Study Abroad Options

A record number of U.S. students are choosing to study abroad, reflecting a strong commitment to the value of an international academic experience to prepare them to live and work in a more global society. Following the trend, in 2009-2010 more than 700 Northwestern students studied abroad - approximately 34% of the 2010 graduating class - primarily on one of our over 120 affiliated programs!

Affiliated Programs

These programs include:

  • Northwestern programs
  • Northwestern exchanges with foreign universities
  • Programs run by other universities and organizations

Our current affiliated list includes programs in countries all over the world in places such as Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Oceania, and Central and South America. Some programs are university-based, meaning that students live in one place and take university courses. Other programs are field-based, meaning that they focus more on fieldwork and independent research projects. Some programs specialize in a particular area of study--for example, music, classics, environmental science, or social justice--while others are general programs, with a full range of university and program course offerings.

Each program is thoroughly evaluated on a regular basis, and Northwestern believes they are of high quality in terms of academic standards, housing, cultural immersion, and administrative support services. Find out about our affiliated programs here.

Unaffiliated Programs

Students who wish to study abroad during fall, winter, or spring quarters may be given permission to apply to an unaffiliated program or unaffiliated foreign institution if they have a compelling academic reason and if the program meets the academic and student services standards of affiliated programs. No financial aid is available through Northwestern for students who participate on unaffiliated programs. For more information, see Studying Abroad on an Unaffiliated Program.

Non-Northwestern Summer Programs

Students who wish to study abroad during the summer may be given permission to apply to a non-Northwestern program. For more information, see Summer Study Abroad on Non-Northwestern Programs.