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BOSP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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The Bing Overseas Studies Program is committed to the health and safety of our students as we continue to actively monitor the responses to COVID-19 within the U.S. and other BOSP program locations. Please direct any questions to: studyaway@stanford.edu.

Can I participate in a BOSP program if I’ve been on a leave of absence during the previous quarter(s)?

You may participate in quarter-length academic programs and seminar programs immediately following a leave of absence. However, BOSP asks you to connect with an Undergraduate Advising Director (UAD) during the application process. BOSP program applications are available to you during your leave of absence. See program webpages for other participation requirements.

Can I defer my participation to a future quarter?

No. If you decide to reapply for a future BOSP program, your application will receive a preferred review and consideration. You will not, however, be guaranteed a spot in the same program. You can find information on our application cycles and deadlines here.

How does Stanford determine when to suspend BOSP programs?

BOSP follows Stanford’s International Travel Policy, which outlines current restrictions to university sponsored travel. Details regarding travel at Stanford University and COVID-19 are outlined on the COVID-19 Health Alerts webpage. Stanford’s highest priority is the health and safety of our students. As we consider study away programming and international travel, Stanford University and the Bing Overseas Studies Program continue to monitor travel advisory and public health guidance from International SOS, the U.S. Department of State, local public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BOSP program viability decisions also take into consideration on-site resources and our ability to provide operational and academic continuity.

While participating in BOSP programs, can I enroll remotely in courses taught by the home campus?

Yes, under limited circumstances. Students participating in BOSP quarter-length programs must enroll in a minimum of 12 units of coursework offered by the program on-site. Students in some programs are also eligible to enroll in one (1) SCPD course from a predetermined list of courses. Additional details on which courses SCPD will offer is available on the BOSP website at https://bosp.stanford.edu/explore/search-courses.  

I’m feeling anxious about the planning process. Whom can I speak with?

BOSP staff members are always available to help address questions and concerns about our programs and processes. If you are feeling generally stressed out or anxious, we encourage you to reach out to Stanford’s many student resources including Stanford Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), support staff within your residential neighborhood, and/or your Undergraduate Advising Director (UAD). 

Can I participate as a coterm? Is there anything else I should know?

You can participate in a BOSP program as a coterm as long as you have not conferred your undergraduate degree during the quarter of your participation. You are also bound by the same Participation Agreement as all students, which requires you to enroll in a minimum of 12 units of coursework from courses offered by the program, including any specific courses required by the program. We urge you to speak with an academic advisor to understand how these requirements may impact your degree progress. For more detailed coterm information, including information related to tuition, billing, and financial aid, please refer to the Coterm Enrollment FAQs.

I have questions about the language prerequisite.

Please note that placement in programs that have a language pre-requisite is based on the last completed course work at Stanford.  Students who have taken language classes at Stanford should not take a placement test.  If you have not completed course work at Stanford or are a native speaker, you will require a valid placement test that has been taken within the last 10 months.  Please refer to the testing schedule for updated test dates by language. 

Language Prerequisite Flowchart