What is Global and Research Opportunities at Northwestern University?

Administered by the Office of the Provost and the Office of Undergraduate Research, the Global and Research Opportunities website is a dynamic and searchable database that allows Northwestern students, faculty and administrators to quickly identify opportunities for international travel, research experiences, fellowships and much more. The site also profiles the global and research interests of the University’s faculty and administrators.

Who created Global and Research Opportunities at Northwestern University?

Global and Research Opportunities at Northwestern University is an initiative of the Office of the Provost and the Office of Undergraduate Research. It was built by Northwestern University Information Technology, Academic and Research Technologies, Advanced Media Production Studio (NUAMPS). The Office of the Provost maintains the site and all data within it. For general questions on the site or suggestions for changes, please contact us at gro@northwestern.edu.

How did Global and Research Opportunities at Northwestern University come about?

In 2009, the Northwestern University Global Opportunities (NUGO) database and website was launched, serving as a central portal to provide information about international programs at the University and to facilitate communication and cooperation across the University. In 2010, The Office of Undergraduate Research developed a similar database to represent all research, creative and engagement opportunities available to students locally or abroad. In 2014, these tools were merged into one comprehensive site representing a wide variety of experiential learning and research activities undertaken at the University.

Why do we need Global and Research Opportunities at Northwestern University?

In recent years the number of experiential learning programs at Northwestern has grown dramatically, creating more educational and research opportunities for students and faculty than ever before. Both the number of programs and the diversity of schools, departments, and centers developing and running these programs has increased.

NU Global and Research Opportunities compiles information about these programs into one dynamic and searchable web site. It is our hope that this new site will enable easy identification of opportunities for student research, service and learning trips, and global learning opportunities. 

What programs are included on Global and Research Opportunities at Northwestern University?

In order to be captured on the NU Global and Research Opportunities web site, programs should meet the following criteria:

• Run on an ongoing and consistent basis.
• Have an educational component.
• Be administered by Northwestern, operated in partnership with Northwestern, or officially approved and recommended by the University.

Ad hoc exchanges or programming, even if frequent are not found on the site. Included programs should be fully institutionalized.

What are the different types of Opportunities represented in the site?

1. Executive/Professional Education: programs available for professionals and professional students.
2. Fellowship or Grant: monetary awards available to participants for projects, travel, etc.
3. Internship: professional training opportunity.
4. Joint Degree: participation in program results in award or certificate from both NU and external partner.
5. Research Assistant: Opportunity to work with a faculty member or research group, can be either paid or unpaid.
6. Service Trip: program with an active service learning component to it.
7. Student Group: program is student-run or run through the Center for Student Involvement.
8. Study Abroad: program counts toward completion of an academic degree at NU. Credit bearing, generally oriented toward undergraduate students.
9. Visiting Scholars To/From Northwestern: scholars teach/visit at external host institutions abroad. Programs are generally oriented toward graduate or professional students and faculty scholars.
10. Volunteer: Opportunity to work with a faculty member or research group, strictly unpaid.
11. Work Study/Paid Employment: Paid positions to work with a faculty member or research group.

How do I use the Guided Search?

With the guided search, users can sort programs by location, language, program type, timeframe, Northwestern sponsor, participants, affiliated organizations (such as international universities, NGOs, and private foundations), or any combination of these categories. In doing so, users can learn about available Opportunities that fit their interests. The guided search can also reveal Northwestern faculty and administrators who have interests in certain program areas. This information can help to identify new possibilities for research and teaching collaborations, for administrators to identify emerging trends in international interests, and for potential students and professors to see strong areas of expertise at the University.

How do I use the Map to search for Opportunities or people?

From the main page, users can view the map of Northwestern’s Opportunities. Users are able to zoom in or out to see more detail about an area, or they can click on the dots on the map to learn more about individual programs.

Please note: Some programs are not displayed on the map. This is usually because they are not located in a specific place, such as fellowships that are available for international study in any part of the world. These programs can be found through the guided search by searching for “Location Varies.”

How do I submit additions and changes to the Global and Research Opportunities at Northwestern University web site?

Global and Research Opportunities at Northwestern University is a dynamic and responsive site. If you would like to submit a new entry or make any edits to an existing entry, please fill out the following webform. You will receive an automated confirmation of your submission and a site administrator will email you once your change or submission has been updated on the site. 

How will I know if the content I submitted has been posted on Global and Research Opportunities at Northwestern University?

Once you have submitted your webform, you will receive an automated email confirming receipt of your submission. A site administrator will review your submission and contact you via email with any questions or to confirm that your submission has been updated to the site. 

How often should I update information on Global and Research Opportunities at Northwestern University?

You will receive an automated email reminding you to review your listed entries one calendar year after your last update. At this time, you should review your entry(ies) and either submit any changes or confirm that no edits are required.