GLOBAL LEARNING OFFICE

Approximately one month after the confirmation deadline for your term(s) abroad, you will be enrolled in the Global Learning Pre-departure Orientation course on Canvas, consisting of  modules covering Northwestern credit transfer policies, billing and financial aid, as well as topics pertaining to health, wellness, identity, and travel safety. Reviewing the modules and completing the quizzes on Canvas is mandatory. You will receive instructions for accessing the Canvas course via email.

For most programs, you will be responsible for making your own flight reservations to and from your study abroad destination. For students participating in Northwestern Programs, GLO will provide more details about travel planning, such as a suggested flight itinerary and/or required arrival times, after confirmation. For exchange and affiliated programs, students should refer to materials from their host institution regarding appropriate arrival and departure dates.

Consult Pre-Departure Expenses for information about paying for up-front costs, such as program deposits, airfare, visas, and other pre-departure expenses.

Many program locations require a student visa for entry. To learn more about entry requirements, refer to travel.state.gov, the Chicago-based consulate for your host country, and/or any additional guidelines provided in Canvas or via email.

All students must obtain a visa if required to do so by their host country in order to participate in their program. GLO is not responsible for visa complications, delays, or denials, nor do we have any control over visa requirements or granting visas. The decision to issue visas rests solely with the consulate or embassy of your host country.

Northwestern University requires all undergraduate study abroad students to have GeoBlue Global Health insurance coverage (or a Northwestern-approved equivalent) for the entire period of time they are studying abroad. Review Study Abroad Health Insurance to determine if the program in which you are participating requires you to self-enroll in GeoBlue.

After you have your flight itinerary register your travel with the U.S. state department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Once you have confirmed your place in your Northwestern program or exchange, GLO will enroll you in a Study Abroad Pre-departure Orientation course in Canvas. Through Canvas, you will receive information about pre-departure requirements, forms, and other paperwork that must be submitted for your program.

This in-person session will cover program-specific details and will give you the opportunity to meet and talk with past and current program participants.

Review the Program Costs section of your program page for the estimated cost of attendance. Review Billing & Payments for information on your Northwestern invoice and billing date.

If you are receiving Northwestern financial aid, make sure to review information about the various forms of financial assistance available for study abroad.

GLO will register you for a “placeholder” course for the duration of your time abroad (view exceptions), so you should not register for any classes at Northwestern. We will not be able to register you for study abroad if you are already registered for any classes on campus.

This is considered a breach of Northwestern's academic integrity code.

We will not be able to register you for study abroad if any holds are placed on your registration. Update your emergency information on CAESAR and pay all bills due to Student Accounts, Student Loans or the library.

Per the student agreement you signed in your Northwestern application, you are required to clear all holds on your account prior to the registration period of each study abroad term. This is mandatory in order to maintain your approval to study abroad and be eligible to transfer credit back to Northwestern.

Complete any outstanding incompletes.

Students placed on academic probation after their applications were approved may not be permitted to study abroad.

Students may not be permitted to study abroad if they (a) were on housing or disciplinary probation when they were approved and did not successfully complete the probation, or (b) incurred housing or disciplinary violations after their applications were approved.

Students who will be on disciplinary probation during the term(s) in which they are scheduled to study abroad are not eligible to study abroad for academic credit at Northwestern, even if their Northwestern application had been previously approved. Review study abroad eligibility policies for more information.