University Hall

"In the fall of my third year, I studied abroad in Geneva, Switzerland, home of the WHO and international hub of global health. The first six weeks of the program were fully spent in classes, where we learned about global health issues by visiting key organizations (the Red Cross, the UN, the WHO, etc.) and hearing from various important speakers. We then had a one week mid-semester break during which my friends and I traveled to Germany (Munich and Heidelberg), where we were able to tour a whole host of museums and monuments, as well as renting bikes to ride through the countryside. When we returned to Geneva, the remaining eight weeks of the semester were hands-on learning through internships at various global health organizations. I interned with the International AIDS Society, where I analyzed the impacts of treatment initiatives in Zimbabwe, coordinated events for World Aids Day, and even got to attend a meeting at the WHO. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to understand global health challenges from various new perspectives, and well as see the inner workings of the systems and organizations in place to address these challenges." —Mary , School of Education and Social Policy '21

Northwestern allots $3.5 million to undergraduate research every year, allowing undergraduates to get involved in research to whatever degree they desire! Students can work with professors and graduate students on their research projects or even conduct their own research during their time at Northwestern. Departments like the Office of Undergraduate Research provide Summer and Academic Year Undergraduate Research Grants from which students can receive up to $3,500 to fund their research as well as living expenses when applicable.

"I have been involved with my lab for the past three years and have had the best experience. It was super easy to get involved—professors are constantly promoting their research and are always looking for students to join their teams. I reached out to a professor whose work I was interested in and he offered me a research position at the interview. The best thing about research at Northwestern is that it is extremely hands-on—you're not just cleaning fish tanks or getting coffee for the staff. I've had a chance to learn A LOT about my research topic, get extremely involved in it, and even was asked to take over a project. Not only is it a great experience, but it can also help you find something that you're passionate about!" —Chloe, Weinberg '21

"Research at Northwestern is not just for STEM fields! As a Theatre major, I had no idea that research would even be an option when I came to NU, but during the summer between my sophomore and junior years, I received a grant from the Office of Undergraduate Research to write a play about Princess Anna Amalia of Prussia, a long-forgotten Baroque composer and music collector. Northwestern funded my trip to Germany and Austria, where I toured castles, music halls, museums, and churches related to the Princess' life. By the end of the summer, I had a full draft of my play, and an excerpt was later performed at the Creative Arts Festival!" —Natalie, School of Communication '21