Thinking About Studying Abroad at Stanford? Here’s the Real Deal.
So, you're at Stanford, one of the most incredible universities on the planet, & you're getting that itch. That "maybe I should see more of the world than just Palo Alto" itch. Let me tell you, that's a good itch to have, & Stanford's study abroad programs are, honestly, some of the best out there. We're not talking about just shipping you off to another university & hoping for the best. Stanford has its own "mini-Stanfords" all over the world, which is a pretty unique & amazing setup.
I've done the deep dive, & I'm here to give you the full scoop on what it's really like to study abroad with Stanford, from someone who's been through the wringer of university life & knows what matters. We'll cover everything from the programs themselves to the nitty-gritty of applications & costs.
The Heart of Stanford's Global Vision: The Bing Overseas Studies Program (BOSP)
First things first, you need to know about BOSP. The Bing Overseas Studies Program is the mothership for almost all of Stanford's study abroad opportunities. It's been around for a while, & they've got this down to a science. The whole idea is to make studying away from campus a seamless part of your Stanford education. We're talking full Stanford credit for your courses, which often count towards your major or those sometimes-pesky breadth requirements. It’s pretty cool to think that about half of every graduating class at Stanford has studied abroad through BOSP. That tells you something about how integral it is to the Stanford experience.
BOSP isn't just one-size-fits-all. They have a whole menu of options:
- Quarter-Length Programs: These are the classic study abroad experiences. You spend a full quarter living & learning in another country.
- Short-Term & Summer Programs: If a full quarter feels like too much of a commitment, there are shorter, faculty-led programs in the summer that are more focused on a specific topic.
- Academic Partnership Programs: These are cool because you get to immerse yourself in a foreign university, but with the support & structure of BOSP.
So, Where in the World Can You Go?
This is the fun part, right? Dreaming about where you could be spending a quarter. BOSP has a pretty impressive list of locations. Here's a rundown of some of the main spots, with a little inside baseball on what makes each one unique:
- Australia (University of Queensland): This is a big one for students in the sciences, especially Human Biology. It's an academic partnership, so you're getting a real Aussie university experience.
- Berlin, Germany: If you're into engineering or want a classic "travel around Europe" vibe, Berlin is a solid choice. They also have an accelerated German language program to get you up to speed.
- Cape Town, South Africa: This program is known for its focus on global public health & is a special summer program.
- Florence, Italy: Imagine taking classes in a beautiful Italian villa. That's Florence for you. It's known for having a strong sense of community & a focus on engaging cultural activities.
- Hong Kong: A bustling, international city that offers a unique perspective on Asia.
- Istanbul, Turkey: A city at the crossroads of Europe & Asia, offering a rich cultural tapestry.
- Kyoto, Japan: Perfect for students who are genuinely curious about Japanese culture & aren't afraid of a little culture shock. It's another spot that's popular with engineering students. Stanford is also part of the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS).
- Madrid, Spain: This program often involves homestays, so you get a truly immersive experience.
- New York, USA: Yep, you can even "study abroad" in NYC! This program became part of BOSP in 2019 & is a great option for those who want a domestic urban experience.
- Oxford, England: This is for the serious academics. You get to experience the tutorial system with a 1:1 tutor, which is an incredible opportunity to do a deep dive into your subject. The community here is also super strong since everyone lives together.
- Paris, France: The city of lights! This program is a bit more artsy & is another one with a classic "travel around Europe" feel.
- Santiago, Chile: This program has a focus on sustainability, exploring it from both global & local perspectives.
It's worth noting that some of these programs have language prerequisites, so it's a good idea to plan ahead if you have your heart set on a particular location.
The Nitty-Gritty: Applying to BOSP
Okay, so you're sold on the idea. How do you actually make it happen? The application process is pretty straightforward, but you've got to be on top of it.
First, are you eligible? Generally, you need to:
- Be a sophomore or higher.
- Have completed at least 45 academic units.
- Have spent at least three quarters on campus.
- Be in good academic standing (not on probation or suspension).
There are some exceptions for transfer students & those with a reduced course load, so it's always best to check with BOSP directly.
The Application Itself:
The application process is all online. You'll need to think about why you want to go to a particular program, as they encourage you to have a solid academic reason for your choice. There are different application rounds, & popular programs can fill up fast, so it's a good idea to apply in the first round if you can.
They'll also review your overall standing at the university, which might involve consulting with offices like the Dean of Students, Residential Education, & the Office of Community Standards. So, you know, be a good human.
The Million-Dollar Question: How Much Does This All Cost?
This is where a lot of people get tripped up, but here's the good news: Stanford is really committed to making study abroad accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Here's how it generally breaks down:
- Tuition: You pay your regular Stanford tuition. Simple as that.
- Housing & Food: Instead of paying for on-campus room & board, you'll be charged an "Overseas Fee," which is based on those same on-campus rates.
- Extra Costs: This is where it varies. You'll have to cover your own airfare, personal travel, & any other incidentals.
Financial Aid is Your Friend:
This is the key. Since you're still enrolled at Stanford while you're abroad, your financial aid package comes with you. The Financial Aid Office will even revise your award to help cover some of the extra costs, like airfare & passport/visa fees. They'll automatically consider you for a one-time grant & loans to help with these expenses.
For students with high financial need, BOSP offers fee waivers of up to 100% for some programs & travel grants. There are also "Study Away Grants" of up to $1,000 (or $2,000 for students with a zero-parent contribution) that you can use once during your time at Stanford.
The bottom line is, don't let the sticker price scare you. The BOSP website says that the basic cost of studying abroad is close to the cost of staying on campus, apart from airfare & personal travel.
Making the Most of Your Time Abroad
So you've been accepted, your bags are packed... now what? Here are a few things to keep in mind to make your study abroad experience truly transformative.
Internships & Research:
Many of the BOSP programs offer opportunities for internships, both academic & paid, as well as research. This is an incredible way to get some real-world experience in a global context. Imagine interning at a startup in Berlin or doing marine biology research in Australia. These are the kinds of things that will make your resume stand out.
Cultural Immersion:
Don't just hang out with the other Stanford students! Push yourself to meet locals, practice the language, & get off the beaten path. This is where the real learning happens. Some programs, like the one in Madrid, have homestays, which are an amazing way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Travel & Exploration:
One of the best parts of being abroad is the opportunity to travel. If you're in Europe, you can hop on a train & be in another country in a few hours. Budget for this, & plan some weekend trips.
And speaking of travel, let's talk about a little logistical hurdle: what do you do with all your stuff while you're gone for a quarter? Your dorm room needs to be cleared out, & you're probably not going to lug all your winter clothes to Santiago in the summer. This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. Instead of paying for an expensive storage unit, you can find affordable & convenient storage space in someone's garage, attic, or basement right near campus. It's a simple solution to a common study abroad headache. You just pack up your things, drop them off, & know they'll be safe until you get back.
The same goes for your car. If you have a car on campus, you're not going to want to leave it in a campus lot for a whole quarter. That's just asking for trouble (and a ton of parking tickets). With Prked, you can find a safe & affordable spot to park your car in someone's driveway or garage. It's a much smarter & more secure option.
What About Non-Stanford Programs?
While BOSP is the main event, there are other opportunities for studying away from campus. Stanford Global Studies offers internships, & there are other programs like Stanford in Washington that give you a chance to live & learn in a different environment. The financial aid situation for these programs is similar to BOSP, so they're also very accessible.
The Takeaway
Studying abroad is one of those quintessential college experiences, & Stanford does it better than most. The "mini-Stanford" model gives you the best of both worlds: the adventure of living in a new country with the academic rigor & support of your home university.
It's a chance to push yourself, learn a new language, gain a new perspective on your major, & make memories that will last a lifetime. And with Stanford's commitment to financial aid, it's an opportunity that's open to pretty much everyone.
So, if you're feeling that itch to see the world, I say go for it. Start exploring the BOSP website, talk to student ambassadors who have been on these programs, & start dreaming about where you'll go.
Hope this was helpful & gives you a better idea of what to expect. Let me know what you think
