General Info

FAQs

How can I contact someone associated with GIM?
See our contact page for information, or email gim@kellogg.northwestern.edu.

What are the countries that will be offered for GIM students to study in the winter?
Our current classes page provides the latest class information.

How are the countries selected?
Each spring, a set of countries is chosen based on student surveys.   Faculty advisors are then selected for each country.

What is the faculty advisor's role?
The primary responsibility of the faculty advisor is to provide broad oversight and serve as a resource. The faculty advisor does not teach this course in the conventional sense. In-country, the advisor's role is to be an official representative of the school, which means acting as the head of a delegation. The advisor will not be chaperoning the class, but will be concerned about your welfare and safety as well as the success of the trip for you and the school. In the event of an emergency, the advisor is authorized to assume control of the class. The faculty advisor also will evaluate and grade the team's research projects.

I want to be a leader.  What do I do?
Attend the Leader Q & A session that is held during the beginning of September. See the GIM Timeline (Word doc 45 KB / 1 page) for this year's date. If you are unable to attend the Q & A session, you should contact the GIM Office prior to the meeting.

How are leaders selected?
Individual faculty advisors choose their leaders in a variety of ways.   Some interview, some require written explanations of why you want to be a leader and why you are qualified, some require resumes. Faculty advisors look for highly organized and motivated students.

Do I have to be a native of the country I wish to study in order to be a leader?
Absolutely not!  Of course, it will help if at least one of the 4 or 5 leaders has experience in that country.

Do I have to speak the language of the country I wish to visit?
No. However, GIM recommends taking one of the Berlitz classes offered through the Student Affairs office.

	GIM Trip to Ghana

How do I sign up for a GIM class?
You bid for GIM classes just as you bid for all other Kellogg courses.

Are GIM classes restricted to first year students?
Absolutely not.  As a Kellogg student, you may take a GIM class during the winter quarter of either your first or second year. 

What kind of credit do I get for a GIM class?
You will receive 1.0 unit for taking a GIM course. One GIM class can count towards an International Business & Markets major or a Biotech major.  In all other cases, GIM classes are counted as electives. 

Can I take a GIM class pass/ no pass?
No.  Because of the nature of GIM courses, they must be taken for a grade.

Can I just go on the trip and not take the class portion?
No.  All students must take both the class and the trip portion of GIM courses.

Where can I find information about Visas?
Complete Visa information is available at http://travel.state.gov/.

Is supplemental medical health insurance required?
Yes.  All students traveling abroad are required to participate in the study abroad health insurance plan selected by the NU Office of Risk Management. Students insured through NU Student Health do not need to pay the enrollment fee. Students insured through other insurance companies will have to purchase this supplemental insurance for a small fee. The cost is $6.17 per week.

Are immunizations necessary?
Only a healthcare practitioner can tell you what is required and recommended.  Each individual requires something different depending on personal health history and destination.  Please make an appointment with the Student Health Center soon.  Remember, some immunizations require more than one visit, so plan ahead.

How much do GIM courses cost?
Because of the variety of countries offered for study, there is a large range in the price of GIM courses.  The range is somewhere between $3,500 and $6,000. The average course costs approximately $4,500.

I heard that GIM students are required to pay a $250 non-refundable deposit; is this true?
Yes!  The $250 (please make your check out to Northwestern University)  is due by the Wednesday of the first week of winter classes.  You will be dropped from your GIM class if you do not pay the deposit on time.

Can I get financial aid?
Financial aid is available for GIM courses.  The amount of the loan will be based on the total estimated cost for each individual of each individual trip.   Please contact Julie Israel or David Lowery in the Financial Aid Department for more information.

When are GIM classes held?
The first GIM class will be held in late November or the beginning of December from 5.00 - 7.00pm.  The remaining classes will be held during the winter quarter on Wednesdays from 3:15-6:15. In addition there will also be 1-2 all GIM Plenary Sessions highlighting key topics in International Business presented by distinguished Kellogg faculty. See the current Plenary Session schedule for details.

When do GIM courses travel?
GIM students travel during finals week (all GIM students take early exams) and spring break.  See the GIM Timeline (Word doc 45 KB / 1 page) for details.