Boston University vs. Dartmouth: Which Has More Flexible Study Abroad Options?

Boston University is likely the more flexible choice for a student who wants a wide menu of semester-abroad locations, program formats, and academic subjects.

BU tends to suit students who want study abroad to feel like a standard semester: enroll in a structured program, take several courses, live with other students or in program housing, and return on a conventional academic calendar.

Dartmouth can be exceptionally appealing for a student who values an immersive, academically distinctive experience over the largest possible catalog. Its faculty-led off-campus offerings are closely connected to Dartmouth departments and are often built around focused study in one location.

The tradeoff is that Dartmouth’s programs are more structured and may fit particular majors, languages, and term schedules rather than offering the breadth of destination-and-format choice available at BU. A student who wants many conventional semester options will likely find BU easier to navigate. A student drawn to small, faculty-connected programs and willing to plan carefully around Dartmouth’s calendar may find Dartmouth’s approach more compelling.