International Exchange Students

There are some specific instructions for international exchange students who want to apply to Suffolk University. Follow the steps below and get started on your education today!

Application and Acceptance

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 and complete the Suffolk application through the Online Portal.

The deadline to submit to study in the Fall semester or the full academic year is March 15th and October 15th for study in the Spring semester each year. For any specific questions during this process, please email Suffolk University's Exchange Coordinator. 

Obtain an Immigration Document

Suffolk's International Student Services Office (ISSO) will issue your immigration document (DS-2019). This generally takes 2-3 weeks and the document will be emailed to the address that you provide.

Apply for the Student Visa

After you receive your DS-2019 immigration document, you will be ready to apply for your U.S. J-1 visa. Exchange students are allowed to enter the USA within 30 days of their Program’s Start Date.

Determine Housing

Students who wish to live in Suffolk's residence halls must submit a housing deposit of $800.00 through their exchange applicant portal. The Office of Residence Life and Housing will contact students who submit a deposit with information regarding the University housing questionnaire and housing assignments.

Housing is guaranteed for students who make their deposit before the deadline.

Students who do not wish to live in Suffolk's residence halls should plan to arrive in the U.S. at least one week prior to orientation in order to locate suitable, affordable housing.

Submit Required Health Forms

It is Sate and Federal policy that all exchange students must be enrolled in health insurance.

All Suffolk University international exchange students must be insured through the Suffolk University Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP). We do not allow exchange students to enroll in a third party insurance plan.
Learn more about the Suffolk University Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP)

Please note: All students at Suffolk University are required to have health insurance and specific immunizations in order to attend the university. All international students must also submit their immunization records to the Office of Health and Wellness. Take a look at our complete list of required immunizations and documentation.

Attend Orientation

Exchange students are required to attend Suffolk orientation including a mandatory Immigration Check In.

For Fall semesters, orientation falls on the week before Labor Day in September, and for Spring semester, orientation is held in early January.

The specific timeline for activities will be sent to students accepted into the exchange program.

Next Steps

On-Campus Housing Info
Off-Campus Housing Info

“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 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 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 Exchange