Our International Community
Northern Essex Community College (NECC) is an excellent choice for international students who want to study in the U.S. Located in Massachusetts, NECC is just 45 minutes from Boston, and offers two unique campuses—one in the urban center of Lawrence and another in the more rural setting of Haverhill.
Students enjoy easy access to downtown restaurants and cafes, a train ride to Boston for a Red Sox or Celtics game, and quick road trips to outlet shopping in Maine or New Hampshire. NECC is also close to beautiful natural attractions, including rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, mountains, forests, lakes, and farms.
On campus, the Student Life and Athletics offices provide numerous opportunities to stay active, participate in sports, and connect with others.
NECC students come from diverse cultural backgrounds. Countries commonly represented include, China, Dominican Republic, Kenya, Turkey, Brazil, Ecuador, India, Japan, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia, among others. We are confident you will feel welcome and supported at NECC.
Key Benefits for International Students:
- Affordable & Accessible: Get the first two years of university education at a much lower cost than a four-year school.
- Seamless Transfers: Use the Mass Transfer agreement to easily transfer to public four-year colleges, including the UMass system, to complete your Bachelor’s degree.
- Supportive Environment: Benefit from small class sizes, caring faculty, and dedicated International Student Advisor for academic and immigration help.
- Career-Focused Programs: Explore diverse programs in health, business, tech, and more.
- Global Connections: Engage in international experiences, even virtually, through programs like International Virtual Exchange (IVE) to build global competency.
What NECC Offers:
- Academics: Around 60 programs, including honors options, in high-demand fields.
- Support: Tutoring, career advising, counseling, and resources for new students.
- Diverse Community: A welcoming atmosphere with many international students and cultural activities.
NECC provides a supportive, affordable launchpad for international students to succeed academically, gain valuable work experience, and prepare for a globalized world.
Questions About Applying, Documents, or Next Steps?
Visit our International Students FAQs for answers about the application process, required documents, immigration questions, and other important details.