Getting Started: Steps to Apply for Study Abroad
1. Review the Study Abroad Guide.
Learn about the nuts and bolts of study abroad including academic and financial considerations, the application process, and more. You can download a copy or pick one up at the Study Abroad Office.
2. Research programs thoroughly.
Why do you want to study abroad? Where do you want to go? Choosing a study abroad program is an exciting process!
Browse NU and affiliated programs online by region or by subject, and stop by our office to pick up program catalogs and read evaluations from past students.
3. Subscribe to the Study Abroad Listserv & find NU Study Abroad online!
Subscribe to the listserv to receive announcements about deadlines, upcoming events, important news, and more.
You can also follow NU Study Abroad on Facebook and Twitter!
4. Learn about your School's policies for study abroad.
Each school has written a letter for prospective study abroad students:
- Bienen School of Music
- McCormick School of Engineering & Applied Science
- Medill School of Journalism
- School of Communication
- School of Education & Social Policy
- Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences
- School of Continuing Studies
5. Download your NU Application.
If you want to study abroad during:
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Fall/Full-Year 2012-2013 on an NU or affiliated program: download the NU Application for Permission to Study Abroad by January 6. If you have any questions about the download deadline or application process, please contact the Study Abroad Office.
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Fall/Full-year 2012-2013 on an unaffiliated program: carefully review the instructions on Unaffiliated Study Abroad Programs
If you have any questions, please call the study abroad office at 847-467-6400.
6. Schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Adviser.
Feel free to call the Study Abroad Office at 847-467-6400 to schedule an advising appointment. This step is strongly recommended, but not required.
If you have general questions, you can also stop by for walk-in hours.
7. Complete your NU Application for Permission to Study Abroad by your deadline.
This requires getting all necessary signatures and completing all essays by the deadlines below. Request a letter of recommendation at least four weeks before the deadlines, and make sure to schedule appointments early -- calendars fill up very quickly right before application deadlines!
- January 6
Early deadline for: Earlham Japan Study, Waseda; Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies, Oxford University, Royal Academy of Music (Fall 2012 & Full Year 2012-13 programs) - January 19
Deadline for students with last names A - G (Fall 2012 & Full Year 2012-13 programs) - January 24
Deadline for students with last names H - O (Fall 2012 & Full Year 2012-13 programs) - January 27
Deadline for students with last names P - Z (Fall 2012 & Full Year 2012-13 programs) - February 15
Deadline for IPD Fall 2012 & Full Year programs
(If you are applying to a non-IPD program as your second choice, you must apply by the appropriate January deadline.) - May 30
Deadline for Winter/Spring 2013 on an NU or affiliated program
Things to consider...
At this point in the study abroad process, some other things you should be thinking about:
When does my passport expire? Generally, your passport needs to be valid for six months after your planned date of return to the U.S. Check your expiration date, and if necessary, begin the application/renewal process as soon as possible!
When are my program's application deadlines and what are the program's requirements? This information is available on your program provider's website.
Have I thought about financial aid and scholarships?
Review the NU Application Checklist & Frequently Asked Questions.
