Overview

Short-term programs are an exciting and rewarding way to study away with Stanford University. Taught and led by Stanford faculty, these programs are specifically designed to integrate course content and program location.  

Program Structure

Short-Term Programs are 2-4 week programs that take place over the summer.  Program locations and course topics change every year. 

Each program is limited to 12-15 students. Grading basis is either mandatory satisfactory/no credit (S/NC) or mandatory letter grade as determined by each Faculty Leader.

Find out more about each Short-Term Program.

Program Cost

Participating students pay a program fee that is determined by the program length. The program fee is $600 for programs that are three weeks or less and $800 for programs that are four weeks. Stanford provides students on all programs with room and board, transportation and course activities for the duration of the program.​​​​

The program fee does not cover:

• International travel costs to and from the program location
• Visa costs 
• Pre-departure immunization/vaccination costs
• Course materials
• International health insurance
• In-country cell phone costs
• Other incidental expenses (such as: laundry and souvenirs)

Financial Assistance

BOSP is committed to ensuring access for all students, regardless of financial circumstances, to global learning opportunities. In past years, roughly 40% 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 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 either 50% or 100% of the program fee. Based on eligibility, some students may also qualify for a travel grant to use 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. Prior to their programs, BOSP and Faculty Leaders conduct a series of mandatory orientation sessions, which includes 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. A complete list of academic prerequisites is listed in the "Quick Facts" section of the program-specific webpages.

Activity Level

The activity level of Short-Term Programs 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.

Program Modification and Cancelation

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.