The Graduate School at Northwestern University welcomes you to join our wonderfully diverse international student body. Our students study on one of two campuses, located in Evanston and Chicago. Both campuses will afford you easy access to international airports, museums, theatres, libraries, and a wealth of cultural and research opportunities. In addition to the many resources available to all Graduate Students, the University maintains a variety of offices designed specifically to help you in your studies.

The International Office at Northwestern University offers a variety of services to new and returning international students. The International Office is your resource for questions regarding U.S. immigration and obtaining a visa. The International Offices also offers a variety of cultural adjustment seminars and orientations for new students. Be sure to visit the International Office website at www.northwestern.edu/international.

In addition to the services the International Office provides, select students are offered the opportunity to participate in the International Summer Institute prior to beginning graduate study. This elite immersion program provides intensive instruction in the American dialect of spoken English, with a special emphasis on the language skills needed to excel in graduate level courses, to teach undergraduates effectively, and to present their research at conferences and colloquia. Participants practice their spoken English with native speakers at a variety of social events in the Evanston and Chicago area, visiting parks, museums, restaurants, and other local attractions. The curriculum also includes practical forums that address issues such as banking, apartment hunting, transportation, safety, shopping, and health; preparing students for their new life in the United States. For more information about this program, please visit the ISI website at http://babel.ling.northwestern.edu/~isi/

Northwestern University offers a variety of ESL classes and workshops to assist in your mastery of the English language, including Pronunciation and Intonation (beginning and advanced), Conversation and Fluency, Culture and Fluency, American Academic Culture, Academic Writing, and Academic Presentations.  Free Test of Spoken English preparation workshops are also offered on a non-credit basis. In addition to these classes, you are welcome to participate in free weekly tutoring sessions aimed at refining your speaking and writing abilities. Please visit the ESL website for more information on these and other English language services.

If you have been recently admitted and would like information regarding how to obtain a Request for Visa form, Tax Identification Number, US Bank Account or US Cellular phone, please visit our newly admitted students webpage.

For questions regarding TOEFL scores, please see the admission requirements website. TOEFL scores may be no older than 2 years from your intended quarter of entry. If you are applying for Fall 2010 quarter, TOEFL scores must be no older than September 2008.