Northwestern would be considered your home institution. You may only receive aid from the institution where you are officially enrolled in a degree program. Anyone may apply for financial assistance at Northwestern. If your family contribution is determined to be less than the total cost of your program, you may qualify for financial assistance. The student expense budget is based upon the cost of your program.
Financial aid is determined by the cost of the program, minus the family contribution.
Since the costs are lower, the financial aid will be reduced accordingly. The student expense budget includes the total cost of your program which, in all likelihood, includes your airfare. Depending upon your family's resources, you may petition the Office of Financial Aid to have your tuition deposit waived or receive a cash advance to help with the purchase of your plane tickets. Students receiving assistance from an outside agency typically find that these funds can be used to help defray program costs. Students, in all likelihood, will not be allowed to work while studying in a foreign country.