Summer Opportunities

Bowdoin students overwhelmingly choose to study away for a semester or year, however a small group of Bowdoin students choose to study abroad every summer.

Unlike semester/year students that choose their institution from the OCS Options List, summer students are able to choose any institution. Students often ask us where they can study in the summer. A good place to start is to explore the Options List and review our search tips because many of the same institutions and programs also offer summer study options.

To apply for summer study abroad, you will need to complete the following steps by April 1:

Select “Unaffiliated Summer Study Abroad Registration” under the Program Finder.
Under the “Overview” tab, click on the "Bowdoin Summer Intake Form" to submit the required information as part of your application to the Off-Campus Study Office.
Complete the Application for Transfer Credit form located on the Registrar’s website.

Academic considerations for summer study:

To get credit for a summer class abroad, you must obtain department chair approval through submission of the Application for Transfer Credit form by April 1.
There are a variety of criteria that must be met to transfer credit back to Bowdoin. Students should familiarize themselves with off-campus study academic policies and the Registrar’s Conditions of approval for transfer credit.

Financial considerations for summer study:

Student aid from Bowdoin does not transfer to summer study away. Students/families must pay all associated costs (tuition, room, board, flights and related expenses).
There are some national scholarships like the Boren, Critical Language Scholarship, and Gilman that can fund summer study, and some institutions offer partial scholarships. It is your responsibility to research and apply for these opportunities.