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Study Abroad for International Studies Majors

Can I study abroad as an International Studies major?

YES! Many International Studies (IS) majors can and do study abroad during their time at Northwestern. For students following the World Languages and Experience thematic cluster, study abroad is a requirement. For all other students, study abroad is optional but highly encouraged. Approximately 40% of IS majors engage in a study abroad program and that number continues to grow.

Student Perspective

Caitlin Jammar, International Studies major

"I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the GESI-Bolivia program. I learned so much from the combined class and internship components and I met so many people who will become lifelong friends."

When can I study abroad as an IS major?

IS majors can study abroad as early as summer after their first year. The most common time for students to do a study abroad program is fall quarter of their junior year.

Many students following the IS Program plan to enroll in more than one study abroad program throughout their time at Northwestern. We encourage students who are interested in multiple study abroad opportunities to meet with an IS adviser as early as they can.

What classes can I take abroad?

Students can take a wide variety of courses abroad. There are a number of social science, humanities, and language instruction courses that can be applied to the IS requirements.

 Students can also take courses outside International 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 that is not offered at Northwestern.

Read more about academic planning and choosing courses abroad.

What type of credit can I get from study abroad?

IS students typically take courses towards their thematic cluster or their language requirement while abroad. There is no limit to the amount of courses that can be transferred over from study abroad programs. Courses are accepted based on the material covered as it applies to the thematic clusters. We encourage students to meet with an IS adviser prior to going abroad to select possible courses. 

Your academic adviser can help you identify what distribution requirements or major credit could be best taken abroad and your GLO adviser can help you identify programs that offer these types of credit.

More information about the credit transfer policy can be found on our website.

Suggested Programs for International Studies majors

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 International Studies major adviser to discuss your academic course plan and with a GLO adviser to learn more about the programs you're considering.