Think you can't major in science or math and study abroad? 
Think again. 
Northwestern offers programs abroad specifically for the sciences and mathematics, allowing students to study at some of the world's leading science, math, engineering and research institutions.  Additionally, Northwestern is affiliated with study abroad programs at many leading universities throughout the world, where students can select from a full range of science and math courses.  Many programs also offer field study, internship and/or research opportunities.  From conducting biology field research in a tropical rainforest to fulfilling pre-med requirements in England, from engineering in Australia to advanced mathematics in Budapest, Northwestern students have many options for studying the sciences and math abroad.

Where can you go? 
Northwestern's exchange programs in Zürich and Paris send students to two of the world's leading engineering and science schools.  The Budapest program allows students to study within the long and rich tradition of Hungarian mathematics.  We also offer field studies and internship programs in the Americas, Europe and China.  But students in the sciences and math need not limit themselves to these programs. In many programs, including ones in both English and foreign languages, students can enroll in any course offered at the foreign university.  This gives them access to many types of science and math courses, some of which may correspond to required classes at Northwestern.

Planning your courses
If you are majoring in one of the sciences, you should begin planning to integrate study abroad with your Northwestern science program early in your academic career.  Required introductory sequences usually completed in freshman and sophomore years often are followed by upper level core courses designed to be completed during junior year.  It is possible to plan your courses differently to accommodate study abroad. For example, study abroad can often be facilitated by meeting major requirements through AP exams or summer study, perhaps allowing the completion of junior year sequences during sophomore year. You should go through your overall academic plan with your college adviser and discuss the relationship between study abroad and your major with your major adviser as early as possible in your academic career.  This will allow the study abroad experience to accentuate the Northwestern curriculum without interfering with important courses or sequences.

Choosing a Study Abroad Program in Science
When choosing to study abroad with a science focus, a number of possibilities exist depending on the subject you are studying and the kind of experience you are looking for. 

1. University-centered programs with a classroom focus
   Many universities abroad offer advanced coursework in the sciences that may accentuate your major.  This choice may be appealing in cases where the university has demonstrated expertise in a particular area of specialization that is of interest.  If you are planning to have coursework count towards your major, you should plan out a slate of courses that could be used for major credit at Northwestern. This document lists the universities that specialize in different science subjects.
2. Field study and research focused programs
   Field study and research programs abroad can strengthen and expand your science background and help build skills in independent study and research, which can provide powerful support to future applications to graduate or professional school.  In addition, field study and research programs can provide challenging and vision expanding experiences not available through classroom instruction and lead to a thorough understanding of another culture. These programs are listed in this document.

Note: Students interested in doing independent study/research projects abroad should make sure to meet with a Study Abroad Adviser.

Pre-Med/Pre-Health and Study Abroad
Pre-Med and Pre-Health students considering study abroad should discuss their plans with an adviser in the Academic Advising Center. For more information, see their Web site.

Can you pursue a study abroad program that DOESN’T focus on science?
Many students studying in a wide variety of disciplines focus their study abroad program on an academic area outside their major.  After all, one of the main motivating factors behind studying abroad is the opportunity to broaden your education and view of the world.  With careful planning, it may be possible for you not to take any science courses abroad, or alternatively, to take just one science course along with courses in other subjects. Once again, the possible paths and arrangements are best made early through conversations with your major adviser and college adviser.

Engineering Students--
Check out our Study Abroad in Engineering document in the Study Abroad Office or on the Web here.

Northwestern Study Abroad Requirements: Northwestern has a number of requirements that students must adhere to while they are abroad, including requirements that are particular to individual programs. To view these requirements, click here.

World-Renowned Academic Programs Focusing on Science and/or Math

Field Study and Internship Programs in the Sciences

Program/University	Courses
Public Health in Europe: Policies and Institutions (NU Program at Sciences Po) Paris, France ***NORTHWESTERN PROGRAM***	Set curriculum of courses including French language training, public health seminars, supervised research in a selected public health topic, and France’s role in the European Union. Qualified students may combine pure research at the Institut Curie with selected course-work. Excursions to the WHO (Geneva), Rennes, EU sites, hospitals and health agencies. Cultural and historic field trips in and around Paris also offered. All non-language courses are taught in English; o language prerequisite. Terms available: Fall Semester.
Public Health in South Africa (NU Program at Stellenbosch University) Stellenbosch, just outside of Cape Town ***NORTHWESTERN PROGRAM***	Set curriculum of courses including an introduction to public health in South Africa, a focused investigation of HIV/AIDS, the political economy of the new republic, and Cape-area culture and linguistic heritage. Excursions to health-related sites including local clinics and townships. Field trips to Cape Town, Robben Island, the Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, and other places of historical and ecological interest. Courses in English; no language prerequisite. Term available: Spring Quarter.
Public Health in Mexico (NU Program at Universidad Panamericana) Mexico City, Mexico ***NORTHWESTERN PROGRAM***	Set curriculum of courses including seminars in pressing public health issues, the culture and history of Mexico, plus supervised research and Spanish language training. Excursions to local hospitals and health-related sites, including a rural clinic. Field trips include Teotihaucan, museums and architectural centers. All non-language courses are taught in English; o language prerequisite. Terms available: Summer.
Public Health in China (NU Program at Tsinghua and Capital Medical Universities) Beijing, China ***NORTHWESTERN PROGRAM***	Set curriculum of program courses include intensive Chinese language training, and seminars in public health and traditional Chinese medicine. Excursions to course-related sites, including government and health-related institutions.  Field trips to cultural sites, such as the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City also included. All non-language courses are taught in English; o language prerequisite. Terms available: Summer.
Science/Engineering Research in China (NU Program at Tsinghua University) Beijing, China ***NORTHWESTERN PROGRAM***	Research placements in labs at leading Chinese university for science and engineering combined with intensive Chinese language training. Some English-language labs available; no language prerequisite. 12 engineering departments plus research institutes. School of Science includes math, chemistry, biology & physics. NU Terms: Summer Quarter.
Biology Field Studies in Costa Rica (Organization for Tropical Studies/Duke University)	Program includes field studies in tropical biology, environmental science and policy, lectures from prominent researchers, two independent study projects, and access to major research libraries in tropical biology.  Language and cultural studies take place outside of San Jose during the first three weeks of the program.  Two semesters each of college-level Spanish and biology are required. Courses are taught in English with some Spanish. Terms available: Fall Semester.
Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS) Copenhagen, Denmark	Biotechnology & Biomedicine program designed for students exploring career opportunities within biotech research and/or biotech business development. Program includes short regional study tour to Danish and Swedish pharmaceutical and biotech research community in the Oresund Region “Medicon Valley.” Courses taught in English; no language prerequisite. Northwestern students must take Danish while on the program. Terms available: Fall Semester, Winter-Spring Quarters, Full Year.
Internships in Francophone Europe Paris, France	Students perform internships chosen from a wide range of fields, including medicine, public health, and social medicine. Internship culminates in a long research paper in French. Courses include a five-week introductory course on French social issues and an ongoing course on France and the European Union. All classes are small and taught in French only for students on the program. For students will strong French language skills. Two years college French required. Terms available: Fall Semester, Winter-Spring Quarters. Students can combine a fall semester on this program with a spring semester at Sciences Po (NU exchange). This is called the French Field Study Program.

Universities with Strong Science and/or Math Departments—Courses Taught in English

General Notes on Studying Math and Science at the Universities Listed Above:

• At British universities, it is generally difficult to combine science and humanities studies. This is more manageable in Australia or New Zealand.
• Field Studies and research opportunities are available at many of the above programs. Students are more often able to utilize these opportunities when studying abroad for the full year rather than only one semester.
  

Universities with Strong Science and/or Math Departments—Courses Taught in Foreign Languages

For more information specific to your major or minor, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies of your major or minor department.

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