is open to students with majors related to Business and Computer Science only. Visiting students will enroll as full-time students at Metropolitan College (MET) to take 3-5 courses in one semester (12-20 academic credits).

MET is one of 17 degree-granting colleges of Boston University. Since 1965, MET has offered undergraduate and graduate programs, including Business, Computer Science, Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry etc. MET offers education opportunities for working professionals as well.

Students are eligible for up to two fitness and recreation credits at no additional charge. Upon successful completion of courses, students receive an official transcript and academic credits from Boston University.

Admission Requirements

1. Second to fourth year Undergraduate students and graduate students with good academic performance. Registered at USIEA’s Chinese partner universities as full-time students;
2. Academic Requirements： 84 IBT (Reading 21, Listening 18, Speaking 23, Writing 22), IELTS 6.5 (no sub score is lower than 6.5), GPA 3.0
3. Students are required to pass the interview of US International Education Association and academic review by Metropolitan University.

Housing

Boston University offers CELOP students and undergraduate students the opportunity to live on-campus in university dormitories, and Boston University Housing offers a variety of housing options throughout the year.  Students normally share a room with one or more people, both American and international, which is an important part of their Boston University experience. It also provides a great opportunity for students to practice English and interact with students from other countries. University dormitories are all located throughout Boston University campus with convenient public transportation and safe environment. To live in university dormitories, students will be required to purchase one of the six dining plans which enable students to have meals at all campus restaurant and pay at campus stores.