All NEIU students have the opportunity to participate in study-based travel outside the United States. Commonly known as "study abroad," it can be an incredibly powerful, even life-changing experience.

There are two different study abroad formats NEIU has to offer. Depending on the program, it could last for just a week, or it could even last for a full semester.

1. Exchange Programs

If you're interested in a program that is longer than a week or two, you might want to participate in an Exchange Program.

Students can spend the fall or spring semester taking classes at one of our International Partner Universities located in five of the seven continents. Some of these universities also have slightly shorter summer programs. 

You still pay NEIU tuition and fees to us. This is good, because in most cases, your regular financial aid benefits still apply.

Classes abroad must be pre-approved before you leave.


To participate in an exchange program for study abroad, you must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements: 
  • Minimum cumulative 2.75 GPA 

  • If you started at NEIU as a freshman, you can first begin an exchange program your third semester at NEIU (usually the first semester of your sophomore year). 

  • If you are a transfer student, you are allowed to begin an exchange program your second semester at NEIU. 


If you are interested in participating in an exchange program, please fill out the Study Abroad Nomination Application. Once it is completed, the Study Abroad Advisor at the Office of International Programs will contact you.

For more information, please see the Exchange Student Program tab.

If you are a current NEIU student doing an exchange program and have you have any questions, please email Michael at m-nance@neiu.edu.

2. Faculty-Led Study Tours 

Study tours are more short-term, lasting somewhere between one and four weeks. These are tours led by NEIU faculty, where you can learn material relevant to the place you're visiting, while potentially getting academic credit for it. 

The study tours usually happen during Winter Break, Spring Break, and the first few weeks of the summer semester. To learn what study tours are happening in the next few months, please email international-programs@neiu.edu.

Financing Opportunities

There are options available to help fund your travel or living costs when going abroad. To learn more, please email international-programs@neiu.edu.