HELP 2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU] International Programs Print-Friendly Page (opens a new window)

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 Associate Provost: Deborah Pierce, Ph.D. 

The Division of International Programs supervises and coordinates the international activities of the university in order to encourage greater internationalization of programs, curricula, faculty, staff, and students. Division staff bring the perspectives of the world to NIU and the expertise of NIU to the world through international mobility for faculty, students, and ideas.

Study Abroad Programs 

Director: Anne Seitzinger

The university offers a wide variety of opportunities for students to study abroad while continuing to remain enrolled at NIU. Most courses are approved equivalencies of current NIU courses and are applicable to campus degree programs with the approval of relevant academic departments. Students are covered by NIU’s accident and illness plan for students while overseas. Eligible students can apply their financial aid award toward overseas programs, and there are some scholarships available for study abroad. Courses are available in both the English language and in various foreign languages.

NIU is known nationally for the extensive study abroad programs that are offered to undergraduate and graduate students. Both graduate and undergraduate credit can be earned. The faculty-directed programs take place primarily during the summer and winter periods and range from three to nine weeks. Listed below are all of the study abroad programs that NIU currently offers. Students who would like more specific information should contact the Study Abroad Office. 

Cosponsored Study Abroad and Exchange Programs

Director: Anne Seitzinger

These programs are open to undergraduate students only.

NIU currently offers programs worldwide for students from all majors and interests, for various periods of time. These programs include academic residential, academic internships, and one-on-one student exchanges in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Cosponsored study abroad programs are administered by other institutions or organizations and supported by NIU. Students receive NIU credit if the program has been preapproved by the student’s academic department. On-site staff provide support and services for students. Cosponsored program sites include Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Poland, Russia, Scotland, Senegal, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Uruguay.

New countries to include: The Balkans, Bolivia, Botswana, Cambodia, Cameroon, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, India, Jordan, Madagascar, Mekong Delta, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Samoa, Tanzania, Tibet/Bhutan, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam.

NIU currently offers faculty-directed programs in 23 different countries. Most NIU administered programs are directed by an NIU faculty member, with cooperation from various NIU departments, and offer specialized credit and residential study abroad during the fall and spring semesters, summer session, and winter break period.

Unless otherwise noted, in all cases undergraduates must meet NIU undergraduate admission requirements, and graduate students must meet Graduate School requirements or apply for and obtain permission from the Graduate School to register as a student-at-large.

Belize: Health studies. Late June to mid July. In cooperation with the University of Belize. Examination of the health care system in Belize and the impact of the World Health Organization; insight to the indigenous languages and culture of bush healing; interaction with students from the University of Belize; interdisciplinary networking of students from various health science programs. (UG or GR) 

Brazil: Adult education. Late May to early June. In cooperation with the Universidade Federal da Paraiba. To understand experiences of popular adult education and social movements in Northeastern Brazil and examine the changes due to educational decentralization and municipalization of education through the educational reform process taking place in Brazil at this moment and how this affect schools and communities. (UG or GR)

China: Adult education. Mid July to early August. In cooperation with Chengdu Administrative Institute. Provides students an opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture, discover adult and workplace learning practices, explore the social, cultural, political, and economic forces that influence learning, and to create partnerships and innovative programs with Chinese scholars and practitioners. (UG or GR)

China: Exploring information systems Application and Practice. Mid May to early June. Examination of the practical understanding of the dynamic challenges and opportunities posed by information technology (IT) in today’s highly competitive global business environment. Students will also examine issues of international culture by learning IS practices, policies, and applications in China. (UG)

China: Robotics and manufacturing. Mid May to early June. In cooperation with Harbin Engineering University, Harbin Institute of Technology, and Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Provides students an opportunity to see and experience the massive manufacturing strength in China and gain a global view of world manufacturing industry as well as the opportunity to interact with Chinese students and professors in the fields of manufacturing and robotics and learn Chinese culture, history and way of living. (UG) 

Costa Rica: International career development and Spanish language. Late May to late July. Intensive Spanish language instruction combined with individual professional programs in a wide variety of fields provides an opportunity to develop skills essential for an international career. Students must have a minimum two years college-level Spanish. (UG)

Costa Rica: Spanish language and culture. Late May to mid July. Provides immersion in the language and culture of contemporary Costa Rica. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and 3.00 in Spanish courses. (UG)

Cyprus: Historical and contemporary problems of conflict resolution. Mid May to early June. Provide students with the opportunity to examine and explore the historical and contemporary problems and possibilities of conflict, nationalism, and the legacies of colonialism, globalization, and conflict resolution, firsthand within a Middle Eastern and European environment. Students will be living and studying in Cyprus, a politically, ethnically, and physically divided country that is both Middle Eastern and European. (UG)

England: Oxford: English, political science, sociology, and biological studies. Late June to early August. Residential program at Oriel College that offers formal class meetings supplemented by individual tutorials. (UG or GR)

France: Introduction to the European Business Environment. Late May to mid June. In cooperation with the Bordeaux University School of Management. Examines European Union (EU) issues dealing with the ever changing framework of the EU, its external trade relations, the features and specifications of European firms, and business negotiations within the EU’s complex cultural context. (UG)

France: Agen: Law. Early June to mid July. In cooperation with the University of Bordeaux-Montequieu IV. Provides students with an understanding of two important areas of law: comparative law and European Union law. Open to NIU College of Law students and students from ABA-approved colleges or schools of law. (GR)

Ghana: Mid-May to early June. Provides students with an opportunity to explore aspects of the historical, cultural, and artistic foundations of West African civilization. Students experience the riches of Ghanaian life and culture, while also engaging in an educational experience at the University College of Education at Winneba, Ghana, and the University of Cape Coast, Ghana. (UG or GR)

Ireland: Media and culture, and communication, English and history. Late June to mid July. In cooperation with Dublin City University. Examines Ireland’s struggle to define its own cultural identity in a world of American and British media domination. The program will examine issues of international culture via an immersion in Irish politics, history, literature, and media. (UG or GR)

Ireland: Selling Strategies. Early to mid January. Assists sales students in understanding the complexity and difficulty involved with selling in different countries (cultures). The program is also designed to help develop specific selling skills that are not typically taught at NIU. (UG)

Italy and Spain: Design, Art and Architecture. Mid May to mid June. An overview and blend of both historical and contemporary design and architecture will be introduced by means of on-site study in Italy and Spain. The program will integrate historical information and contemporary trends in architecture and design as it relates to the unique cultural fabric of Italy and Spain. (UG or GR)

Malaysia: History and Culture. Mid July to early August. Provides students with the opportunity to learn and experience the history of Malaysia and the Malay world, on site and in a living laboratory. (UG or GR)

Poland: Exploring Contemporary Graphic Design. Mid March. Provides students with the opportunity to meet and work with students at the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice. The program will integrate historical information and contemporary trends in European graphic design. (UG or GR)

Russia: Moscow: Theater and performance studies at the Moscow Art Theatre (MXAT). Fall. Directors, actors, theater scholars, and teachers of the MXAT school administer daily instruction to NIU School of Theatre and Dance students. Teaching focuses on acting, voice, movement, and Russian theater history. Students take daily classes at the MXAT school. (UG or GR)

Sicily: Archaeological field school. Late May to late June. In conjunction with the Universities of Gothenburg, Oslo, Palermo, and Stanford. Provides an introduction and practical application of archaeological sampling and field methodology; field experience in archaeological survey techniques and archaeological excavation techniques; laboratory experience in pottery analysis; exposure to a broad range of artifacts (Neolithic through Medieval); and a multi-cultural experience with other international students and exposure to a new culture. (UG or GR)

Spain: The impact of globalization on businesses’ competitive advantage. Late May to early June. In cooperation with San Jorge University, Zaragoza, Spain. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the concept of globalization; discover the effect of globalization on the success and survival of U.S. industries and companies; understand the effect of the concept of country advantage on the competitive advantage of business organizations; study and examine the different strategies that can help U.S. companies to compete successfully in the global market place; and learn and conceptualize the previous concepts in light of the European ideas and perspectives. (UG or GR) 

Spain: Toledo: Late June to early August. In cooperation with the University of Castilla-La Mancha. Provides immersion in the language and culture of contemporary Spain. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and 3.00 in Spanish courses. (UG or GR)

Switzerland: Examining Financial Reporting II Applications. Late December to early January. Provides an in-depth understanding of generally accepted accounting principles; examines the conceptual structure of accounting; develops the student’s ability to apply analytical and critical thinking skills to the solution of contemporary accounting issues; exposes the student to American based accounting firms operating in a foreign country; and encourages an appreciation of international culture. (UG)

Tanzania: Experiential learning and development administration. Early to late June. Learn about Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) in developing countries; the Government and Politics of Tanzania and the East African Union; help build a new dormitory for high school girls in Nyegina, equip chemistry, physics, and computer labs, and enhance the library; and assist various groups of women by developing business and marketing plans for their nascent business ideas to help them obtain micro financing. (UG or GR) 

Worldwide: International business seminars. Late December to mid January or mid May to mid June. Allows students interested in pursuing a career in international business or related field to acquire a firsthand view of international business practices and experience the excitement of traveling outside the United States. Includes visits to European manufacturing, retailing, and financial organizations/industries that engage in international business. (UG or GR)

Faculty-Directed Overseas Independent Research. Undergraduate or graduate credit for students traveling independently overseas who engage in a significant independent research project under the direction of a member of the NIU faculty. Type of academic credit and number of semester hours of credit dependent on the nature of the project and to be determined by the faculty member directing the research project. (UG or GR)

INTL 101. STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS (1-9). Course work undertaken as part of an approved university study abroad program. Discipline-based course used to reflect credit given, with departmental approval, for course work for which there is no NIU equivalent course available. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 semester hours.

INTL 201. STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS (1-9). Course work undertaken as part of an approved university study abroad program. Discipline-based course used to reflect credit given, with departmental approval, for course work for which there is no NIU equivalent course available. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 semester hours.

INTL 301. STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS (1-9). Course work undertaken as part of an approved university study abroad program. Discipline-based course used to reflect credit given, with departmental approval, for course work for which there is no NIU equivalent course available. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 semester hours.

INTL 401. STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS (1-9). Course work undertaken as part of an approved university study abroad program. Discipline-based course used to reflect credit given, with departmental approval, for course work for which there is no NIU equivalent course available. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 semester hours.

International Student and Faculty Office

Director: Heesun Majcher

The International Student and Faculty Office assists all nonimmigrant students, scholars, faculty, and staff at Northern Illinois University. The office follows up with all immigration regulation-related matters of the university as required and necessary; processes immigration documents for all nonimmigrant students, scholars, faculty, and staff; coordinates all admission efforts for incoming international undergraduate students; and advises all international students, scholars, faculty, and staff in immigration-related issues. 

The office provides ongoing support for all nonimmigrant population on campus in their academic, cultural, and social adjustments with such programs as comprehensive orientation programs, workshops in various topics, and other activities as necessary. Through these efforts, the office makes continuing efforts to help international students, scholars, faculty, and staff to gain the maximum benefits from the many opportunities that the university offers, and also to increase international understanding and appreciation for diversity on campus.

Director: Lina Davide-Ong, Ed.D.

The International Training Office (ITO) develops and implements high-impact, innovative, and results-driven training programs that address societal and institutional needs of developing countries.  The International Training Office’s programs and initiatives provide opportunities for NIU faculty, staff, and students to share their knowledge and expertise with training participants from diverse cultural backgrounds. Since its establishment in 1981, the ITO has successfully implemented training programs that match participants’ needs with the strengths, capacities, and interests that exist within the faculty of NIU.  Through the years, the ITO has been a facilitator of change and an active partner in developing the human resource potentials of individuals, groups, and communities worldwide.

Course List

Also see “Inter-College and University-Wide Interdisciplinary Courses” for IDSP 301 and IDSP 401.

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