Northeastern stands out as a global hub for higher education, drawing students from every corner of the world. With more than 20,000 international students representing 141 countries as of fall 2024, the university has cultivated a diverse community.

Northeastern ranks second in the U.S. for the highest international student enrollment, behind New York University, which has 27,247 international students. But what exactly draws so many students? 

While international students on F-1 or J-1 visas maintain legal status in the U.S. by simply pursuing full-time studies, Northeastern’s co-op program offers a unique advantage by allowing them to gain hands-on professional experience in the U.S. Students said this not only builds practical skills and industry knowledge, but also strengthens their resumes, improving their chances of securing post-graduation opportunities.

“The co-op program really stood out to me. I love the idea of getting real [world] working while still in school,” said Samara Masand, a first-year economics and business administration combined major from Mumbai, India. “It felt like Northeastern really cares about helping students figure out their careers early on, which was important to me, especially since I am an international student.” 

Unlike most universities, Northeastern’s co-op program integrates real-world work experience into the academic curriculum as a core requirement rather than an optional add-on. While some schools offer internships or co-ops for credit, only 32 other institutions nationwide — including Drexel University, Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Cincinnati  — have structured co-op programs, and even fewer make experiential learning as central to the academic experience as Northeastern. Indeed, U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Northeastern highly for its co-op and internship programs.

With partnerships spanning more than 3,800 companies globally, students have the opportunity to work at law firms, startups and prestigious research institutions. 

“Northeastern’s co-op program gave me a front-row seat to the full product development lifecycle at SharkNinja, where I collaborate with brilliant minds across engineering, marketing, research and development and finance,” said Swarnima Dalmia, a second-year economics and mathematics combined major from India. “It’s more than a job — it’s a launchpad to any career path, with skills and connections that will stay with me for a lifetime.” 

Dalmia’s experience reflects a broader sentiment shared by many Northeastern students who value the co-op program for its real-world exposure and career-shaping opportunities.

“For me, co-op is positive because it gives me an experience of the real world and an insight of the skills you need to succeed in the professional environment,” said Karan Doshi, a second-year business administration major from Mumbai. “It gives me a chance to explore what paths I want to take on. I am a finance [concentration] who is also applying to supply chain co-ops because of the fact that I gained significant interest in supply chain through clubs and societies on campus.”

Co-ops provide a unique opportunity for students to secure employment more quickly than other graduates. At Northeastern, 93% of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation, compared to nearly 85% of bachelor’s degree graduates who were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation. Additionally, 58% of students are offered a job from a previous co-op employer. 

For international students, securing employment after graduation can be a pathway to obtaining a work visa, such as the H-1B. To be eligible for an H-1B visa, an applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a role that requires “specialized knowledge” and at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Northeastern’s location in Boston is another reason some international students choose the university. 

“I chose Boston as the ideal location for my studies,” said Urvi Kuchhal, a first-year international affairs and cultural anthropology combined major who is from Bengaluru, India. “I applied to both Boston University and Northeastern University, as they were my top choices. Getting into Northeastern was more of a stroke of luck, as I didn’t do much research; I just knew I wanted to be in the city.”

Boston’s reputation as an innovation hub makes it an ideal setting for students pursuing careers in industries like technology, healthcare, business and engineering. The city’s dynamic startup ecosystem and proximity to global companies give international students a unique advantage in securing internships and post-graduation employment.

“I chose Boston because it’s home — and more importantly, it’s a hub for manufacturing and technology. Where better to work than at the headquarters of the top firms,” Dalmia said. 

For many students, the appeal of Boston goes beyond professional opportunities. The city’s diverse communities, rich culture and academic atmosphere create a sense of belonging that is hard to replicate elsewhere. Doshi emphasized how this environment played a key role in shaping her decision to stay after graduation.

“[Boston is] where I’ve grown comfortable with the people, the pace and the culture,” she said. “There’s still so much to learn, but this city offers everything a student could ask for: world-class academics, endless networking and access to some of the biggest names in business. It’s the perfect place to launch a career.”

Being surrounded by a large international student population also helps ease the transition into life abroad. 

“It’s a good fit because there are so many international students here,” Soloman said. “I don’t feel as homesick, and it’s easier to integrate when you’re part of a diverse community.”

Northeastern operates a global university system with 13 campuses across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. While the flagship campus in Boston hosts a large population of undergraduate students, many of the other campuses focus primarily on graduate and professional education, like Toronto and Vancouver.

The more niche aspects of Northeastern, such as its credit transfer policies, have also become a significant draw for students abroad. These policies allow students to fast-track their academic journey by earning college credit through select high school classes like International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement classes. 

Others, like Adina Dhoka, a first-year biology major, chose Northeastern because of its ranking.

“Northeastern’s ranking played a big role in my decision,” Dhoka said. “As an international student, attending a highly-ranked university gives my degree more credibility back home and helps me stand out to global employers. It made me feel confident that I was investing in the right place.”