Incoming Exchange

Courses

Students may choose from Northeastern University's entire undergraduate course catalog, with the exception of courses from the following: the Graduate School, the Law School, ESL, and CPS courses. Some courses are restricted to full time NU students in a particular major. It is strongly recommended that exchange students plan for alternative courses, in case their first-choice courses reach capacity, there are scheduling conflicts, or there are course restrictions. In order to maintain full time status at NU and not violate J-1 visa status requirements, exchange students must enroll in at least 12 NU credits or three courses per semester. Exchange students can take up to four courses.  Please note that the application is administered through OISP, but final course approval and enrollment are at the discretion of each academic department/college.

Destination

Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the most historic and cultural cities in the United States. It is considered a university town, with many undergraduate and graduate programs, and at the forefront of scientific, bio-technical and medical research. Always known for its avid sports fans, Boston now boasts several world champion sports teams. The New England region also offers access to some of the most beautiful mountains, countryside, and seaports in the country, with opportunities for hiking and camping, water and, winter sports. Northeastern University is located in the heart of Boston's cultural center, nestled among the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Symphony, the New England Conservatory, and the Public Gardens.

Host University

Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston, and a leader in interdisciplinary research, urban engagement, and the integration of classroom learning with real-world experience. Our signature cooperative education program, one of the largest and most innovative in the world, is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. We offer a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in six undergraduate colleges, eight graduate schools, and two part-time divisions. Northeastern's six undergraduate and eight graduate schools and two part-time divisions offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in a wide variety of academic disciplines and professional areas. Increasingly, the hallmark of our undergraduate and graduate programs is an approach that places the subject of study within a broader interdisciplinary perspective. Our 1,257 full- and part-time faculty members frequently bring the same interdisciplinary thinking to their research, collaborating with colleagues in other colleges to find solutions to real-world problems. Faculty members infuse undergraduate and graduate classrooms alike with the spirit of discovery, and students in all degree programs have ample opportunities to participate in research. Our faculty researchers and their student collaborators enjoy access to the largest academic library in Boston, and to some of the most advanced research facilities and institutes in the area, both on campus and in greater Boston. You'll discover that Northeastern is an exciting and vibrant place to learn and live.

Accommodation

On-campus housing is not guaranteed for exchange students, but every effort will be made to accommodate those students who request on-campus housing.  The housing options vary each semester depending on availability. There are, however, numerous housing options, both on- and off-campus, available to international students.

• On-campus: Northeastern provides a variety of on-campus housing, with options for both traditional dorm rooms and apartment-style units in residence halls. Residence hall applications will be provided and should be submitted as soon as possible, as rooms are allocated on a first-come first-served basis.  Housing applications received after the application deadline  cannot be accommodated.
• Off campus: The market for off-campus housing in close proximity to the University is very competitive. Allow ample time to find an apartment that best suits your needs; this process can take several weeks.
• Temporary accommodations. Students who arrive in Boston without having established their living arrangements will need to find short-term lodging.
• Homestay: Founded in 2000, Global Immersions specializes in homestay living and customized English language training for foreign executives, students and young professionals. Its multilingual team of specialists offers services that support current global Human Resource trends. As Boston's leading Homestay company, it arranges safe, comfortable, home-based accommodation that gives visitors the opportunity to interact with American individuals and families. Its Fluency Division offers one-on-one English Business Language training for international executives working in the U.S. or with U.S. counterparts. For more information, please select Global Immersions.  Please contact them directly for assistance with a homestay.

Eligibility Requirements

• Exchange programs are approved for undergraduate students only.  Students wishing to take graduate courses must have permission from the appropriate academic department at Northeastern.
• Only students from existing exchange partners (listed to the right) are eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be full-time student at their home university
• TOEFL Scores: 92 on the internet-based TOEFL exam (Reading sub score 22, Listening sub score 22, Speaking sub score 24 and Writing sub score 22), 6.5 on the IELTS exam and a 62 on the PTE exam.
• Other departmental requirements may apply.  Criminal Justice, Engineering, and Business applications will be evaluated by the respective college in addition to the Office of International Study Programs.

Application Materials

• Completed Office of International Study Programs International Exchange Application
• Declaration of Finances and accompanying financial documents
• Form 305: - J-1 Health Insurance Form
• English-language test results, such as TOEFL or IELTS.  These are only required if English is neither your first language nor the language of instruction at your home university.  Scores must be received directly from ETS.
• Official academic transcripts from any college-level course work
• Photocopy of passport ID page
• One passport-sized photo
• Nomination by the international office on your home campus

Application Deadline

• For fall semester intake (September through December): March 1
• For spring semester intake (January through April): September 24th

For application materials and more information, please e-mail c.boyle@neu.edu. All original application materials should be returned to OISP by the deadline.