Apr 20, 2024  
2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Undergraduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]


http://www3.niu.edu/depts/intl_prgms/intl.html

International Programs



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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, 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.

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

Belize: Health studies. Early to mid June. 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) 

China: Exploring information systems Application and Practice. Mid May to early June. In cooperation with the Beijing Technology and Business University. 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) 

China: Leadership, Service Learning and Culture. Mid to late June. Engagement in leadership/service and experience Chinese culture by being volunteers at the not-for-profit organization, Migrant Children’s Bilingual Schools. Students will also participate in a leadership exchange program at Beijing Normal University, as well as explore culture historical sites in Beijing. This program will not only enhance students’ study abroad learning experience but will be introduced to basic daily dialogue in Chinese Mandarin. (UG)

England: NIU at Oxford: Biological sciences, English, and political science. Late June to late July. In cooperation with Oriel College, one of the 34 colleges that make up Oxford University. Courses offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels are designed to take advantage of the unique resources of the British setting. Formal class meetings supplemented by individual tutorials. 
(UG or GR)

France: NIU College of Law in Agen: Late May to mid July. In cooperation with the University of Bordeaux-Montesquieu IV. Designed to give non-French speaking students an understanding of the French civil law system and the legal system of the European Union. Language of instruction is English. (LAW)

Ghana: NIU in Ghana, West Africa. Mid-May to early June. In cooperation with the University of Development Studies, Tamale. Explores the riches of Ghanaian life and culture, while also engaging in a cross-cultural educational experience at the University of Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana. The program will provide an effective mix of classroom lecture and outside experiential engagement as the core of the study abroad experience. (UG or GR)

Indonesia: Public Health and Health Education. Early to late June. In cooperation with Hasanuddin University in Makassar. Explores public health issues, hospital and health care settings, environmental health and safety issues, and Indonesian culture and practice. Students will have the opportunity to intern with professionals depending on their academic backgrounds. (UG or GR)

Ireland: Exploring Ireland’s Community and Mental Health Services. Late June to mid July. Provides opportunities to explore a variety of mental health and community psychiatric health care services in Ireland. Learn about the history of Ireland’s mental health care system, mental health services, community /public health system, Mental Health Commission, mental health law, patient rights of Ireland’s mentally ill, and the preparation and education of Ireland’s psychiatric nurses and mental health care workers. (UG or GR)

Ireland: Media and culture, and communication, English and history. Mid June to mid July. In cooperation with Trinity College. 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)

Italy and Spain: Design and Architecture. Late May to early 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. Late June 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. In cooperation with the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice. Provides the opportunity to meet and work with students at the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice. Students will focus on graphic design and studio art practice. The program will integrate historical information and contemporary trends in European graphic design and art. (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)

Sicily: Archaeological field school. Mid June to early July. In conjunction with the Universities of Gothenburg, Oslo, Palermo, and Stanford and part of the Monte Polizzo Archaeological Project. 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: Spanish Language and Culture in Toledo. Mid June to mid July. 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)

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) 
 

Thailand: Cultural Diversity in Thailand. Mid June to mid July. In conjunction with Prince of Songkla University, Thammasat University, Chulalongkorn University, and Payap University. Focuses on cultural diversity in Thailand and on the relationship between the dominant majority and minorities of the country. Provides students with an introduction to the culture and diversity of cultural groups in Thailand while emphasizing the existing power relations between dominant and minority groups and the practical implication of these relations in everyday life in Thailand. (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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