Dear student, Welcome to the world of study abroad at Northern Illinois University! The NIU Study Abroad Office can make it possible for you to explore other cultures, learn a new language, experience the grandeur of ancient and contemporary art and architecture or experience foreign business practices first-hand.

Whatever your academic or personal goals, the NIU Study Abroad Office can guide you in every aspect of your journey.

NIU’s numerous and diverse study abroad programs are part of a wide-range mission to internationalize the NIU campus.

The Study Abroad Office has 34 years of experience in developing excellent programs that have served thousands of students over the years. Our office offers carefully designed, high-quality academic programs and outstanding support services that assure students of totally integrated, well-rounded study abroad experiences.

As students of the 21st century preparing to meet your personal and academic goals, you must also be prepared to achieve in an ever-changing and increasingly global society.

Northern Illinois University recognizes that today’s students will encounter issues throughout their lives that transcend national and cultural boundaries.

Therefore, understanding global issues and the events that shape them is critical for NIU students. Good citizenship and good scholarship require students to understand and appreciate different customs and cultures throughout the world.

Many study abroad options have been developed to address the diverse needs of NIU students.

Programs vary in length, level, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost and degree of independence demanded of the participant.

The Study Abroad Office works with academic departments to help NIU students earn credit through study abroad while continuing to make progress toward their NIU degrees.

We provide administrative support such as registration, financial aid, international and medical insurance, orientation, housing, student visas and health and safety information.

NIU administered (faculty directed) study abroad programs

NIU administered study abroad programs are those programs, regardless of duration, that are directed by NIU faculty members. These programs are usually topic-specific; however, several programs provide additional course offerings.

These programs are available for upper-division undergraduates, graduate level students, students-at-large (SALs) and professionals.

Students will earn NIU credit (usually three to six semester hours) in NIU courses and remain registered at NIU while abroad.

While some programs are residency programs, others are travel seminars that introduce students to various countries and their cultures.

Most are offered during the summer session. Some are offered during winter break (December/January) or spring semester.

NIU co-sponsored study abroad programs

NIU co-sponsored study abroad programs are those programs, regardless of duration, that are administered and managed by other organizations that NIU endorses and sponsors for its own students and those of other institutions.

NIU approves many carefully selected study abroad programs run by other institutions and direct enrollment in many universities in different countries. We try to balance freedom of choice with the quality of programs available for our students.

Northern Illinois University degree-seeking students may be eligible for programs in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Latvia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, The Netherlands, Uruguay and Wales.

Planning

When you start considering study abroad, please talk to your academic adviser.

Once you have a more definite idea about a program, schedule a meeting so you can consider the following questions together: What are your academic objectives? When is the best time to go abroad, and how long can you stay? Do you want to earn major, minor or elective credit? Do you want to expand your career opportunities?

You should give the advisor a description of the courses you plan to take during the study abroad experience and information about the program or institution you will attend. Your academic advisor will assist you in selecting appropriate courses to meet NIU requirements

Financial Aid and Study Abroad

An important question on many students’ minds is whether they can use their financial aid for study abroad. The good news is the answer is “yes!”

If approved to participate in an NIU study abroad program (approval includes academic adviser and Study Abroad Office approval) students can probably apply almost any need-based or supplementary aid to their study abroad program.

Students should keep in mind that financial aid procedures for study abroad take additional time and planning.

Note: Tuition waivers do not apply.

Please contact the Study Abroad Office and let one of our staff members assist you in defining the program or experience that is right for you.

We are located in Williston Hall 417. Our phone number is 753-0700 or 0420 and our e-mail address is [email protected]. Or visit the Study Abroad Office Web site at: www.niu.edu/niuabroad.