College doesn’t have to start in a classroom in Wellesley.
Babson Begin provides first-year students the opportunity to spend their first semester abroad, earning academic credit toward their Babson degree while building confidence, independence, academic prowess, and a new perspective on the wider world.
You’ll join a cohort of fellow Babson students, immerse yourself in a new culture, and begin developing the entrepreneurial mindset that defines the Babson experience. After completing your first semester abroad, you’ll transition to Babson’s Wellesley campus in January and continue on the same path toward graduation as other Babson students in your class.
Babson Begin is a first-semester study abroad experience designed specifically for incoming first-year students.
Babson Begin allows you to launch your college experience abroad from day one. You’ll take courses that count toward your Babson degree, live alongside other students from Babson and possibly other institutions, receive extensive academic and personal support, and gain firsthand experience navigating a new environment.
The result is much more than a semester away: it’s an opportunity to grow as a learner, leader, and global citizen.
Launch your Babson experience in one of the world’s leading centers for business, innovation, culture, and entrepreneurship.
Through Babson’s partnership with Arcadia University, you’ll study in London while exploring the city and the wider United Kingdom, connecting with students from around the world, and gaining exposure to an international business environment.
Begin your college journey in one of the world’s most historic and culturally rich cities.
Through Babson’s partnership with John Cabot University, you’ll live and study in Rome while developing cross-cultural communication skills, building cultural awareness, and experiencing everyday life in Italy.
Babson Begin Student Ambassadors are current students who participated in the Babson Begin: London program and are excited to share their experiences. Explore their favorite moments and email them to get firsthand insights about the first-year study abroad program.
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Babson Begin: London provides a fun, fulfilling path to pursuing your goals. Flex your entrepreneurial muscles, grow your life skills, bond with your fellow students, and have a global experience that goes beyond being a tourist in this first-semester study abroad program.
Stepping into a new experience, especially while in college, allows you to see the world with fresh eyes. Entrepreneurial leadership is all about experiencing the world from a new vantage point, evaluating your place in it, and determining how your perspective and actions can positively influence it. Plus, a first-semester study abroad is a fun, immersive step into adult independence with a large support system and safety net. Come experience a global business education with the No.1 School for Entrepreneurship.
It was amazing, and we were very well supported throughout our time there. Don’t be scared, the support is enough to make you feel at home in another country. It’s worth every single moment.”
Follow Babson College freshman Jessica as she shares what it’s really like to participate in a Babson study abroad program during your very first semester of college.
Current applicants can log into the applicant portal for more information about expressing interest in this program. You will be notified by April 1, 2027, if you’ve been selected to participate.
This next step is exciting, but we know you have questions. Check out the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, and please reach out to your admission team with any questions or concerns.
For questions about specific programs, please visit our Babson Begin London and Babson Begin Rome pages. Those pages will have more detailed information about credits, classes, and their respective cities.
Current Babson students interested in studying abroad through our other international undergraduate programs, including other study abroad programs in London and Rome, should visit the Study Abroad at Babson College webpages.
No, they are different programs. They do share some resources, and each cohort of students will arrive on the Babson campus in January. However, both applicant classes are different, and the programs are not interchangeable. Babson Begin is a first-year student abroad program, while January admission does not have a freshman study abroad portion. If you have questions about the standard January admission process at Babson, please visit our January Admission page.
If you’re accepted to Babson Begin, congratulations! You can submit your $1,500 deposit in the admitted student portal. It is due May 1.
You can start your application to Babson and Babson Begin on our How to Apply page.
You will have the same move-in schedule as our January admission students, and Babson Begin students participate in January orientation. You will have similar experiences, resources, and support as those who arrived in the fall, including both a robust orientation program, academic advising, and a clubs and organization fair. Plus, you will have a semester of college academics and this dynamic personal experience to draw from to help you acclimate to the Babson curriculum.
If you have concerns or questions about arriving on campus in January, please visit our January Admitted Students page, which includes advice from students who have been there. (Please note, this page is about standard January admission, not Babson Begin. They are different programs, so some of the information may differ.)
Yes, you will be on the same graduation schedule as students coming to Babson in the fall. You are scheduled to graduate in May four years after you start your Babson journey. The classes you take as part of Babson Begin will count toward your Babson degree.
No. If you are accepted to Babson Begin study abroad and choose to enroll, this is your path to attending Babson College. You will spend your first semester studying abroad.
The final net cost of the program will depend on your need profile. The tuition cost will include a program fee and housing costs. Depending on the program, students may or may not have meal plans. Families will want to consider the additional cost of traveling, food, individual excursions, and other living expenses.
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for need-based financial aid as part of this program. You will need to submit the CSS Profile and FAFSA to be considered. Please reach out to Student Financial Services with any financial aid questions.
Babson’s International Student & Scholar Services will contact you to begin the F-1 student visa application process shortly after you have submitted your deposit. The F-1 student visa application process can take several months so you are encouraged to start this process as soon as possible.
Per the U.S. Department of State, anyone applying for an F-1 visa must do so in their country of citizenship or country of residence.
We recommend that your current school completes your SEVIS record. We cannot accept your transferred SEVIS record because you will not be studying in the U.S. We will work with you to create a new F-1 SEVIS record.
Your F-1 student status will start once you arrive on Babson’s main campus for the spring semester. You will need to complete two consecutive, full-time semesters before gaining U.S. work authorization eligibility. This likely means you will need to complete the spring and following fall semester on Babson’s main campus before being eligible to do an internship. The Babson Begin program does not count toward the eligibility requirements. No students are eligible to complete an internship or work while studying abroad.
Deciding to study abroad in your first semester of college is a big decision. If you have more specific questions about our first-year away program or would like additional guidance as you think about Babson Begin being a fit for you, please contact your admission counselor.