International Exchange

Interested in experiencing life in Boston as an Exchange Student at Suffolk University? We've made it easy to get started on your Exchange Experience!

Located in downtown Boston, at Suffolk University the city is your campus!

Founded in 1906, Suffolk University is home to over 6,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students. About 20 percent our our students are international—coming from over 80 countries—making your time at Suffolk a true global experience. 

Exchange students can generally choose from any of the hundreds of courses offered at Suffolk!
Browse all of our academic programs 

Boston is a true "student-city." Home to over 35 higher education institutions and over 150,000 students the academic influence can be felt all over Boston. Boston's rich history, iconic landmarks, and cultural institutions provide endless opportunities for exploration. Students can immerse themselves in the city's diverse neighborhoods, visit world-class museums, attend performances at renowned theaters, and enjoy a thriving music and arts scene.

Suffolk University's housing options are anything but traditional. All of the housing options are located throughout downtown Boston—walking distance from restaurants, shops, public transit, and (of course) your classes. The options range from traditional-style dorms to apartment-style accommodations with kitchens. For our undergraduate exchange students, living on campus is one of the best ways to connect with your school and city!

Please note: University housing is only available to Undergraduate exchange students. University Housing is guaranteed for students who pay the housing deposit before the specified deadline.

There are countless ways to get involved on campus! This includes over 80 student clubs and organizations from intramural sports to faith-based groups. There’s something for everyone!

See our full-list of clubs, organizations and other ways to get involved

We host many events and excursions throughout the semester. Previous activities have included:

  • View Boston
    Get a 360° view of Boston from the second tallest building in the city!
  • Freedom Trail Tour
    Take a guided walk through the history and famous sites of Boston
  • Salem Trip
    Come with us for a day trip to one of America’s oldest (and spookiest) towns known for the Salem witch trials of colonial America

The green canopy of the Boston Common and Boston Gardens in front of the city's downtown skyline.

Our Exchange Process

Application

Students who wish to complete an exchange from one of Suffolk’s partnership universities for a semester or full academic year will need to be nominated by their Home Institution. Get started today by speaking with an Exchange Coordinator at your Home Institution!

Learn more about the application requirements/materials, academic programs and housing options in our Exchange Brochure.

For any specific questions during this process, please email Suffolk University's Exchange Coordinator.

Application Deadlines

In order to study at Suffolk University in the fall or for a full academic year, your application must be complete and submitted by March 15.

To begin your program in the spring semester at Suffolk University, your application must be complete and submitted by October 15.

Obtain Your Immigration Documents

Shortly after acceptance into the Suffolk Exchange Program you will receive the immigration document DS-2019. This generally takes 2-3 weeks after acceptance to receive the document. You will be sent a physical copy of the document to the address specified on your application as well as a printable digital copy.

Apply for the Student Visa

With the DS-2019 you will be able to apply for your U.S. J-1 Visa. With the visa you will be able to arrive in the United States 30 days before the start of the Program Start Date as specified on the DS-2019.

Learn more regarding J-1 Visa applications and regulations.

Attend Orientation

Exchange students are required to attend two separate orientations. There will be a general orientation for all incoming undergraduates and international orientation exclusive to incoming international students.

Information regarding specific dates will be available in your Suffolk Welcome Packet.

“I definitely learned a lot from moving to a completely new place/environment where everything was a new experience for me. The professors I had for my classes were great. I also met so many people with different backgrounds, studying at Suffolk was a really fun and insightful experience.”

Leyla Aydin Radboud University, Fall 2019 Exchange

“My favorite memory about Suffolk is how the atmosphere at Suffolk was so friendly and welcoming! Students and staff were always ready to help, and happy to see others succeed.”

Danielle Gregory University of Westminster, Spring 2020 Exchange

“[My future advice for future exchange students is…] Take any opportunity given by peers to do things in Boston and make use of any activities provided at Suffolk!”

Amar Mann University of Roehampton, Spring 2020 Exchange