How do NYU and BU compare for study abroad opportunities?

NYU has the more expansive and built-in study abroad ecosystem, especially for a student who wants to choose among many global locations without stepping outside the university’s own network.

The biggest practical distinction is curriculum integration. NYU’s global sites are designed as extensions of the university, so students can often continue meeting major, Core Curriculum, and elective requirements abroad, although the exact options depend on the site and department.

BU offers a substantial set of faculty-led and direct-enrollment study abroad programs. Its programs can be particularly appealing for students seeking a defined academic focus, such as internships, journalism, business, public health, engineering, or language immersion.

Both schools have dedicated study abroad advising and allow students to use institutional financial aid for many approved programs, subject to each student’s aid package and program rules. At either school, the real constraint is whether the courses offered fit your major sequence. NYU gives you more site choices within one unified system; BU may stand out when one of its specialized programs matches your academic or career interests closely.