Frequently Asked Questions

What is The N.U.in Program? 

The N.U.in Program is a unique first-semester experience for a select group of applicants to begin their fall semester studying abroad at one of our international partner locations. They then transition to Northeastern’s Boston campus in January. Students study with other first-year students and earn a full semester of academic credit towards the rest of the their time at Northeastern. 

Why was I admitted to the N.U.in Program? 

Your admission into The N.U.in Program speaks highly of the kind of person you are—one who can make great contributions to this program and Northeastern University. After all, you have many of the qualities that are valued in N.U.in students, including a sense of academic independence, a willingness to explore new ideas and places, a mature and open mindset, and an adventurous spirit. The N.U.in Program offers well-qualified applicants the opportunity to join our community and begin their time at Northeastern with experiential education. 

Can I change my admission decision for the fall semester or defer my admission so I can begin classes in the spring without studying abroad?

Students admitted to The N.U.in Program are reviewed as part of Northeastern’s holistic admissions process. Admission decisions are considered final, and any questions about your admission decision can be directed to [email protected].

If you are admitted to The N.U.in Program, you cannot be reconsidered for entry in the fall and cannot be added to the fall waitlist. In addition, if you decline your fall N.U.in admission, you are not eligible for spring enrollment. 

How do I select the location I want to attend?

The site selection process takes place through your Application Status Check. You first must submit your enrollment deposit before you can select your site location. Once you have made your first deposit, you will be able to select from all of the locations for which you are eligible by age and planned major. Please note that space at these locations is first-come, first-served, although all admitted N.U.in students are guaranteed a slot at a location for which they are eligible.

Can I choose a location that is not compatible with my college or major? 

The curriculum offerings at each host institution is carefully evaluated and chosen to align with specific majors. As such, you cannot choose a location that is not compatible with your college or major. The courses taken at our host institutions are comparable to the courses fall-admit students take at Northeastern, so when you arrive on campus in the spring as an N.U.in student, you will be on track to continue within your chosen major. 

Do I need to know a foreign language? 

No. All classes, with the exception of specific language courses, are conducted in English. 

How much does the N.U.in Program cost, and what is included in the program fee? 

Updated costs for the Fall 2024 program will be available in early 2024 on the Costs & Payment Information page.

How can I pay my bill, and what payment options are available to pay the N.U.in Program fee? 

The first and second deposits for the program can be paid through a your Application Status Check. The program fee must be paid in full, or a payment plan must be in place, before you depart for your N.U.in locations. Learn more on how to pay bills and find information regarding payment plans here. 

Am I eligible for financial aid during the fall N.U.in semester? 

You can view your financial aid package through the Application Status Check where you also found your admission letter. While enrolled in the fall semester of The N.U.in Program, students who apply for financial aid are considered for need-based funding and merit funding. Grants, loans, and work awards from federal and state sources cannot be applied to the fall semester while you are actively participating in The N.U.in Program. If you qualify, you can use these financial options beginning with the spring semester. All supplemental loans, including the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan, are available to students and parents beginning in the spring semester as well. 

What types of courses will I take as an N.U.in student? 

You will take a location-specific course and other courses that fulfill Northeastern Core and/or major requirements. For more detailed information on courses, please visit N.U.in Program Academics. 

How will I be supported while I am participating in N.U.in? 

The N.U.in Program provides professional staff to support students. This team of on-location staff oversees all facets of The N.U.in Program on the ground, including academic, health and safety, and social components of the program. 

What happens if there is a medical or health emergency? 

Staff are fully trained and prepared to handle emergencies. Our partner institutions have assisted with setting up relationships with local hospitals nearby, and staff is aware of all safety protocols. There is an on-call phone number that you can call any time to reach a staff member should an emergency situation present itself. In addition, site staff notify the Global Experience Office of any emergency situations, and the GEO team will communicate updates to parents and families via email. 

Do I need health insurance while participating in N.U.in? 

Yes. You are required to have international health insurance coverage while abroad. Please see the Health & Safety pages under each location for more information specific to each N.U.in location, as some details vary by location. Northeastern University also maintains a comprehensive program to respond to costs associated with accidents and emergency/urgent illnesses that arise during the term abroad. For more information on the Northeastern-provided program, please review the University-Provided Urgent and Emergency Coverage. 

Please note that N.U.in students are not eligible for Northeastern University’s Student Health Plan (NUSHP) until their spring semester, beginning in January. For more information on NUSHP, please visit their website. 

Will I have an orientation before I begin my program, or once it ends?  

Yes. N.U.in Pre-Departure Orientation happens over the summer and consists of webinars, a series of mandatory online learning modules, and an optional PDO Campus Day in Boston before your semester begins. Additionally, you will have an on-site orientation once you arrive at your N.U.in location, and a Spring New Student Orientation in Boston when transitioning to your spring semester. For more information on the N.U.in Orientation, please continue reading here. You will receive more information about the Spring New Student Orientation via email during the fall. 

Am I allowed to travel in-country and internationally while at the N.U.in international locations? 

Yes, you are allowed to travel throughout the semester, but all students are required to complete a Program Deviation form any time they are planning to be away. There are no class or assignment exceptions for student personal travel. 

If you are under 18 years of age during your semester abroad, you must have your parent/guardian fill out a waiver to allow you to complete a Program Deviation form on their own. This waiver will be available in the Application Status Check later this spring. 

Will I graduate on time if I participate in The N.U.in Program?  

Yes! Like all Northeastern students, N.U.in students create their own unique academic path, with most graduating in either four or five years. you will have the same opportunities as all other Northeastern students, and will able to tailor your journey to graduation. 

Students typically have flexible schedules. You should work closely with your academic advisors to determine the best progression track based upon your interests and graduation goals. We urge you to think carefully about where your primary academic interest lie before selecting an N.U.in location. This will ensure that you begin with a strong base of prerequisites before progressing at Northeastern in the spring. 

If I join N.U.in, will I be at a social disadvantage when I arrive on campus in January? 

Northeastern students are always on the move—whether it be for co-ops, study abroad experiences, or mobility opportunities across the global campus network. The N.U.in Program fits in perfectly with this culture, and you are not at a disadvantage by entering in January. 

Due to this constant movement on campus, there is always a Spring New Student Orientation, Winter Involvement Fair, and Welcome Week activities offered each January for all incoming students. The N.U.in Program and Student Affairs also hold welcome events for N.U.in students. Arriving on campus has been likened to a reunion, as students are excited to see each other after forming such close friendships while participating in N.U.in. 

Where will I live when I arrive on campus for the spring semester? 

All N.U.in students are guaranteed university housing in the spring. During the fall semester you will be prompted to fill out a housing application. Once submitted, our Department of Housing and Residential Life does their best to place you in housing according to your preferences. You will be placed in residence halls or apartment-style accommodations depending upon availability.