WORK PROCESS FOR STUDENT MOBILITY

I. POLICY
Northwestern University is committed to fostering a dynamic and enriching educational experience through our student mobility policy. We believe that exposure to different cultures, academic environments, and global perspectives is crucial for the personal and professional development of our students. To this end, our policy aims to:

1. Provide diverse opportunities for student mobility, including study abroad programs, student exchanges, international internships, and research projects in collaboration with our global partner institutions.
2. Ensure accessibility and inclusivity in our mobility programs, so that students from all backgrounds, disciplines, and financial situations have the opportunity to participate.
3. Offer comprehensive support for students participating in mobility programs, including pre-departure orientations, guidance on visa and travel arrangements, and assistance with accommodation and health insurance.
4. Facilitate credit transfer and recognition of academic work completed abroad, ensuring that students’ international experiences contribute to their degree progression and academic success.
5. Promote the integration of international experiences into the curriculum, encouraging students to apply their global learning in their home academic environment.
6. Regularly assess and enhance our mobility programs based on student feedback and global education trends, striving for continuous improvement in providing high-quality international experiences.
7. Collaborate with international partners to develop sustainable and mutually beneficial mobility programs, aligning with our commitment to global engagement and intercultural understanding.

Through this policy, NWU aims to cultivate globally competent graduates who are equipped with the skills and perspectives necessary to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.

II. PURPOSE
The purpose of student mobility in NWU is to provide students with a profound experience that goes beyond their academic acquisition. Its purpose is to fully engage individuals in many cultures, providing them with exposure to novel educational systems and worldwide viewpoints, so cultivating a more profound comprehension and admiration for the variety of the globe. The aforementioned exposure plays a vital role in fostering their personal growth, by instilling attributes such as self-reliance, flexibility, and perseverance as they traverse unfamiliar settings and obstacles.

III. RESPONSIBILITIES
The Dean together with the Internationalization Director with the supervision of VP-RCSDI and VPAA, shall be the ones who will proposed for the student mobility programs.

IV. DEFINITIONS
Inbound Student Mobility Program: Inbound student mobility refers to the movement of foreign students from foreign countries to have cultural and academic immersion at Northwestern University for a certain period. The duration of student mobility programs are maximum of 20 days or less.

Outbound Student Mobility Program: Outbound student mobility at Northwestern University (NWU) refers to the movement of NWU students to foreign countries to engage in educational activities at host institutions or organizations abroad. The duration of student mobility programs are maximum of 20 days or less.

V. EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE (N/A)

VI. PROCESS (OUTBOUND)
1.1 The Internationalization Director and dean shall begin by researching available mobility programs that align with their students’ academic and personal interests. This can include exchange programs, study abroad, internships, or research opportunities. The list will be submitted to the VPRCSD and VPAA for scrutiny.

1.2 The Dean shall nominate faculty-in-charge.

1.3 Concerned students attend session organized by the international office. Gather information about available programs, application processes, eligibility, financial aid, and scholarships.

1.4 Complete and submit application forms for the chosen program.

1.5 Prepare necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and language proficiency proof (if required). The following are the criteria to be eligible to student mobility program:

1.4.1 Eligibility:
a. Academic Standing: Students are often required to have minimum GWA of 2.5. No INC, dropped or failing grades.
b. Enrollment Status: Students usually need to be currently enrolled in a degree program at NWU and have completed ONE academic term.
c. Recommendation Letter: Letter from faculty or academic advisors that speak to the student’s academic abilities, character, and suitability for an international experience.
d. Statement of Purpose: A personal essay where students explain their reasons for wanting to participate in student mobility program, their goals for the program, and how the experience aligns with their academic and career objectives.
e. Disciplinary Record: Students should typically have no disciplinary record, with no major violations of university policies.
f. Health and Fitness: Good physical and mental health, with the ability to manage any existing conditions in a different country.

1.6 Internationalization Director reviews applications and selects candidates.
1.7 Selected students are nominated to the VPAA.
1.8 Attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation covering topics like cultural adaptation, health and safety, and academic expectations done by Internationalization Office.
1.9 The faculty-in charge shall apply for a visa and make travel arrangements.
1.10 The Dean, faculty in-charge with the help of Internationalization Office plan for accommodation and finalize financial aspects, including tuition and living expenses.
1.11 Obtain appropriate health insurance coverage.
1.12 Familiarize with emergency procedures and contacts in the host country.
1.13 Return to the NWU upon completing the program.
1.14 Participate in debriefing sessions and share experiences with peers and advisors. PROCESS (INBOUND)

a. The Internationalization Director shall identify NWU’s capacity and resources for hosting international students.
b. The Internationalization Director shall establish clear objectives and goals for hosting inbound students, such as cultural exchange, academic collaboration, or research partnerships.
c. The Internationalization Director shall create a budget and allocate funds for hosting and supporting international students to be recommended by VPRCSDI and approved by the President.
d. The Internationalization Director shall develop admission criteria and application procedures for inbound students.
e. The Internationalization Director shall promote NWU’s programs to potential international students through various channels, such as NWU website, social media, and educational fairs.
f. The Internationalization Director shall collect and review applications, conduct interviews (if necessary), and admit qualified students.
g. The Internationalization Director shall provide pre-arrival information to incoming students, including details about housing options, academic requirements, and cultural aspects of NWU and local community.
h. The Internationalization Director together with the Dean concerned will host orientation webinar to prepare students for their arrival, addressing topics like cultural adaptation, safety, and academic expectations.
i. The concerned Dean shall identify faculty and students of his College that will be in-charge for the foreign students.
j. The Dean shall assign academic advisors or mentors to assist incoming students with program.
k. The Internationalization Administrative Assistant will collect feedback from both inbound students and NWU’s staff involved in the process to identify areas for improvement. Use this feedback to refine and enhance your inbound student mobility program.

VII. FORMS/RECORDS

FORMS	RECORDS
NAU-IO- Project Proposal (Outbound/Inbound)	Approved Project Proposal
NAU-IO-Application Form	Filled out Application form
NAU-IO-Parent/Medical Consent	Notarized parent/medical consent
NAU-IO-Narrative Report Format	Submitted Narrative report of students
NAU-IO-Evaluation Form	Filled out Evaluation form

 

VIII. FLOWCHART