International Programs
Department website: https://www.neiu.edu/academics/our-centers-and-programs/international-programs
Cris Toffolo, Ph.D., Director of International Programs
Office of International Programs
The Office of International Programs (OIP) was established in 1996 as a reflection of Northeastern Illinois University’s (NEIU) commitment to the comprehensive internationalization of its campus and curriculum. OIP initiates and maintains NEIU's partnerships with universities around the world and serves many different NEIU constituencies: (1) international students coming to NEIU to earn a degree and/or study English; (2) exchange students from NEIU's international partner universities (IPUs) who come to NEIU for one or two semesters; (3) NEIU students who wish to study abroad, thereby preparing themselves to function effectively in the interconnected 21st Century world; (4) NEIU academic departments that are creating dual degree programs and/or globalizing their curriculum; (5) NEIU faculty who are seeking to internationalize their research and/or teaching (including by organizing study tours); and (6) visiting scholars.
International & Exchange Students
NEIU welcomes students from other countries as degree-seeking bachelor's and master's students; as exchange students who come for a semester or year-long experience; and those who come to study English as a second Language. All International students are eligible to live on campus in NEIU's residence hall, The Nest.
All students coming from outside the U.S. may arrive up to thirty (30) days before the start of their academic program. They are encouraged to do so, to secure housing and get properly settled. OIP will issue all international students either a Form I-20 or DS-2019 to enable them to apply for an F1 or J1 visa, respectively. Upon arriving in the US all students must report to OIP before classes start to submit copies of their passport, visa, I-94 form, local address, and course registration.
All new F-1 and J-1 students are required to attend the New International Student Information Session conducted by OIP staff. The session occurs a few days before classes begin. Participation in orientation helps to ensure new international students understand both the university and the laws that could have an impact on their international student status. To maintain international student status, all international students must meet USCIS enrollment requirements and may not work off campus without authorization.
Students Coming to Learn English
NEIU welcomes non-native English speakers who wish to just improve their English language proficiency or to do so before entering a degree program. Students wishing to do intensive English language study should apply to NEIU's School for the Advancement of English Language and Learning (SAELL). Students interested in SAELL can direct their questions to the Director of SAELL by emailing esl@neiu.edu.
International students attending SAELL must follow the rules that apply to all students coming from outside the U.S., or transferring from another U.S. school, or changing their visa status. The new international student orientation dates and times will be included in a letter from the SAELL director. OIP will advise students about whether to get an F1 or J1 visa.
Exchange Students Coming from Partner Universities
Each year NEIU welcomes dozens of exchange students from our international partner universities. Exchange students come on a J-1 visa and enroll in NEIU classes for one or two semesters. All international exchange students must meet program requirements based on the agreement between Northeastern and their home university. Students interested in coming on an exchange program should begin by contacting the international office at their home university. They can also contact NEIU's Coordinator of International Partnerships in the Office of International Programs (OIP), to learn about how to get nominated and apply, about visas and other questions. For more information view the OIP website, and/or contact OIP by email at International-Programs@neiu.edu, or by phone at +1-773-442-4799.
NEIU Students Wanting to Study Abroad
Semester- and Year-Long Exchange Opportunities
NEIU has established formal partnerships with over forty universities on six of the seven continents. Through these partnerships, both undergraduate and graduate students have opportunities to study for one or two semesters at an international partner university to enhance their understanding of other cultures, to deepen their grasp of global and international affairs, and to engage in intensive language study, etc. International students enrolled at NEIU on a F-1 visa can also participate in these exchange opportunities. During their time abroad at an IPU as exchange students, NEIU students remain registered, and pay their tuition and fees to NEIU. For this reason, federal financial aid may still be used to cover these costs. In addition, NEIU students regularly qualify for special study abroad scholarships: e.g., HACU Scholarship; IIE Midwest, Gilman, Borman, Freeman Asia, Organization of American States, etc. For more information about studying abroad and about NEIU's IPUs, visit the OIP website, or contact OIP at International-Programs@neiu.edu, or by phone at +1-773-442-4799.
Short-term NEIU Faculty-Led Study Tours
NEIU faculty offer another type of study abroad experience through short-term Study Tours that they lead each year. On these trips, which typically last between 1-3 weeks, students are able to enhance their understanding of other cultures and habitats, deepen their cultural sensitivity, learn history on location, and increase their intercultural competencies while earning credit Recent tours have taken students to Belize, Burundi, China, Ecuador, Italy, Japan, and Spain. For more information, please consult OIP's website, or contact OIP at International-Programs@neiu.edu, or call +1-773-442-5493.
Visiting Scholars
NEIU welcomes Visiting Scholars who wish to be in residence at NEIU to do research, attend seminars, and provide guest lectures. The Office of International Programs (OIP) will work with the relevant academic department and other offices to review the request. Illinois state law requires Visiting Scholars, like all university staff and faculty, to consent to a background check. To learn more, click here, or contact OIP at International-Programs@neiu.edu.