International Academic Partnerships
As a global institution committed to innovation and experiential learning, we actively engage with educational institutions around the world to explore collaborative opportunities that enhance our students’ learning experiences and advance our shared goals. Our partnerships are designed to support diverse forms of collaboration – from education and research to cultural immersion programs like Dialogues of Civilization – each tailored to foster meaningful academic engagement. We invite you to explore how Northeastern is building impactful, globally connected partnerships that drive both individual and institutional growth.
Types of Partnerships
Education
At Northeastern University, we collaborate with select international partners to create innovative educational programs that emphasize global experiential learning. These partnerships connect diverse higher education systems, empowering students to tackle the complex challenges and opportunities of our interconnected world.
Research/Innovation
Northeastern partners with leading international universities and industry organizations to deliver impactful, interdisciplinary solutions to global challenges in the digital age. We are committed to intercultural working relationships grounded in both mutual respect and complementary excellence. Leveraging our global network, we actively engage with research funding opportunities across the United States and Europe to drive meaningful innovation.
Dialogues of Civilization
Dialogues of Civilization (DoC) at Northeastern University are immersive, global learning experiences designed to enhance students’ understanding of different cultures, histories, and perspectives. These programs typically involve faculty-led study abroad opportunities that combine academic coursework with experiential learning.
Partnership Development Process
For Faculty/Staff at Northeastern
Please click below to access our internal SharePoint site for International Academic Partnerships. This site contains information for faculty and staff on the partnership development process, hosting delegation visits, and more.
For Potential Partner Institutions
The following is a broad outline of the key steps involved in our partnership development process. Each phase is designed to foster collaboration and ensure that our joint initiatives are strategically aligned and mutually beneficial.
- Exploration: Relevant stakeholders from both institutions will engage in discussions to identify and explore potential areas of collaboration. This phase involves sharing insights, resources, and strategic priorities to foster a mutual understanding of how we can work together effectively.
- Framework Development: Following the exploratory discussions, a collaborative framework will be developed to clearly outline the objectives and goals of the partnership. This framework will detail the roles and responsibilities of each institution, as well as the anticipated outcomes of the collaboration.
- Proposal/Agreement Review & Submission: Once the framework is established, a formal proposal will be prepared and submitted for review. Constructive feedback will be provided to refine the proposal as necessary, ensuring that all aspects are thoroughly considered before moving forward.
Visiting Northeastern University
To visit Northeastern University to discuss or continue discussing a potential collaboration, please click the link below. Note that this form is for Institutions outside Northeastern. If you are a faculty/staff member interested in hosting a delegation visit, please visit the SharePoint site under the For Faculty/Staff at Northeastern section above.
For questions, please reach out to delegations@northeastern.edu.
David Madigan, Provost & Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Northeastern University with Simon Harris, current Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland. FEBRUARY 2024.
Partnership Highlights
Here is a sample of our exciting collaborations that highlight our commitment to building meaningful relationships with institutions worldwide. These partnerships showcase our efforts to work together on shared goals and create unique educational opportunities.
Double Degree Partnerships
University College Dublin
For nearly two decades, University College Dublin and Northeastern University have collaborated to create transformative opportunities for students and researchers alike. Our partnership began with NU students studying at UCD for a semester abroad. Over time, the collaboration has expanded to encompass undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, alongside a strong track record in interdisciplinary research. A significant milestone in our partnership was the launch of a double MSc degree in Sustainability Engineering Leadership, which reflects our shared commitment to climate literacy and the future of environmental sustainability. In parallel, researchers from UCD and Northeastern have partnered on five cutting-edge, jointly funded research projects across health, AI, digital technologies, and the arts. These projects have highlighted the vibrant connections between researchers from both institutions and set the stage for even greater collaborations in the future.
International Networks
Science|Business
Science|Business exists to bring together three worlds which should work together but too often stumble apart: industry, research and policy. The Science|Business Network of universities, companies, and research and policy organisations is a uniquely powerful forum for driving innovation forward. In this sense, the collaboration with Northeastern University is a strategic link, offering a new dimension to the Science|Business mission, reaching across the Atlantic to create links between the European and the American technology and innovation worlds. The expertise that Science|Business brings in terms of funding knowledge and the influence of its news department make the partnership a valuable source of information and networking opportunities with the most important research stakeholders in Europe.
Fourth Generation University (4GU)
Northeastern University is a proud member of the Fourth Generation University (4GU) community — a global initiative focused on advancing the future of higher education.
Co-Enrollment
CUNEF Universidad
CUNEF Universidad and Northeastern University have established a co-enrollment residency partnership between CUNEF’s undergraduate programs and Northeastern’s Arlington Campus and College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Through this collaboration, a cohort of CUNEF undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) or a Bachelor in International Business and Economics participates in a semester-long residency at Northeastern-Arlington, with new cohorts rotating in each semester. During the residency, CUNEF students take three on-ground graduate-level courses alongside Northeastern graduate students, with the courses counting toward their undergraduate degree at CUNEF and potentially toward a future graduate degree at Northeastern. The academic experience is complemented by co- and extra-curricular programming designed for the CUNEF cohort and integrated with Northeastern graduate students.
Global Experience
Twenty-First Century City Dialogue
- Northeastern Dialogue students interact with local students from Meiji University on a weekend excursion to Mt Fuji as well as attending a local sporting event. In past years, Meiji has run a summer program on campus at Northeastern’s Boston campus.
Biomedical Imaging in Chile Dialogue
- Northeastern students take classes with local University of Andes students learning alongside them. The university also coordinates host family interactions where students stay with local host-families and experience what local life is like in Santiago.
Game Studio Collaboration with PJATK Game Aesthetics Lab
- Partnering with the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology (PJATK), NU students worked on the production of computer games to be shown at the GamesCom conference in Cologne, Germany, at the end of the term. This partnership provided NU students the chance to collaborate on a large-scale games project with international collaborators in an intensive development environment and had the opportunity to receive industry and peer reviews of their game product. This was a valuable experience for Northeastern students to work with students who are part of that international culture and make connections with industry professionals in this location.
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110 Churchill Hall 360
Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 373–2000
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