Arts and Sciences Interdisciplinary Major Programs
African & African Diaspora Studies (AADS) majors who study abroad, particularly those who travel to countries on the African continent and/or those that have a majority African-descended population, will find myriad opportunities to experience what they study. Courses taken at universities in these countries can count as AADS electives, particularly classes whose topics and approaches complement those taught through the program. AADS courses taken abroad, as well as the experience of living abroad, significantly enhance the liberal arts experience that Boston College seeks for its students and the global vision that Amanda V. Houston (founding Black Studies director) had in laying the groundwork for the minor in 1985.
Department Information
Department Contacts
Course Approvals & Director of African and African Diaspora Studies Program
Biochemistry majors are encouraged to study abroad, however, since the courses for the major are sequenced for the first three years, it is usually necessary to take one or two biochemistry courses abroad. Any courses that will be substituted for a course for the major must be approved in advance, and thus careful planning is required. Before going abroad, Biochemistry majors must have completed the prerequisites as outlined in the Advising Guide (see link below). Exceptions must be approved by the department.
Department Information
Department Contacts
Program Co-director, Course Approvals (Fall)
Program Co-director, Course Approvals
International studies majors are encouraged to spend at least a semester abroad to complement their course of study. Many international programs provide courses on topics that may not be available at Boston College and students are urged to seek out these programs. Due to the diverse nature of the international studies curriculum, students should plan carefully when considering study abroad, so as to ensure that they can fulfill all requirements. Our faculty join with the Office of International Programs in strongly recommending study abroad for all international studies majors.
International Studies majors and minors are eligible to study abroad during either the fall or spring semester of their junior year. For students who plan ahead, it may be possible to study abroad for an entire academic year, but students must be in early contact with the Program Administrator.
Early planning is essential to make sure that students will meet all BC requirements, and to ensure that they will have a strong international studies background for study abroad. Since most international education systems require a higher degree of specialization at an earlier level, this strong background will allow students to take advantage of the best offerings at the host institution, including upper-level seminars.
At a minimum, students should take one or both of the basic courses in Economics (ECON1131 Principles of Economics I: Micro and ECON1132 Principles of Economics II: Macro). These courses will fulfill core requirements for the International Studies major as well as social science requirements of the university core. Students should also considering taking at least one of their track requirements (whether in Economics, Political Science, Ethics and International Social Justice, or Global Cultural Studies).
Students may also consider taking one of the following two-semester courses in Theology or History, which fulfill the History, Culture, and Society core requirement of the International Studies major as well as university core requirements in Theology or History:
- HIST1005-1006 Asia in the World I and II
- HIST1019-1020 Democracy, Rights and Empire
- HIST1055-1056 Globalization I and II (HIST1077/78, 1083/84, 1087/88)
- HIST1059-1060 Islam and Global Modernities I and II
- HIST1063-1064 Latin America in the World I and II
- THEO1161-1162 The Religious Quest
International Studies majors must meet with their academic advisor before studying abroad. Prior to this meeting, students should obtain their degree audits (on Agora) and map out a tentative schedule for the semester(s) abroad and for the remaining time on campus at Boston College to show how students plan to meet the remaining major requirements.
The ideal type of course is one that fits with the international studies major. Courses that focus on the region in which students are studying and those that reflect the academic strengths of the host university department are highly recommended.
To receive major credit for courses taken abroad, students must obtain prior approval from the Program Administrator of the International Studies Program Patricia McLaughlin, by providing a course syllabus and indicating which major requirement is being fulfilled.
In recent years, many students have used their experiences abroad to help generate or supplement a compelling honors thesis. For students who already have a topic in mind, studying abroad provides an excellent opportunity to conduct on-site research and establish contact with faculty at the host institution. All students are strongly encouraged to think about how their semester or year abroad can be integrated into an honors thesis.
It is imperative for students doing an honors thesis to plan ahead. Such students are strongly urged to go abroad in the fall. Students are advised to complete their Methodology course, establish a thesis topic, and contact the Thesis Coordinator before departing.
Associate Director, Thesis Coordinator & Course Approvals
Course Approvals & Program Administrator
Islamic Civilizations and Societies interdisciplinary majors are eligible to study abroad during either the fall or spring semester of their junior year. For students who plan ahead, it may be possible to study abroad for an entire academic year, but students must be in early contact with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Should I Study In A Foreign Language Destination?
Even if students have already met the BC language requirement, they are strongly encouraged to study abroad in a foreign language destination. Students who already have strong language skills can select a program where they will take all courses in the Arabic language, such as Al-Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco.
For students who do not have foreign language skills, there are several prestigious BC programs in non-English speaking countries that offer excellent courses in English. Students who have beginning or intermediate language skills can select a program that combines regular courses in English with language courses, such as the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London.
Early planning is essential to make sure that students will meet all BC requirements, as well as the requirements of the Islamic Civilizations and Societies program.
All Islamic Civilizations and Societies majors must meet with the Director of Undergraduate Studies before studying abroad. Prior to this meeting, students should obtain their degree audits and map out a tentative schedule for the semester(s) abroad and for the remaining time on campus at Boston College to show how students plan to meet the remaining major requirements.
The ideal type of course is one that fits with the Islamic Civilizations and Societies interdisciplinary major but is not available at BC. Students who take relevant language courses at BC which are only offered through intermediate levels are encouraged to take upper level language courses while abroad. All students, regardless of language level, are required to enroll in language courses abroad that are pertinent to their area of study. Courses that focus on the region in which students are studying and those that reflect the academic strengths of the host university department are highly recommended.
To receive major credit for courses taken abroad, students must provide a course description and obtain approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Islamic Civilizations and Societies students should remember that all courses to be taken abroad must be met with program approval.
All Islamic Civilizations and Societies students are required to do an honors thesis. Students are advised to establish a thesis topic early, to identify a BC faculty member willing to supervise their work, and to maintain e-mail contact with their thesis advisor while abroad. Students must submit a proposal for their honors thesis by April of their junior year.