He served as tutor for a year at Colby, then continued his education at Andover Theological Seminary.

In April 1828, he established a mission at Tavoy, where he soon afterward baptized Ko Tha Byu, a Karen convert, whose labors were very successful among his countrymen.

On 5 February 1828, Boardman set out on a tour among the Karen villages, and met with such success that he determined on a systematic course of itinerary labor.

He and Sarah had a son[3] also named George Dana Boardman, often referred to as "the Younger".

[2] A residence and dining hall at his alma mater, Colby College, is named "Dana" in his honor.