Studying abroad is a serious academic endeavor, and while Northwestern encourages students to study abroad, not all are eligible to do so. As study abroad becomes increasingly popular, programs can become increasingly competitive. Students who wish to study abroad must meet several key criteria. (If you do not meet these criteria, you can meet with your WCAS Adviser to discuss your options for meeting them at a later date.)
The Study Abroad Office maintains detailed information about Northwestern's requirements and the admission standards of programs that may interest you. Generally, though, students who wish to study abroad should have a cumulative GPA above 3.0, have declared at least one major prior to applying, have a well thought-out academic rationale for studying abroad, and have met (or will have met by the time of departure) any language requirement for the program. They should also be making good progress on major and WCAS requirements (distribution requirements and proficiency in a foreign language).
There are two separate applications for students wishing to study abroad: the Northwestern application and the study abroad program's application. The Northwestern study abroad application, which students can pick up at the Study Abroad Office after they pass a Study Abroad 101 online quiz, is long and requires students to have their plans approved by an adviser in any declared major or minor and, after that, by their WCAS Adviser. Deadlines for applications are firm, so you should plan to complete this well in advance. Your advisers will be looking to see that you have a clear academic justification for studying abroad and that you can complete this program and still graduate as planned. Your application is then evaluated by the Study Abroad Office.
Students interested in studying abroad during a summer should be aware that requirements and application processes may be different than above. Consult the Study Abroad Office's information about summer study abroad and your WCAS Adviser for more information.
