Study Abroad Coursework
Studying abroad offers PreHealth students an opportunity to explore different cultures, gain global perspectives, and develop skills that will support their future careers in healthcare. Through international coursework and academic experiences, students can deepen their understanding of global health, explore different healthcare systems, and strengthen their cultural awareness.
With thoughtful academic planning, students can incorporate study abroad opportunities into their PreHealth pathway while continuing to make progress toward their degree and health professional program prerequisites.
Use the resources below to explore study abroad options, understand how international coursework may fulfill academic requirements, and plan an experience that aligns with your academic and professional goals.
Northeastern offers several opportunities to complete academic coursework through its global programs. However, how coursework is recorded on your transcript and whether it fulfills health professional program prerequisites depends on the type of global experience. Courses offered directly by Northeastern are generally accepted toward prerequisite requirements, while coursework completed through foreign institutions may be subject to additional restrictions.
The following guidance outlines how different Northeastern global programs may impact your PreHealth academic planning:
Global First-Year Programs (NUin, Global Scholars, London Scholars, NYC Scholars, Oakland Direct Admit): Beginning Fall 2023, all Global First-Year Program courses will be co-registered at NU in the equivalent courses, graded with standard U.S. letter grades, and appear on your undergraduate transcript as Northeastern University courses. Thus, most health professional programs accept these courses towards prerequisite course requirements. These changes are not retroactive prior to Fall 2023. Program alumni should refer to the Alumni Resources page to determine how coursework will be reported.
Dialogue of Civilizations: These immersive global experiences are led by Northeastern faculty during the summer! While these programs are physically facilitated at various institutions internationally, they are fully Northeastern University courses. Thus, health professional programs accept these courses towards prerequisite course requirements.
Semester/Summer In: These semester-long immersive experiences provide opportunities to engage in industry site-visits, alumni and networking events, guest lectures, and opportunities for co-op, all while taking Northeastern courses across our Global Campus Network. While these programs are physically facilitated at various institutions internationally, they are fully Northeastern University courses. Thus, health professional programs accept these courses towards prerequisite course requirements.
Traditional Study Abroad: Health graduate programs commonly require all prerequisite courses be taken in the US/Canada education system. While Northeastern University-sponsored study abroad coursework is transferred with grades to your undergraduate transcript and WILL be included in your GPA calculations for your health graduate program application, they remain subject to school-specific study abroad and coursework policies and are not guaranteed to contribute to an applicant’s satisfaction of course requirements. Therefore, when selecting a traditional study abroad destination, it is recommended that students attend a U.S. institution overseas OR a U.S. study abroad provider program. If attending a foreign institution, we recommend abstaining from taking health professional program prerequisites during this term.
If a student DOES enroll in required coursework for their health graduate program at a foreign institution, the most common remedy is to complete additional coursework in that subject area before applying. Alternatively, some programs may permit these courses if accompanied by a foreign coursework evaluation.
Unsure if the program you are considering is a good option for your PreHealth pathway? Use our Global Experience Options for PreMed & PreHealth Students Flowchart to guide you and/or schedule a meeting with your PreHealth Advisor!
In addition to academic coursework, PreHealth students can pursue meaningful experiential learning opportunities abroad through community engagement, research, and clinical exposure. These experiences offer opportunities to explore global health, engage with diverse communities, and develop perspectives that support future careers in healthcare.
Community Engagement
Service opportunities abroad allow students to engage with local communities, learn about social and cultural factors influencing health, and contribute to community-identified needs. Programs such as Global Medical Brigades, Global Dental Brigades, and the Alternative Breaks Program provide opportunities for service and cross-cultural learning.
Research
International research experiences allow students to explore scientific questions, collaborate with researchers across cultures, and gain exposure to global approaches to healthcare and public health. Opportunities may be available through faculty-led projects, institutional partnerships, or Global Co-op.
Clinical Experience
Clinical experiences abroad can introduce students to different healthcare systems, patient populations, and approaches to care. However, students must follow appropriate ethical and professional standards, including the AAMC’s guidelines for clinical experiences abroad, and should never perform clinical tasks beyond their training or qualifications.
Clinical experience abroad should complement, rather than replace, clinical experience in the United States, where students can develop familiarity with the healthcare system in which they intend to train and practice.
Most U.S. health graduate program application timelines span a full calendar year or more and consist of several phases during which being physically present in the United States is beneficial—or, in some cases, required.
General application timelines can be found on our Applicant Resources and Primary Applications webpages.
It is generally recommended that students plan to be in the U.S. beginning in the spring preceding the submission of their application and remain in the country throughout the application year. Students who will be outside of the U.S. during this time should carefully consider how they will complete key application components—such as entrance exams, application submission, and in-person interviews—while abroad.
How study abroad coursework should be reported on your application can vary based on the institution that issued the coursework, how the coursework appears on your transcript, and the application service you are using.
If you are preparing to apply to a health professional program, visit our Coursework & Transcripts webpage for detailed guidance on how to report study abroad institutions and coursework, request required transcripts, and navigate special considerations for Northeastern global programs.
- PreMed & PreHealth Advising Global Handout
- PreMed & PreHealth Advising Global Experience Options Flowchart
- NU Global Experience Office PreMed & PreHealth Students Webpage
- NU Global Experience Office Program Discovery Webpages:
- AAMC Guidelines for Premedical and Medical Students Providing Patient Care During Clinical Experiences Abroad