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Frequently Asked Questions

Application Questions

In the GLObal Gateway, how do I switch my program choices?

If you have started or submitted an application to a program and would like to switch the program, email the GLO adviser for the program and they will be able to do it for you.

If you’ve submitted the Program Plans questionnaire for two applications and need to change the ranking of your program selections, email the GLO adviser for the program and they will be able to do it for you.

What time are applications due?

Applications are due at 11:59 PM CST on the date listed.

My School Adviser hasn't signed-off on my application yet. What do I do?

You are required to meet with your School Adviser as part of the application process. If you have already met with them and they haven't yet signed-off on your application, follow up with your School Adviser.

You will not be able to submit your application without your School Adviser's signature. If the deadline is approaching, you should continue to follow up with your School Adviser and also proactively request an extension from the GLO adviser who manages your program. Note: When asking for an extension from your GLO adviser, please mention which program you are applying to in the email.

My affiliated program application requires adviser approval. I thought I already got School Adviser approval as part of the Northwestern study abroad application?

In the affiliated program application (separate application than the Northwestern study abroad application), the adviser approval comes from the Global Learning Office adviser, not your academic adviser. If you have questions or issues with this step, contact the GLO adviser for your program.

How do I know if the program I am applying to requires an interview?

If you are applying to a Northwestern program, GESI, or exchange program, please review the interview requirements page and/or the Eligility & Requirements tab of your program brochure to determine if your program requires an interview.

If you are applying to an affiliated program, you will receive information directly from the affiliated program provider about whether interviews are required.

I am applying to a program that requires an interview. How do I set that up?

The answer depends on the type of program for which you are applying. 

If you are applying to a Northwestern program, GESI, or exchange program that requires an interview, you must schedule the interview with the appropriate GLO adviser. Schedule an interview via GLO's online appointment scheduling system. Select the "Program Interview" appointment type. (If there are no appointments left before February 10, submit the rest of your application by the deadline and schedule the first available interview appointment, even if it is after the deadline.)

If you are applying to an affiliated program that requires an interview, the program will contact you directly through email to have you set up your interview.

There are no interview appointments available before the deadline. What do I do?

Complete the rest of your application and submit by the deadline. Schedule the first available interview appointment, even it occurs after the deadline.

How do I prepare for an interview?

Please review the interview requirements page.

If I am a dual degree or BS/MS student, do I need to submit two Northwestern study abroad applications?

No, you only need to submit one Northwestern study abroad application.

I am a dual degree student or a student transferring between schools. Do both school advisers need to sign off on my application?

Yes, if you are a dual degree student or a student transferring between schools, then you must obtain signatures from both School Advisers. You will not be able to submit your application without both signatures.

I’m having technical issues with my GLObal Gateway. What should I do?

If you have issues with the GLObal Gateway, contact Whitney Bennett (whitney.bennett@northwestern.edu) or the GLO adviser for your program.

Advising Questions

Does the Global Learning Office have walk-in appointments?

No, you must schedule an appointment through vCita in order to be seen by a GLO adviser. If the matter is urgent, send an email to the GLO adviser for your program.

How competitive is the program I’m applying to?

A program’s competitiveness will be indicated in the program brochure and can vary widely year to year, depending on the number and strength of applicants. For programs marked competitive, you are encouraged to apply to a second program. Learn more about the application review process.

My GPA is lower than the recommended GPA listed on the website. Can I still do the program?

Maybe. Certain programs will allow students to apply even if their GPA is lower than the recommended GPA on the program's website. Please contact the GLO adviser for the program in which you are interested.

How does transfer credit work? What actually shows up on my Northwestern transcript?

Please review the grades and transcripts webpage. If you still have questions, please email the GLO adviser for the program in which you are interested.

What credits can I transfer from this program for my major?

One of the reasons you are required to meet with your School Adviser as part of the application process is to encourage you to have conversations about how credit from study abroad might transfer back for major, minor, or distro credit. We recommend speaking with your academic advisers about major, minor, or distro credit prior to going abroad to guide you in course selection while abroad. You can also learn more in the Academic Advising Guide.

What if I want to do a program that isn’t on the website?

It is possible to do an unaffiliated program, but certain restrictions may apply. Review our webpages for Unaffiliated Academic Year programs and Unaffiliated Summer programs to learn more about finances, approvals, and finding a program. For more information, contact Whitney Bennett (whitney.bennett@northwestern.edu).