What is an immersion experience?

The focus of an immersion experience is limited only by your interest and imagination. It may be drawn from the current University curriculum or be completely original and self-designed. It may be pursued on campus or off, in the United States or abroad. You might

  • pursue research in a faculty member's laboratory
  • travel abroad to explore a topic of interest
  • do an internship in a company or organization in Chicago, in the United States, or abroad
  • write a novella, play, or string quartet
  • research a topic in an archive or museum or through one-on-one interviews

While the parameters are broad, your immersion experience must fulfill a few essential criteria. It must preferably

  • have significant scholarly, creative, or reflective potential
  • be conducted under the supervision of a faculty member
  • result in a substantial academic paper or creative work that is evaluated for credit

Some immersion experiences will carry the equivalent of a full quarter of credit: 3 or 4 units. Check with your adviser to see if an existing program offers credit.

Northwestern Immersion Experience
Office of the Provost

Rebecca Crown Center, Room 1-118
633 Clark Street
Evanston, Illinois 60208
847-467-0499
immersion@northwestern.edu