Program Structure & Fees

Global Seminars are an exciting and rewarding way to study away with Stanford University. Taught and led by Stanford faculty, with the exception of Cape Town & Santiago taught by local faculty, these programs are specifically designed to integrate course content and program location.

Program Structure

Global Seminars are 3-week programs during the summer. Program locations and course topics change every year. Each seminar is a 3-unit course.

Each seminar is limited to approximately 15 students. As determined by each faculty leader, the grading basis is mandatory letter grade.

Participation Costs

Students participating in faculty-led Global Seminars—an academic experience highly subsidized by BOSP—are charged a per-unit tuition cost comparable to other summer programs that offer academic credit, such as Stanford’s Summer Session. In addition, a modest student program fee covers select additional costs related to the program. Eligible students can receive financial assistance that could cover up to the full cost of their Global Seminar experience (see financial assistance details below for more information).

Stanford Tuition: 

Tuition for 3 units is billed at the Summer Stanford Undergraduate Rate. 

BOSP Program Fee: 

This highly subsidized fee helps BOSP cover program operating expenses, including providing all program participants with:

• Housing for the duration of the program
• All meals for the duration of the program
• Onsite transportation for all program activities
• All program excursions and activities for the duration of the program

Estimated Additional Costs:

Costs will vary by program and by students’ individual needs. Typical out of pocket expenses include:

• International travel to and from the program location
• Immigration expenses, including passport and visa costs
• Pre-departure immunization/vaccination costs
• Course materials
• International health insurance
• In-country cell phone costs
• Other incidental expenses (e.g laundry, souvenirs, personal travel, etc.)

Financial Assistance

BOSP is committed to ensuring access for all students, regardless of financial circumstances, to global learning opportunities. In past years, roughly 50% of students participating in short-term BOSP programs have received financial assistance. Financial need will have no impact on program admission decisions. All applicants will be automatically considered for financial assistance towards the tuition and program fee. Students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the Financial Aid Office, will be notified by BOSP regarding their eligibility for a fee waiver of up to 100% of all billed costs. Based on eligibility, some students may also qualify for an additional grant to be used towards the cost of travel. Award amounts will be announced after acceptance, and students will have time to consider their plans prior to their commitment to participate. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant may be eligible for additional federal funding as determined by the Financial Aid Office.

Expectations and Preparation

All program participants are required to attend the entire program from the scheduled arrival date/time through the scheduled departure date/time. Before their programs, BOSP and Faculty Leaders conduct a series of mandatory orientation sessions, which include an online orientation module and an in-person orientation in Spring Quarter. Some Faculty Leaders may also offer a required pre-program course and/or additional meetings. The "Quick Facts" section of the program-specific web pages lists a complete list of academic prerequisites.

Activity Level

The activity level of Global Seminars varies depending on the location and academic focus. You can find more information about the activity level for your program(s) of interest in the "Quick Facts" section of the program-specific webpage. If you have questions about the activity level for a specific program, please contact a BOSP Program Manager.

• Light: Activities may include city walking tours, easy/short hikes, museum, and other site visits
• Light/Moderate: Activities may include city walking tours, easy/short hikes, museum and other site visits as well as an occasional physical activity such as snorkeling, hiking, or kayaking.
• Moderate: Participants should expect to spend multiple hours each day engaging in physical activity such as hiking or snorkeling.
• Moderate/Strenuous: Participants should expect to spend multiple hours engaging in physical activity such as hiking or snorkeling. Some days might require more physical activity such as a full day or snorkeling or hiking on steep terrain.
• Strenuous: Activities may include full-day hikes (sometimes at high altitude and on steep terrain that may or may not be exposed) or full-day kayaking excursions or other physical activities.

• Extremely Strenuous: Activities will include full-day hikes at high altitude and on steep, exposed terrain or full-day kayaking excursions or other physical activities.

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Program Modification and Cancellation

Stanford reserves the right to cancel or modify the Program before or during its operation for any reason, including natural disasters, emergencies, low enrollment, unavailability of facilities or personnel, or compliance with the University's International Travel Policy.