Would not recommend Northeastern for this student. NEU has co-ops, which are unconventional, but isn’t unconventional in the way this student specifically wants. It’s too large & pre professional, IMO, for what this student is looking for.
Maybe Colorado College? They have “breaking bread” with professors, classes in professors homes, professors are called by their first name, etc. Block plan with a lot of opportunities involved. Certainly unique/unusual.