The Global Scholars Program

Our current Global Scholars curriculum

All courses are subject to change.

Oakland accreditation: The academic programs being offered on the Oakland campus for 2023-24 are fully accredited as part of the university’s NECHE accreditation.

Culture and Foundation Courses

Students in the Global Scholars program take a Culture course during their Fall semester in London or a Foundation course during their Fall semester in Oakland.

The Foundation courses offered in Oakland incorporate place-based learning into a subject area course. The options are:

• CLTR1120: Introduction to Languages, Literature, and Culture (IC NUpath) (Offered Fall only)
• ENVR1110: Global Climate Change (AD, ND NUpath) (Offered Fall only)
• MUSC1001: Music in Everyday Life (EI, IC NUpath) (Offered Fall only)
• PHIL1145: Technology and Human Values (SI, ER NUpath) (Offered Fall only)
• PHTH1260: The American Healthcare System (SI NUpath) (Offered Fall only)
• SOCL1102: Sex, Gender, and Popular Culture (DD, IC NUpath) (Offered Fall and Spring)
• SOCL2358: Current Issues in Cities and Suburbs (DD, SI NUpath) (Offered Fall and Spring)
• INPR2955: Interdisciplinary Project (no NUpath) (Offered Fall and Spring)

Move in details for Global Scholars Bay Area are still being finalized, and we will continue to share updates in the coming weeks for current students transitioning to Oakland in spring 2024.

Packing Guide
Click here to download the Global Scholars Packing Guide.

One of the goals of the Global Scholars Program is to foster and develop a strong community among our students. Students will experience two overnight excursions and multiple day trips as part of the program. Northeastern University Oakland and Global Scholars staff collaborate to plan weekly free or low-cost activities.

Examples of activities include:

• Civil Rights walking tour of Oakland
• Muir Woods National Monument
• West Oakland Urban Farm
• LGBTQ guided walking tour in San Francisco
• Panel discussion with local NU alumni

Global Scholars students will have the option to join a variety of student clubs and organizations. Each club, whether an established group or a new one, was created by and for students with descriptions that reflect their goals.

Between the Alameda Country (AC) Transit system, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART),  MUNI system in San Francisco, and Northeastern University Oakland shuttles, students can get around quickly to all the local sites in the Bay Area. All students will have an AC transit pass loaded onto a Clipper Card. Students can use the Clipper card free on AC transit buses. Line 57 stops right outside the Northeastern University Oakland front gate. Students can also add funds to travel on the BART and MUNI. Routes are easy to learn and will take students from the Giants’ stadium (Oracle Park) and Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco back to the East Bay, including local neighborhoods and many of the 73 East Bay Parks. While navigating all the transit options and bus system may be an initial adjustment, you will quickly adapt and learn the routes. Northeastern University Oakland shuttles will travel to local retail shops and restaurants, including BART stations.

Health Insurance

You must maintain personal health insurance that is valid in your home country and abroad. You may be covered under a domestic health insurance plan with international coverage, or a supplemental international health insurance carrier. You are strongly encouraged to check with your current insurance carrier to see what kind of coverage is offered abroad.

Prescription Medication
Prior to your departure, discuss with your physician any prescription needs while studying in the Bay Area.

Medical Facilities
Students will have access to  The Student Health Center. This includes appointments for acute medical care, primary care, and referrals as appropriate.

Mental Health
The Northeastern University Oakland Counseling and Psychological Services provides short term and acute mental health care and referrals to off-campus providers.

Medical Disclosure

The Global Scholars Program does not require you to get a physical prior to departure, though it does require you to submit medical information in the General Enrollment Form to alert our staff of any medical conditions or allergies. This form will be included in your enrollment paperwork.

Please be sure to register your travel by visiting the GardaWorld Travel Security portal and log in with your Northeastern email and credentials. Once registered, download the mobile app by the same name to stay up to date on important travel safety related information.

Northeastern University requires all students to enter their travel itinerary and housing accommodations into “My Travel Plans” on the myNortheastern student portal also called the traveler registry. You should also enter any independent travel during the semester and make sure your contact information remains updated.

More information can be found on Northeastern University’s international travel website.

Accommodations 
Global Scholars students will reside together on the Northeastern University Oakland Campus in one of the following residence halls (subject to change): Ege Hall, White Hall, Reinhardt Hall, Orchard Meadow, or Warren Olney. The Global Scholars Program finalizes roommate assignments in early August, using information related to living habits from the student-submitted housing preference form.

Mail & Packages
Please check here for information regarding the mail system and address.

Meals
Students will be on a 17 meals/week plan along with additional flex dining dollars to be used throughout the semester.
Visit here for more information.

As a Global Scholars student, you will have three orientations throughout your participation in the program:

• Global Scholars Pre-departure Orientation
• On-location orientation once you have arrived in your host location
• Husky 101 Fall Student Orientation on Northeastern’s campus after completing the Global Scholars program—for current students, that will be in 2024 (see Office of Student Orientation and Family Programs for more information)

Global Scholars Pre-Departure Orientation

To assist you in preparing for your first year, the Global Scholars Program will include a Pre-Departure Orientation this summer. The Global Scholars Pre-Departure Orientation will be offered as a series of mandatory online learning modules and an optional one-day in-person experience on Northeastern’s main campus in Boston. There will also be additional virtual engagement opportunities throughout the summer leading up to your departure, including a required site-specific webinar in August.

We will be sending more information about Pre-Departure Orientation in the coming months. Please keep an eye on this webpage and your Northeastern email for new updates.

Global Scholars Pre-Departure Orientation Offerings 2023:

• Online learning modules – REQUIRED – released in early June on your Application Status Check
• Global Scholars Pre-Departure Orientation: Campus Day in Boston, MA – OPTIONAL – July 12 or 14, 2023
  • Registration will be available late spring on your Application Status Check
  • Registration will be available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Global Scholars Site-Specific Webinar – REQUIRED – August (dates TBA)
• All students will also be required to attend on-site (London or Oakland) welcome week orientation upon arrival this fall 2023 and spring 2024.
• Post Global Scholars Program: Husky 101 Student and Family Orientation will be hosted on Northeastern’s Boston Campus in September 2024. Learn more at Office of Student Orientation and Family Programs.

On-location Orientation

All Global Scholars Bay Area students will participate in an on-location orientation with an introduction to Northeastern University Oakland and the Bay Area. You and your fellow students will also connect with departments from across the campus and learn about the resources and services available, with opportunities to get to know one another.

Our current Global Scholars curriculum

All courses are subject to change.

Culture and Foundation Courses

Students in the Global Scholars program take a Culture course during their Fall semester in London or a Foundation course during their Fall semester in Oakland.

The Culture courses are London-focused place-based courses of which there are several options:

• HIST2376: Britain and the British Empire (SI, DD NUpath) (Offered Fall and Spring)
• INSH1600: Cultures of London – Abroad (IC, DD NUpath) (Offered Fall and Spring)
• THTR1990: Theatre Elective: British Drama and the London Stage (EI, IC NUpath) (Offered Fall and Spring)
• HIST1272 Europe in the Middle Ages, 500 – 1500 (no NUpath) (Offered Fall only)

Move in details for Global Scholars London are still being finalized, and we will continue to share updates in the coming weeks for current students transitioning to London in spring 2024.

Packing Guide
Click here to download the Global Scholars Packing Guide.

Activities

One of the goals of the Global Scholars Program is to foster and develop a strong community among our students. Northeastern University London and Global Scholars staff collaborate to plan weekly, free, or low-cost activities, which vary from year to year.

In the past, Global Scholars students have participated in many different types of activities. Some examples include:

• Welcome Tea
• Halloween Party
• Visit to the British Museum
• Diwali
• Autumn Festival
• Ice Skating
• Day trip to Cambridge

Student Organizations & Groups

Students can join organizations and societies through the Northeastern University London Student Union, which is a great opportunity to interact with UK students.

The public transportation system is the easiest and most efficient way to get around London. While navigating the Tube and bus system may be an initial adjustment, you will quickly adapt and learn the routes. Metro passes are called “Oyster Cards” in London and provide access to both the London Underground and the public bus system.

Health Insurance 

You must maintain personal health insurance that is valid in your home country and abroad. You may be covered under a domestic health insurance plan with international coverage, or a supplemental international health insurance carrier. You are strongly encouraged to check with your current insurance carrier to see what kind of coverage is offered abroad.

University-Provided Urgent and Emergency Coverage 

Northeastern University maintains coverage to respond to costs associated with accidents and emergency/urgent illnesses. This is not health insurance. For more details on this policy, please visit the international travel insurance website.

Prescription Medication

Prior to your departure, discuss with your physician any prescription needs while studying abroad.

Packing Prescription Medication

Please note that not all medications may be available in England; if possible, make arrangements for bringing an entire semester’s worth of medication. You should pack prescription medications in carry-on luggage in your original containers with doctor documentation.

Shipping Prescription Medication

You should check the requirements for shipping medications with both the courier service as well as with British customs. In some cases, the recipients may need to pay a fee to receive the package. It is not uncommon for packages to be held up in customs because more information is needed for delivery to be completed.

Medical Disclosure

The Global Scholars Program does not require you to get a physical prior to departure, though it does require you to submit medical information in the General Enrollment Form to alert our staff of any medical conditions or allergies. This form will be included in your enrollment paperwork.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, Global Scholars London will reside across a selection of student accommodation properties. Find out more information here: Global Scholars London 2024-2025 Housing

For information about the Northeastern London Housing process, including the housing application and important dates, please read through this resource: NU London Housing Dates and Details.

As a Global Scholars student, you will have three orientations throughout your participation in the program:

• Global Scholars Pre-departure Orientation
• On-location orientation once you have arrived in your host location
• Husky 101 Fall Student Orientation on Northeastern’s campus after completing the Global Scholars program—for current students, that will be in 2024 (see Office of Student Orientation and Family Programs for more information)

Pre-Departure Orientation

To assist you in preparing for your first year, the Global Scholars Program will include a Pre-Departure Orientation this summer. The Global Scholars Pre-Departure Orientation will be offered as a series of mandatory online learning modules and an optional one-day in-person experience on Northeastern’s main campus in Boston. There will also be additional virtual engagement opportunities throughout the summer leading up to your departure, including a required site-specific webinar in August.

We will be sending more information about Pre-Departure Orientation in the coming months. Please keep an eye on this webpage and your Northeastern email for new updates.

Global Scholars Pre-Departure Orientation Offerings 2023:

• Online learning modules – REQUIRED – released in early June on your Application Status Check
• Global Scholars Pre-Departure Orientation: Campus Day in Boston, MA – OPTIONAL – July 12 or 14, 2023
  • Registration will be available late spring on your Application Status Check
  • Registration will be available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Global Scholars Site-Specific Webinar – REQUIRED – August (dates TBA)
• All students will also be required to attend on-site (London or Oakland) welcome week orientation upon arrival this fall 2023 and spring 2024.
• Post Global Scholars Program: Husky 101 Student and Family Orientation will be hosted on Northeastern’s Boston Campus in September 2024. Learn more at Office of Student Orientation and Family Programs.

On-location Orientation

All Global Scholars England students will participate in an on-location orientation, which will help them to become acquainted with England and what to expect throughout their adventure abroad. This orientation will introduce you to your new neighborhood and the services available at Northeastern University London, as well as review academic policies and expectations and build community among your cohort.

Click here to download the Global Scholars packing guide.

Courses taken as part of the Global Scholars Program align with Northeastern’s first-year curriculum and integrate cultural learning opportunities. In addition to fulfilling major requirements, Global Scholars courses count toward NUpath, Northeastern’s general education requirement.

As a Global Scholars student, you can take courses chosen explicitly for your major or explore a selection of our most popular courses and majors. You will earn a full academic year’s worth of credit. You may be able to select alternate courses if you receive advanced credits from AP, IB, or other international examinations. Not all first-year courses at Northeastern will be offered at your location. All degree plans are unique—please remember that your individual plan may differ from other Northeastern students and that four-year graduation is not guaranteed.

Each location presents a unique academic environment. For students admitted to Global Scholars for fall 2024, please refer to the Global Scholars webinar slides regarding the differing expectations for each in preparation.

Get started on your enrollment in The Global Scholars Program. You must successfully complete your current academic program and submit all final transcripts to enroll in The Global Scholars Program. Failure to submit proof of graduation information may impact enrollment. Failure to successfully complete your current academic program in good standing could result in a decision to rescind the offer of admission to the Global Scholars Program and the university.

Steps to Enroll 

To submit your deposit and officially enroll in The Global Scholars Program, follow the below steps:

1. Log into your Application Status Check. To log in, you must enter your NUID (which can be found on your acceptance letter) and your birth date.
2. Select “Global Scholars Enrollment Deposit.” *
3. Once you click “Submit,” you will receive a confirmation email.

Enrollment Deposit Deadline

• Your $1,200 (USD) non-refundable enrollment deposit can be submitted through your Application Status Check.
• Your enrollment deposit deadline can be found in your Application Status Check.

Age Requirements

Please note that for the Global Scholars Program in London, England, you must be 18 years of age by September 4, 2024.
There is no age requirement for Global Scholars Bay Area.

Payment and Withdrawal Policy

The program is required to make advance financial commitments to travel agents, vendors, and the partner institution to secure items such as housing, classroom space, and co-curricular activities. Therefore, should you withdraw from the program at any time after May 1, you will be responsible for the terms provided within the Payment and Withdrawal Policy. You are encouraged to plan carefully and are required to review this policy as soon as possible. In this policy, you will see information on payment terms, schedule of charges, and withdrawal conditions and processes. You can read more about this policy here.

For all information regarding Global Scholars program tuition costs and payment methods for the 2024-2025 academic year, please refer to the Student Financial Services website.

Upon successful completion of the Global Scholars Program, you and your peers will enroll at Northeastern’s Boston campus to continue your studies in your second year. You will attend orientation and receive ongoing support as you transition into academic and social life in Boston. Your experiences with Global Scholars will allow you to apply a unique global perspective in the classroom and beyond.

We are pleased to be able to offer students who complete the 2023-2024 Global Scholars program the opportunity to apply for university housing for their second year when they arrive in Boston, as long as they meet the required application and deposit deadlines. Interested students will have the opportunity to declare their intention to reside in university housing during the spring 2024 term. This opportunity does not represent a mandatory requirement as students can still decide to live in off-campus housing in the local area if they choose. Please note that university housing for all students—including students completing Global Scholars—can take the form of traditional campus residence halls, leased apartments, or leased hotel spaces in the area around campus. We will provide more information about specific housing options for Global Scholars later in the 2023-2024 academic year.

For more information, please refer to the Summer and Fall Transition slides from the accompanying webinar hosted in April 2024.

Students who participate in Global Scholars will be provided University housing during each semester of the Global Scholars program.

All Global Scholars students will have a meal plan during their time in Oakland. The program fee covers this cost. During their time in London, all Global Scholars students will be living in apartment buildings with full kitchens; students will be responsible for their own groceries and meals. The program fee does not cover those costs.

Group Flight Travelers

The Global Scholars Program offers a group flight option for students to travel with their peers to and from their Global Scholars location at the beginning and end of each semester.

On arrival at their Global Scholars Program location, students on the group flight will be picked up at the airport by buses and transported to the student residence. At the end of the program, students on the group flight will be shuttled from their student residence to their location’s airport.

More Group Flight information, including reservation forms and itineraries, once available will be provided through your Application Status Check.

Baggage Allowance

Please review the guidelines on the airline website for more specific details on the baggage allowance of the group flight airline. It is your responsibility to confirm the luggage policies of your airline(s).

Travel Information Form

To ensure the safety of all participants, all students must provide Global Scholars with the details of their itinerary, whether they are flying on the group flight or independently.

Independent Travelers

If you do not take the group flight option, you are responsible for your travel arrangements to and from their Global Scholars Program location at the beginning and end of the program.

Group Flight Credit

Students who do not take any segment of the group flight will receive a flight credit. This credit will be posted to the student’s fall bill and will be equal to the cost of one group flight airline ticket. If a student flies any segment of the group flight, they will not receive a credit. Global Scholars students traveling separately must arrange their own transportation to their student residence and arrive on-location on the program start date (early check in will not be available).

Travel Information Form

To ensure the safety of all participants, all students must provide Global Scholars with the details of their itinerary, whether they are flying on the group flight or independently.

Travel Insurance
You are encouraged to research whether you would like additional insurance that covers the costs of trip interruption or cancellation, as well as loss of baggage and personal effects either while traveling or living in residence halls.

Safety Resources while in Global Scholars

All Northeastern University students, faculty, and staff requiring medical, security, and travel assistance abroad can obtain assistance through the Northeastern Travel Support Network. Please contact the 24/7 international assistance hotline +1.857.214.5332 (international collect calls are accepted) to access support services provided by our partners, the Collinson Group and Crisis24, a GardaWorld company. They will also notify the International Safety Office of your call to provide an added layer of support.

Please be sure to register your travel by visiting the GardaWorld Travel Security portal and log in with your Northeastern email and credentials. Once registered, download the mobile app by the same name to stay up to date on important travel safety related information.

Northeastern Travel Registry

Northeastern University requires all students to enter their travel itinerary and housing accommodations into “My Travel Plans” on the myNortheastern student portal also called the traveler registry. You should also enter any independent travel during the semester and make sure your contact information remains updated.

More information can be found on Northeastern University’s international travel website.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

U.S. citizens can register their travel plans with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. We strongly encourage you to register, as this is a free service that will allow the U.S. State Department to better assist citizens abroad in the event of an emergency.

Additional Resources

For more resources, visit the U.S. State Department, which provides information on safety for travelers abroad, including tips on handling money, traveling on public transportation, and safety in a hotel.

Passports 

All Global Scholars students will need a passport. If you do not already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as possible.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents will need a passport to participate in the London portion of the program. All other students will need to obtain a passport in order to enter the U.S. Please plan accordingly for passport processing times.

Visa Resources

Once you have been notified of site sequencing, please check your Application Status Check to obtain any visa guides relevant to your student status and Global Scholars entry.

Can I travel during weekends and/so school breaks in the UK or other countries? If not, why? If so, what is your recommendation for support?

Students who are studying the Global Scholars program in London are able to undertake tourist activities outside of class time. It is very important that students ensure their intended travel does not impact their studies. If a student wishes to travel outside of the UK, it is their responsibility to gain the necessary visas to enter the country that they are travelling to. Northeastern University London is not able to provide advice to students regarding visas for other countries. Many countries have visa information on their governmental websites and it is important that students access this information to understand the visa requirements for their destination country prior to travelling there.

Can I travel to other European countries post program?

Once students have completed their Global Scholars programme in London they are free to travel to Europe. Students need to ensure that they have the correct visas to enter the European countries that they are travelling to. It is students’ responsibility to obtain visa(s) and adhere to the visa rules and requirements prior to and while travelling in European countries. Students should check visa requirements on the countries’ governmental websites, or the Schengen Visa website, if they are only travelling to EU countries that belong to the Schengen Area.

As a student in the Global Scholars program, you have the opportunity to connect with other future Huskies, and together you will become global leaders as you are immersed in the rich culture and history of both Oakland, California, and London, England. By the time you transition to Boston in your second year you will have broadened your perspective, expanded your networks, and gained insights which will prepare you for future experiential learning opportunities during your remaining years at Northeastern and beyond.

How many students will participate in Global Scholars?

Each Global Scholars location will welcome between 300-400 students.

What will my academic experience be like studying in the Global Scholars Program?

The course offerings and academic experience in the Global Scholars Program will match the rigor of what is offered on Northeastern’s Boston campus. Each course has been reviewed and evaluated by Northeastern University academic deans to ensure Global Scholars students will be in lockstep with their first-year peers.

How many credits will I earn towards my degree?

Beginning in Fall 2023, we have enabled our systems to award grades directly to student transcripts. Grades earned during the Global Scholars program will no longer appear as transfer credit. This enhancement means that students will have one transcript for their entire undergraduate Northeastern experience, and the grade point average earned during the Global Scholars program will count toward a student’s cumulative GPA. In addition, for students who wish to pursue medical school, classes taken in London will be part of their official transcript.

Can I bring in credit from high school?

Yes. Results from your AP exams, IB exams, and other international examinations may enable you to receive advanced credits once you matriculate at Northeastern in your second year. Click here for more information on Northeastern’s advanced standing policies for first-year students.

Is housing provided during my second year of study at Northeastern?

Yes, students who complete Global Scholars 2023-2024 will have the opportunity to apply for university housing during their second year in Boston, Fall 2023. This opportunity does not represent a mandatory requirement as students can still decide to live in off-campus housing in the local area if they choose.

Please note that university housing for all students—including students completing Global Scholars—can take the form of traditional campus residence halls, leased apartments, or leased hotel spaces in the area around campus. We will provide more information about specific housing options for Global Scholars later in the 2023-2024 academic year. Additionally, as it is quite typical for students to move off-campus in years three and beyond, university housing is not guaranteed beyond the second year.

Am I required to live in university housing my second year of study at Northeastern?

Students in the Global Scholars 2023-2024 cohort are not required to live in university housing.

Where should I look for information on housing after completion of the program?

Students joining campus from a second-year specialized entry program such as Global Scholars should refer to housing information for transfer students for their first year in Boston and to the information for upperclassmen for future years. Housing information for future years is updated on the university’s Housing and Residential Life website in October/November each fall.

 Can I change my major?

Yes! All major change requests must be approved. Students are only eligible to submit a major change request that is compatible with their deposited site location. You can request a major change through your Application Status Check.

Please note that students who change their intended major after completing their first semester of coursework in Global Scholars may need to spend additional time completing coursework at Northeastern in order to complete their degree. We also cannot guarantee that courses for your new major will be available at your location.

Can I still graduate on time if I enroll in Global Scholars?

Global Scholars students may be able to graduate in four years if they wish to prioritize a four-year graduation timeline. Students who have advanced standing credit or students who take summer classes or heavier loads during a term or two are very likely to finish in four years in most majors. A student’s timeline to graduation may also be altered if they change their major. A student’s timeline to graduation will also depend on whether the students want to do one, two, or three co-ops, or if they choose another global experience later in their Northeastern career. As with students who begin in the undergraduate day program directly, a larger focus on experiential learning opportunities may lengthen a student’s overall timeline to graduation.

For answers to additional questions, check out our Global Scholars FAQs! Throughout the spring we also compile and answer the most commonly asked questions about the Global Scholars program.

Global Scholars FAQ

2023-2024 Academic Year

If you require services and accommodations during the 2023 academic year because of a disability, you may share any supporting documentation with Mary Barrows, Senior Director of Disability Resource Center at [email protected].

Since eligibility for disability accommodations does not automatically transfer from high school to college, it is crucial to begin the registration process as soon as possible after enrolling.

Newly Admitted 2024 Global Scholars

Please be aware that the Northeastern Disability Resource Center (DRC) also requires documentation for services and accommodations needed during your first year as a Global Scholar at Northeastern University, separately from those accommodations you may receive directly from the Oakland or London campus. (Site sequences will be announced after May 1, and you will be able to contact campuses directly with the Global Scholars Program office then.) To receive accommodations through the DRC, you must provide appropriate documentation that demonstrates a current substantially limiting disability. You must submit documentation to the DRC even if you have previously supplied documents to The Global Scholars Program office. Please review the checklist below and contact the DRC for more information as needed:

Checklist for Students with Disabilities: Preparing for a Global Scholars Experience

Phone: +1.617.373.2675

Email: [email protected]

We know that keeping in touch with family and friends back home can be challenging during your time away. Past students have found it helpful to set up a schedule for calling home, as having a set time can make time differences much easier to handle. You and your family might also consider a variety of technologies to keep in touch. For example, the instant messaging service WhatsApp also allows voice and video chat, and the voice-over-IP (VOIP) programs Skype, Zoom, and Facetime use an internet connection to talk for free.

Email

Email communications from Northeastern University and the Global Scholars Program will be sent to students via their Northeastern email addresses, which are created as soon as you activate your myNortheastern portal. Parents will receive some communications, but students are encouraged to initiate their own inquiries and problem-solve independently.

Cell Phones  

For safety reasons and for ease of communication, Global Scholars students are required to have a working cell phone for use on-location during their time in the Global Scholars Program. Phones must be acquired and working (calls, texting, and data required) within a week of arriving on-location. You should research the mobile phone options available to you prior to arriving. You typically have a chance to learn more about phone plans and purchase a phone during on-location orientation.