International Programs

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Associate Provost: Deborah Pierce

The Division of International Programs supervises and coordinates the international activities of the university in order to encourage greater internationalization for 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.

The division also supervises graduate student applications for Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Program grants (administered by the U.S. Department of Education), the Fulbright Graduate Study and Research Program grants (administered by the Institute of International Education), and the National Security Education Program grants (administered by the Academy for Educational Development). The office conducts the screening processes for these programs on behalf of the university and also provides information to faculty on research abroad as well as overseas teaching opportunities.

International Student and Faculty Office

Associate Provost: Deborah Pierce

Staff members in the International Student and Faculty Office (ISFO) provide a full range of services for current and incoming nonimmigrant students, scholars, faculty, and staff. Admissions staff review academic credentials and financial documents for applicants to undergraduate programs; they also create initial student records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) of the U.S. federal government and issue the appropriate immigration documents for student visa applications. Before spring and fall semesters, ISFO advisers conduct a comprehensive orientation program. Throughout the year ISFO advisers offer workshops for faculty, staff, and students to clarify opportunities and responsibilities in international exchange; they also provide ongoing support in cultural and academic adjustment. The scholar adviser assists nonimmigrant NIU employees with petitions for appropriate work authorization and other benefits. ISFO staff strive to help international visitors gain the maximum benefit from the many opportunities that NIU offers.

Study Abroad Office

Director: Anne Seitzinger

Throughout the year the Study Abroad Office, in association with various university departments and colleges, sponsors specialized study abroad programs overseas for academic credit. Opportunities are available in a wide range of subject areas and in many countries. Advisers regularly assist NIU faculty in developing new programs; such faculty-led programs are conducted primarily in English. Programs offered by outside consortia, as well as student exchanges with foreign universities, supplement the study and research opportunities available on the DeKalb campus. Graduate students considering exchanges or study abroad must have written permission from the Graduate School to participate. 

International Training Office

Director: Lina Davide-Ong

The International Training Office (ITO) develops and implements training programs for international audiences, using NIU resources, facilities, and services. As a training resource unit, ITO undertakes as its mission the development of meaningful programs that benefit professionals, especially those from developing countries. Its programs and activities provide varied opportunities for NIU faculty and graduate students to share their knowledge and expertise with training participants from diverse cultural backgrounds. Over the years, faculty specialists in a wide variety of disciplines have served as resource persons in ITO’s programs. The office also collaborates with faculty members and academic units interested in developing appropriate training programs for international professionals. ITO provides all the necessary assistance in the design, planning, and implementation of such programs.

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