General FAQs
- Accommodation and Housing
- Admissions
- Academics and Curriculum
- Co-op Program (Study and Work)
- Visa
- Student Life
- Food
- Money
What are my options on where to live?
You can live in an apartment off-campus alone, with friends or roommates, or you
can live in a Guest House in or near Boston. Details about the many housing options
will be provided when you receive notification that you have been accepted to your
chosen program in your Offer Letter. Of course, if you have family or friends in
the area you can choose to live with them.
Will I have to share a room?
That will depend on where you choose to live and your budget. If you prefer an apartment
you'll have the choice of living alone or having a roommate. If you prefer to live
with a U.S. family in a "homestay," you'll probably have your own room.
What about living in a dormitory on campus?
During the Pathways Program, very few, if any, on-campus dormitory rooms will be
available.
Where can I find Internet access?
Most of the Northeastern campus has free, high speed Internet access. In addition,
many of the apartments and homes where you can live already have Internet access.
Should I apply directly or use your representative in my country?
It's best to apply with the assistance of one of our representatives in your country
as they can guide you through the admissions process, including getting your U.S.
visa. However, you can send your completed application with all support documents
in one envelope to the address listed on the back of the application.
From which countries does Northeastern accept students?
Northeastern currently has students from more than 120 countries. Our goal is to
maintain have a highly diversified student body.
What is the average class size?
Classes are small, usually between 10 and 20 students. In addition, every professor
offers office hours when you can meet one-on-one.
What is Co-op?
Northeastern's Cooperative Education Program ("Co-op") was created almost 100 years
ago and was one of the first of its kind in the United States. When you enter the
second year of the Bachelor's Degree Program you become eligible to participate
in Co-op.
In a cooperative learning program, the work you do for school is combined with practical
learning opportunities outside the classroom. Depending on your specialization and
authorization, you can complete up to three 6-month Co-op periods during your bachelor's
degree. You'll get paid while you learn, pay no tuition during Co-op and have a
head start on your career when you graduate. Co-op is available to all Northeastern
University undergraduate students. Learn more about Co-op.
Will I earn money while I'm working?
Yes, for many Co-op opportunities you'll get paid. How much you get paid will depend
on the employer you work for during the Co-op program. Not only do you have the
opportunity to get paid, you'll also be saving money because during Co-op you don't
pay for tuition.
What kind and how many companies and institutions participate in Co-op?
Each year Northeastern places about 5,500 students with more than 2,000 employers.
Many are names you know such as General Electric, Google, IBM, Massachusetts General
Hospital, Merrill Lynch, Microsoft, Motorola, MTV, Reebok and Walt Disney.
Can I do Co-op outside the United States?
Yes. Co-op can be done anywhere in the world, including your own country. Currently,
we have students doing Co-op in 21 countries in compliance with the terms of their
U.S. non-immigrant visa classfication.
What about U.S. visa restrictions on work?
We have an international Co-op specialist who will work with you to get the legal
authorizations you need to work in the Untied States during Co-op. On-campus work
is possible during the 2nd semester of Co-op.
I've heard it's difficult to get a U.S. visa; is this true?
After September 11, 2001, the number of foreigners studying in the U.S. declined
a bit. Fortunately, this trend has been reversed. In the most recent academic year
for which data is available (2005/2006), 565,000 foreign students attended U.S.
colleges and universities, according to the Institute of International Education
(IIE).
How do I apply for a U.S. visa?
All applicants to Pathways must also complete and send with the application the
Declaration and Certification of Finances (DCF) and an original bank statement.
The DCF enables Northeastern to generate an I-20 form, which the U.S. government
requires in order to grant you an F-1 student visa. If you are already attending
a college or university in the U.S. and have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa, you must also
complete the Transfer-In form. A few days after you are accepted to Pathways you
will receive a package of information from Northeastern. One document is the "I-20",
which confirms that you have been accepted to the Northeastern University Pathways
Program. You must present the I-20, along with a few other pieces of information
(e.g. your passport) to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. In general, you should
receive your "F-1" student visa within six weeks, although processing times vary
on a case by case basis. For additional information about the U.S. student visa
process, please see: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html.
Our representative in your country can assist you with this process.
How much time must I allow before I receive my visa?
’F-1’ student visas usually are processed within six weeks, but this can vary.
What is the best part about being a student at Northeastern?
Each student will have his or her own opinion, but in general, we find that the
best part about being a student at Northeastern is that you're constantly being
exposed to new ideas and are learning a lot in a very friendly and fun environment.
In addition, being a student in Boston is unlike any other place on earth because
it really is a city that revolves around the many top universities in the area.
What is the biggest challenge about student life at Northeastern?
For some students the biggest challenge is balancing your academic load with all
the fun attractions that Northeastern and Boston have to offer. For other students,
it's being far from home. Fortunately, our Pathways Student Advisors' job is to
help you manage these challenges.
What kind of support services do you provide?
First, when you begin the Pathways or Bachelor's Degree Completion program you'll
be introduced to all of our Student Advisors, one of whom will become your primary
point of contact on any questions you may have. The Student Advisor's job is to
be there when you need him or her to answer your questions. They can help you on
questions as diverse as "How do I open a bank account?", "My computer just died;
how do I get it fixed?", "Where and when can I talk with my professor?", "I'm having
visa problems, what do I do?" Also, as a Pathways or Bachelor's Degree Completion
program student you have complete access to the Northeastern International Student
& Scholar Institute (ISSI), which is dedicated to serving the needs of all international
students at Northeastern, not just Pathways students. Learn more about ISSI.
Are sports available?
If you're athletic you'll have many opportunities both to watch and play sports.
The University has many collegiate teams (basketball, football, baseball, hockey,
track, etc.). Also, there are informal intramural leagues you might be able to join
for friendly competition with other students. And if you just want to get some exercise
our sports facilities are unmatched and range form modern swimming pools and exercise
rooms to numerous soccer fields, tennis, volleyball, squash and basketball courts
and yoga studios. Learn more about your athletic options.
I'm a religious person. Will others respect me and will there be other students
with the same faith as mine?
Regardless of your religion or faith, you'll be able to practice it at Northeastern.
The Spiritual Life Center offers programs for people of all faiths and hosts student
organizations, such as the Hindu Student Council and the Islamic Society. Learn
more more about spirituality and religion at Northeastern.
Do I need to open a U.S. bank account?
It's not a requirement but we strongly recommend that you do. It will make managing
money in the U.S. much easier. When you arrive at Northeastern, we can help you
do this. Our International Student & Scholar Institute (ISSI) hosts banking workshops
at the start of each orientation program, which will help you through the process.
How do I get money from my country to the U.S. and vice versa?
In general, the easiest way is to open a bank account in the U.S.. Some countries
have restrictions on moving money into and out of the country. You should check
with a local bank in your country and ask them their procedure for making electronic
bank transfers to and from the United States.
Will my computer, iPod and other electronics work in the U.S.?
If you come from a country where 220/240 volts is used, most of your electrical
appliances, such as computers and iPods will work in the U.S. Many of them already
have the ability to work with the U.S. electrical current (110/120 volts) and do
not require a transformer. However, we recommend that you first check with the manufacturer
of the device before using it in the States. Depending on the appliance you might
need a plug adapter to fit a U.S. electrical outlet. These are inexpensive and can
be purchased in the U.S. or on the Internet.
Do I need a car?
No, in fact, we discourage you from having a car. Most students at Northeastern
do not have cars because it is much easier, cheaper and faster to get from one place
to another by walking or taking the bus or Boston's subway, the "T". If you decide
to leave Boston for a few days you'll find public transportation is very good. You
may also be eligible to rent a car.
Do I need a mobile phone?
You don't need a mobile phone but it is very convenient to have one. Depending on
your current phone's manufacturer you may be able to purchase an inexpensive SIM
card that will enable your current phone to work in the U.S.. Please contact the
manufacturer and your local phone service. However, as phone service is generally
very inexpensive in the U.S. you might find that it is far more economical for you
to purchase a mobile phone and phone service in the States.
What should I bring with me?
Before you leave your country we will send you a list of what we recommend you bring
with you.
What will happen if I get sick?
As a Pathways student you have free use of University Health and Counseling Services.
Our physicians, nurses and counselors are committed to both your physical and mental
health. If you're sick they'll do everything they can to bring you back to health.
Also, as a Pathways or Bachelor's Degree Completion program student you will be
covered by the Northeastern University's medical insurance.
I have dietary or religious restrictions about what I can eat; what do I do?
You have many, many choices. Whether you are a vegetarian, trying to lose (or gain)
weight, observe Kosher, Halal or prefer one particular nation's cuisine you will
find what you want on or near campus. The choice is extensive.
Where can I buy food from my country?
Boston has many multi-nationality markets throughout the city. We can even help
you find what you are looking for.
Is it expensive to go to school in Boston?
How expensive Boston is, in part, dependent on the country you're coming from and
how strong your currency is relative to the U.S. dollar. Please see estimated expenses
for the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Pathways programs.
Do I need to bring or buy a computer?
Northeastern has many desktop computers available in various libraries and lounges
around the campus. This is great for quickly checking your email or visiting an
Internet site. However, for doing your homework and research it's more convenient
for you if you have your own computer. You'll likely find a laptop computer more
convenient than a desktop computer. If you bring a computer with you, be sure to
check the computer's instruction manual to see if it can work on the U.S.'s electrical
current – many computers will. Of course, you can buy a computer when you're in
the U.S. and get a student discount when you purchase. Computer equipment can be
far less expensive to purchase in the U.S. than in many foreign countries. Both
PC's and Macintosh computers are used at Northeastern.
What about costs for accommodation and eating?
The average cost for accommodation and food will depend upon the number of terms
studied. The estimated costs are as follows: 1 Term - $6,000 (Room & Board); 2 Terms
- $12,000; 3 Terms - $18,000. The final cost will vary depending upon where you
choose to live and eat. We will provide you with several options including apartments
and homestays (i.e living with a U.S. family), and guesthouses. Further details
about your options will be provided with your offer letter, which you will receive
shortly after being accepted into the Pathways program.
What are University Fees?
All Northeastern students pay certain fees that cover major non-academic costs such
as health insurance, use of the health center, athletic facilities and international
student services. The cost of these fees will depend upon the number of terms studied.
Student fees for the Undergraduate Pathways Program are as follows: 1 Term - $2,450;
2 Terms - $2,566; 3 Terms - $2,682. Student fees for the Postgraduate Pathways Program
are as follows: 1 Term - $2,450; 2 Terms - $2,566. Students pay 50% of these fees
four weeks prior to the start of each semester. University fees are payable to Northeastern
University and must be paid by U.S. bank draft, credit card (Visa or MasterCard)
or electronic transfer. Details on where, how and when to remit payment will be
in your Offer Letter, which you will receive shortly after being accepted into the
Pathways program.