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Study Abroad for American Studies Majors

Can I study abroad as an American Studies major?

YES! Many American Studies majors can and do study abroad during their time at Northwestern.

“Study abroad experiences enrich and deepen students’ understandings of the United States by enabling them to see it from another perspective as well as in comparison to other countries.”

When can I study abroad as an American Studies major?

You can begin exploring possible study abroad options as early as your first year. There are opportunities to study abroad all terms, including the summer after your first year at NU, but students must be on campus all three quarters the first year in the major to complete the required introductory seminars.

Students should also plan to be on campus during Fall and Winter quarters of their Senior year to complete their thesis. It is possible to study abroad during your final term at NU and even graduate abroad, but you should expect to continue thesis revisions independently during Spring. Students should be aware that it can take 2-4 months to receive a transcript from study abroad. If you are studying abroad during your final quarter at Northwestern, this will likely delay your actual date of graduation.

What classes can I take abroad?

The best American Studies courses to take abroad will depend on your concentration. Students can also take courses outside American Studies to help fulfill other degree requirements, learn or improve on a language, or just to take advantage of the opportunity to learn something new.

You can read more about academic planning and choosing courses abroad on the GLO website.

What type of credit can I get from study abroad?

Your American Studies adviser can help you identify what distribution requirements or major credit could be best taken abroad. The American Studies program determines credit on a case-by-case basis. Your GLO adviser can help you identify programs that offer these types of credit.

Suggested Programs for American Studies Majors

Students participate in a wide variety of study abroad programs. These programs are highlighted because they have enrolled high numbers of American Studies majors and/or have yielded credit toward the American Studies major. The best programs for you may vary depending on your area of concentration. Most of the following programs offer a wide variety of coursework, making them promising choices for American Studies students.

Interested in other programs or other types of credit? Search for more study abroad options.

Next Steps

Unsure where to start? Check out the Get Started page for some helpful next steps.

We also encourage you to meet with your American Studies major adviser to discuss your academic course plan and with a GLO adviser to learn more about the programs you're considering.