Global Experience Office
617.373.5276
geo@northeastern.edu
Northeastern University is committed to global experience as an important dimension of learning. To foster this, it maintains the Global Experience Office, which has developed a variety of programs tailored to the interests and needs of Northeastern students. Global experiences provide students with opportunities to deepen their knowledge of the world and their chosen field of study, develop intercultural sensitivity, utilize and strengthen foreign language skills, and explore global career options. Many Northeastern students participate in multiple global experiences during their time at the university. Northeastern encourages students to engage with the GEO as early as possible—global experiences are within reach for all students, with careful planning and collaboration.
Global Learning
While studying abroad in a Northeastern-sponsored program, Northeastern students maintain full-time status and earn Northeastern credits. Upon completion of a program, grades are calculated in the student’s grade-point average. To participate in GEO programs, students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing and have no registration-blocking holds. Study-abroad programs require a GPA of at least 2.500. Some programs may have additional eligibility criteria. Students must also meet the requirements of the host institution abroad. Full information and application deadlines are posted on the GEO website.
Types of Programs
Northeastern offers different types of study-abroad programs, with multiple options within each type. This robust program portfolio contains global experiences for any major on campus. Students are able to participate in multiple programs during their time at Northeastern.
- Study abroad. Northeastern offers a rich array of study-abroad programs during semester and summer terms. Students join a partner institution for a semester or summer, where they attend classes, participate in student activities, and organize their extracurricular schedules just as they would on campus at Northeastern.
- Semester and Summer In. Drawing on its network of regional and international campuses, Northeastern offers a set of signature programs that contextualize, enrich, and enhance student learning. The Semester In program is currently offered at Northeastern campuses in San Francisco, London, and Seattle. Northeastern continues to expand programs throughout its global university system, which includes campuses in Charlotte, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Arlington, Miami, London, Toronto, and Vancouver.
- Dialogue of Civilizations. Dialogue of Civilizations are faculty-led summer study-abroad programs that build upon and enhance students' academic studies and training. DOC programs allow students to engage with course content in different national, cultural, political, and social contexts. The programs foster meaningful conversations between Northeastern students and people around the world, including their peers.
- Specialized entry programs. Specialized entry programs are unique programs through which students can matriculate into Northeastern. These include programs such as N.U.in, Global Scholars, and NU Immerse. More information about these programs is available on the Specialized Entry Programs website.
Visit the GEO website to see a complete list of program options and descriptions.
Embedded Global Programs
Embedded programming incorporates global experiences into courses taught at Northeastern and provides students with the opportunity to spend 7 to 10 days in a global setting to further punctuate and underscore the subject matter in a meaningful way.
Global Co-op
The Global Cooperative Education Program provides opportunities for Northeastern students to participate in co-ops on all seven continents with international and multinational employers, U.S. employers doing business abroad, and other international organizations. Students may apply for existing positions or work with a co-op counselor to develop their own. All majors are welcome to apply. International students participating in co-op abroad must consult with the Office of Global Services in advance of departure to ensure reentry to the United States in proper nonimmigrant visa status. The Presidential Global Scholarship provides financial support for international co-op.
Engage with GEO
GEO offers many opportunities for students to explore global programs and learn more about the possibilities.
Social media platforms: Students can engage with GEO through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Students are welcome to participate in preparatory webinars; join staff and alumni Q & A; and envision their experience through dynamic photo, video, and written recollections of student experiences.
GEO events: GEO offers a range of events throughout the year to help students answer questions and concerns about the study-abroad experience, from the application logistics of a specific program, to navigating questions of identity while abroad. Please refer to the GEO events calendar for the list of upcoming fairs, workshops, and info sessions.
Meet with Global Ambassadors: As GEO program alumni, Global Ambassadors provide the unique lens of recent global program participation. They help students navigate the variety of available programs and refine their goals for the experience. Global Ambassadors are available to meet with students during office hours, without an appointment needed.
Meet with Global Experience staff: Global Experience staff provide expertise and assistance to students from the moment students are ready to select programs to their return from the experience. Global Experience staff meet with students by appointment and advise by both global region and college and specialize in either study-abroad or faculty-led programs.
After choosing a program, students should consult with their departmental or college advisors. International students must also consult with the OGS to determine if an updated I-20 for reentry may be needed. Note that studying abroad in a student's final semester may result in a delay in graduation due to calendar discrepancies across institutions.