Northeastern University (International Student Information) - Overview
A Dynamic University in the Heart of Boston
Established in 1898 as a private research university, Northeastern has spent the past century perfecting the integration of rigorous academics and experiential learning opportunities, thereby creating the world's most powerful learning experience.
Northeastern is located in the heart of Boston, one of America's most historic and culturally rich cities. With a wide array of cultural opportunities ranging from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to the Boston Red Sox to the famed Swan Boats in Boston's Public Garden, Boston provides a bustling, urban environment for students to explore and enjoy.
A Broad Selection of Undergraduate Colleges and Degrees
Northeastern has an undergraduate student body of 15,669 students. These students pursue a wide-ranging spectrum of studies housed within eight undergraduate schools: the Bouve College of Health Sciences; the College of Arts, Media, and Design; the College of Business Administration; the College of Computer and Information Science; the College of Engineering; the College of Professional Studies; the College of Science; and the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
With more than 80 undergraduate majors in 65 departments, Northeastern offers numerous interdisciplinary opportunities, combined majors, a four- or five-year program of study, PlusOne degrees, and an Honors Program.
Over 1,900 part- and full-time faculty members are available to help students learn and grow at Northeastern.
Experiential Learning Enhancing Academics
All undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of experiential learning opportunities including research, civic engagement, global experience, and our signature cooperative (co-op) program. These opportunities add depth to the academic experience and allow students to gain real-life experience prior to graduation.
Northeastern students have completed domestic co-ops at businesses and organizations such as: IBM, Reebok International, U.S. Defense Intelligence, Boston Red Sox, and Deloitte and Touche. International co-ops have included placement in such countries as England (Turner Broadcasting); Switzerland (SkyPharma); South Africa (Red Cross Children's Hospital); and Thailand (Warm Hearts).
Research
As undergraduates at a leading national research university, students will have the opportunity to do more than observe research solutions. They will experience knowledge creation through collaborative partnerships with faculty mentors and peers, and through experiential learning opportunities in hospitals, laboratories, and corporations around the world.
Northeastern undergraduate researchers present their findings in scholarly journals, at global academic conferences and colloquia, and at Northeastern's own annual Research & Scholarship Expo.
Undergraduates can gain funding for their projects, including grants and stipends, through the Provost's Office and the University Honors Program.
The research environment at Northeastern is highly interdisciplinary and use-inspired, with a focus on solving global challenges in health, security, and sustainability. The University has special research expertise in network science, biotechnology and drug discovery, nanotechnology, renewable energy, subsurface sensing and imaging, explosives detection, information security, and urban public policy focused on health, housing, and economic development.
English as Second Language (ESL) Options
The English Language Center (ELC) provides ESL and academic preparation classes to international students who intend to apply for enrollment at Northeastern or any other U.S. institution. Besides normal ESL classes, the ELC offers pre-M.B.A. preparation courses that focus on business reading, communications, listening, and grammar.
Other specialized and intensive programs at the ELC include the following: English for Academic Purposes, American Classroom at Northeastern University (for college credit), Business Case Program (intensive 8-week course), Global Leadership in Boston (for graduate credit), International Teaching Assistants (for incoming international Northeastern student staff members), Boston Career Connections Program (summer course), and University-Wide Teaching Assistants Intensive program. In addition, five summer language programs are offered each year.
Cultural Communities Reflect a Diverse Student Body
Northeastern is home to a richly diverse student body, hosting 4,000 international scholars and students representing 125 countries. The university seeks to meet the needs and promote the visibility of minority students on campus through its cultural communities, which include the African-American Institute, the Asian American Center, and the Latino/a Student Cultural Center.
International Student & Scholar Institute
The International Student & Scholar Institute (ISSI) coordinates programs and services for Northeastern's international students and faculty members. ISSI strives to encourage connections and understanding between American and international students on campus. The institute organizes 12 weeks of orientation activities throughout the academic year, and sponsors an annual cultural festival that celebrates the wealth of cultures in Northeastern's academic community.
ISSI sponsors various types of fun, hands-on activities such as Carnevale, international culinary activities, film screenings, immigration information seminars, and symposia with international participants.
Assistance with Immigration Regulations and Permits
ISSI staff members actively help international students manage the complicated issues that relate to obtaining and maintaining their legal status while in the U.S. Workshops and personal meetings are offered to help students with their visa and residential status requirements.
Family Support for International Students
ISSI understands that sometimes the families of international students can feel disconnected from the university and community at large. Northeastern makes a priority of supporting spouses and families of students through its Common Ground International Spouse Network. Common Ground organizes social and educational networking opportunities, such as peer counseling and discussions, trips and activities in and around Boston, and information sessions about schools, childcare, and work opportunities.
Help for International Students after Graduation
As a final means of support, ISSI organizes a program for students who have completed their studies at Northeastern. Global Connections connects graduating international students with alumni in other countries to help with the transition process back into their home cultures. It is Northeastern's hope that, just as international students have enriched university life in Boston, they will take what they have learned in the U.S. back to their home countries and make constructive contributions.