Your Journey to Study Abroad

Fall, Fall-Winter, Full Year, Summer: February 10, Winter: June 10, Winter-Spring: September 10, Spring: November 10

4-5 MONTHS BEFORE DEADLINE

Complete the Pre-Advising Questionnaire

Fill out the Advising Considerations questionnaire before scheduling or attending an advising appointment at GLO. This will allow your adviser(s) to provide you with the best information and resources. If you have already filled it out but your goals, priorities, or circumstances have changed, you can update it at any time.

Identify Your Goals

The best action begins with reflection. Why do you want to study abroad? The study abroad goals assessment tool can help you break down your goals and needs. Academic planning resources help you make study abroad work with your major/minor.

Talk it Out

This is a good time to attend a Study Abroad 101, drop-in to ask a few questions, or meet with program-specific advisers to learn about academic and financial planning and meeting your goals. You should also explore identity considerations and reach out to student ambassadors with identity-specific questions.

Apply/Renew Passport

Regardless of your program, you need a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return. Apply for/renew your passport now.

2-3 MONTHS BEFORE DEADLINE

Explore Programs

Considering your academic, personal, and financial goals, begin to narrow down your search by exploring programs.

Ask Questions

Use this time to meet with GLO advisers, financial aid advisers, academic advisers, NCA advisers, and/or GLO student ambassadors. Note: Meeting with academic advisers is required as part of the application process.

Attend Info Sessions

GLO info sessions are a great way to learn more about specific programs, hear from past students, and speak to advisers. Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming info sessions.

Apply for Scholarships

Many scholarships have very early deadlines, especially for summer study abroad. Apply early, even if you don't know your program yet (you can usually switch later). We've compiled some scholarships to get you started.

1-2 MONTHS BEFORE DEADLINE

Narrow Down Your Choices

About two months before the application deadline, you should begin narrowing down your choices. Select 1-2 programs now to ensure you complete the requirements on time.

Determine Your Eligibility

Northwestern encourages all students to consider study abroad; however, each school and program has their own requirements. Learn more about these requirements and policies.

Figure Out Finances

Program costs vary widely; find total cost estimates on each program page. Check out Money Matters to learn more about program costs and billing, financial aid and scholarships, and managing expenses.

Start Your Application

Use downtime over breaks (e.g., winter break, summer break) to work on your application. Even if you aren't set on a first-choice program, start your application now - you can always change your program choices later on. Note: the application for summer 2021 and beyond will not be available until early-November.

0-1 MONTH BEFORE DEADLINE

Submit Your Application

Finalize and submit your Northwestern study abroad application. Note: Some components of the application, such as meeting with an academic adviser and completing an interview, require advance planning. Review specifics on the Apply page.