International Affairs

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Associate Vice-President: Vacant

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

Director: Sim Chin Tissa

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 with their academic, cultural, and social adjustment, 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. 

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 supplement the study and research opportunities available on the DeKalb campus.

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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