Guidance for Families

As members of the Northeastern community, families play an integral role in ensuring the development and well-being of our students. No matter the duration, participating in one of Northeastern University’s many international programs can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your student’s time at the Northeastern.

A Team Effort

While Northeastern offers numerous services to help keep your student safe during their travels, we couldn’t do it without your trust and support. We understand that international travel, especially for extended periods of time, can be both an exciting and stressful experience for families. Here are some tips that can help alleviate some last-minute stress:

  • Ensure that your student’s travel documents are valid for a minimum of 6 months following their expected return home;
  • Familiarize yourself with the Global Safety and Support Network, and other resources offered by the university;
  • Set up a regular communication schedule with your student, as well as a contingency plan in the event of an emergency;
  • Help your student prepare for the journey:
    • Is your student traveling to a country that uses different electrical plugs?
    • What’s the local currency?
    • Are there any restrictions on medications?

University Resources

Northeastern University has assembled some of the best resources available to ensure that your student has both an enriching and safe experience during their travels abroad. Here are some of the tools that are available to your student while they are overseas.

International Assistance Hotline

24/7 Travel Assistance

Northeastern has partnered with some of the top names in travel security and medical assistance to assist our travelers, wherever their travels may take them.

If you need assistance during your travels, call: +1.857.214.5332 (collect calls accepted).

24/7 Mental Health Support

Support and Resources that help you find yourself, your peace of mind, and your distinctive path.

If these numbers are  not accessible, you can use the below link and website to initiate contact. Please note, this service is for students learning outside of the United States.

For more information, visit: https://www.northeastern.edu/uhcs/find-at-northeastern/

The Global Safety and Support Office

The GSSO strives to assist NU travelers prior to international travel by providing guidance, logistics assistance, and information in order to enhance traveler safety and security awareness. We also provide one-on-one travel consultations!

For more information, please email us at: mytravelplans@northeastern.edu

WeCare

The We Care office assists students who are experiencing unexpected challenges to maintain their academic progress, and works with other university offices and faculty to help ensure students’ success at Northeastern.

Contact Information:
Telephone: +1.617.373.7591
Email: wecare@northeastern.edu
Website: https://studentlife.northeastern.edu/we-care/

Travel Registry

All students are required to register their university-related travel plans with the Global Safety and Support Office prior to departure. Simply use your Northeastern email to access the Travel Registry, Factsheets, and Alerts. Best of all, it’s completely free for students, faculty, and staff!

https://travelsecurity.garda.com/checkMail

Northeastern University Police Department

NUPD is a full-service and accredited police agency that comprises patrol and investigative divisions providing 24-hour service. Officers are ready and willing to assist all members of our community.

On-campus emergencies: +1.617.373.3333
Non-Emergency Line: +1.617.373.2121
Website: https://nupd.northeastern.edu

Global Experience Office

GEO maintains a vast portfolio of international opportunities for Northeastern students. Our Program Coordinators and Peer Advisors will help you define your goals, select the program that meets these goals, navigate courses, and prepare you to be safe and successful on your journey.

For more information, please visit: https://www.northeastern.edu/geo/

Title IX (Office of University Equity and Compliance)

The OUEC is responsible for investigating and resolving all complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation at Northeastern.

For more information, please visit: https://www.northeastern.edu/ouec/

Global Programs

For a full portfolio of global opportunities, please visit the Global Experience Office’s website: https://www.northeastern.edu/geo/

Preventing Homesickness

Many students traveling abroad experience homesickness in some form during their international program. The symptoms of homesickness may resemble those of depression or anxiety, including difficulty focusing, fatigue and change of appetite. As parents and family members, you can help mitigate these symptoms, letting them fully enjoy their experience abroad!

What can I do?

  • Set up a regular communication schedule via telephone or email. Understand that your student may communicate less frequently as they may want to disconnect from home to fully immerse themselves in the local culture;
  • Foster independence. While abroad, your student will learn to transcend cultural barriers, and develop critical problem-solving skills that will follow them for the rest of their lives. This is part of what makes international programs so unique.
  • Be ready to lend a listening ear as your student navigates culture shock, homesickness, and frustration;
  • Encourage your student to seek outside support. Alongside their on-site support network, the Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7 mental health and counselling support to all students worldwide!

FERPA Disclaimer

Like any other Northeastern University program, all international programs are mandated by Federal law to protect the privacy of student education records, both financial and academic. The University is not allowed to disclose student-specific study-abroad information with parents, guardians or others without the student’s express permission. Students may opt to allow the University to share information with parents or legal guardians by completing a FERPA Update Form.