I am deciding between WashU in St Louis (semester system) and Northwestern University (quarter system), and either way, I would like to spend a semester abroad. How would that work at Northwestern, being as most study abroad programs seem to operate on a semester based calendar? Would I have to take 2 quarters off?
Simple answer to your question - You CAN do Quarters. My NU Engineering D did Study Abroad at Edinburgh Fall Q & she loved it! 
This might be helpful: http://www.northwestern.edu/studyabroad/prospective-students/index.html
Good Luck!
you’re gone for a quarter (or two) and you come back the next quarter
How can I find out if certain foreign language departments would allow just one quarter abroad? Or is it an option for all languages?
Call the Study Abroad Office
You’ve probably already decided … In any event- many NU students study abroad for the fall semester, missing only the first quarter of NU classes, and then return in early January for second quarter and third quarters at NU. My son and his friends who studied abroad all did this.
@jrpar actually I didn’t decide until yesterday… I am officially a wild kitten!
Great choice!
@soontobecolleger Welcome aboard! You will absolutely love it here!
Congratulations!
@Northwestern777 Thank you! I visited on Monday and it was awesome!
@nugraddad thank you!