Skip to main content

Study Abroad

The Program in Comparative Literary Studies encourages all majors who qualify to consider study abroad during their time at Northwestern, typically during the junior year. Students can count courses taken abroad for the requirements in the first literature, the second literature, or area of concentration.

Application Process

To learn more about studying abroad and to apply for a study abroad program, visit the Study Abroad website.

All students who wish to study abroad must complete the online application through the Study Abroad website. Please meet with the Comparative Literary Studies Director of Undergraduate Studies to discuss your course plan while abroad and which courses may count toward your CLS major once you return. It is important to discuss course plans before studying abroad and while you are abroad so you know which courses are eligible for transfer to Northwestern, as well as which courses will be most useful to your degree progress.

When meeting with the DUS, bring any materials about the courses you are considering (course descriptions, syllabi, and study abroad program information). These materials will help when reviewing your course plan. You will also need to bring the WCAS Department Approval Form. This form will be signed by the DUS after reviewing your course plan. You will then upload the form to your online application.

Transfer Credit Process

If you would like to receive study abroad credit toward your CLS Major, you need to make an appointment with the CLS Director of Undergraduate Studies after you return from your study abroad program. Please bring the following materials to your meeting:

After meeting with your major advisors, bring all of your materials (course work/information; petition for credit for courses taken abroad form; study abroad transcript) to the Weinberg College Advising Office (1918 Sheridan Road). You do not need an appointment. A committee will review your petition and convey decisions on attribution of credit to the Registrar. It typically takes about two weeks for your credits to post.

Below is a helpful website for the transfer credit process: