Drexel's 3,500+ international students, scholars and faculty represent 120+ countries and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Drexel. International Students & Scholars Services (ISSS) provides international students, scholars and faculty (F-1 and J-1) guidance on immigration, cultural, financial, academic, and personal concerns, and makes appropriate referrals when necessary. International graduate students also receive ongoing support and engagement from the Graduate College and International Graduate Student Association (IGSA) through a series of social, professional, cultural and recreational programs and opportunities. In addition, the English Language Center offers various academic and student life resources for international students and English language learners.

For more information about applying to Drexel as an international student or for international student resources, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

International Graduate Student Pre-Arrival Webinars

As international students prepare to travel to and begin their graduate study in the US, the Graduate College of Drexel University is committed to helping make the transition as smooth as possible. The Graduate College, in partnership with the IGSA and campus partners, hosts a series of pre-arrival webinars over the summer to help incoming international graduate students prepare for graduate study in the US, arrival to and life in the US and Philadelphia, and to answer any questions about student life and graduate study at Drexel.

Tuesday, July 11, 2023
8 to 9:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Watch the Recording [Drexel Streams]

Thursday, July 20, 2023
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

Watch the Recording [Drexel Streams]

The webinars include:

• A welcome and introduction of members of the Graduate College, International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS), Health Insurance and Immunizations, Drexel Central, Drexel Global, and current international graduate students and members of IGSA Executive Board (listed below);
• A comprehensive overview of life in the US, Philadelphia, and at Drexel and advice on how to prepare for travel, arrival and the rigor of the quarter systems and graduate study at Drexel;
• A Question & Answer (Q&A) session featuring current international graduate students, faculty and professional staff members, and representatives from the Graduate College, ISSS, Health Insurance and Immunizations, Drexel Central, Drexel Global and the IGSA on a wide range of topics.

The webinar sessions will be recorded and archived on this website for later viewing. We will also circulate a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) following the webinars.

If you have any questions about these webinars, please contact graduatecollege@drexel.edu.

Guides & Resources for International Students & Scholars

Please note that you may be required to log in via your Drexel Single Sign-On (SSO) with your Drexel ID (abc123) and password to access the FAQs:

Pre-Arrival Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Comprehensive Guide to Drexel & Philadelphia

International House Philadelphia International Student & Scholar Guide

Please also refer to the Pre-Arrival Handbook published by ISSS:

Pre-Arrival Handbook [PDF]

International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS)

ISSS offers a vast array of programs and services to approximately 3,500+ international students, scholars, and faculty (F-1 and J-1) representing 120+ different countries. The ISSS staff works to promote meaningful interaction between United States Citizens and nationals of other countries by organizing culturally enriching opportunities for all members of the Drexel community. A student's affiliation with ISSS begins immediately after the admission process and continues well beyond graduation. ISSS staff can advise international students, scholars and faculty on immigration, cultural, financial, academic, and personal concerns, and makes appropriate referrals when necessary.

For more information please visit the ISSS website or email isss@drexel.edu.

Information for Incoming Fulbright Scholars

Fulbright scholars have the unique opportunity to participate in graduate study, research, creative projects or teaching worldwide. Drexel offers incoming Fulbright scholars an opportunity for a truly comprehensive academic experience. Drexel offers the best of all worlds – a booming campus culture located in the heart of one of America’s great cities. To make the most of your experience at Drexel, you are encouraged to:

1. Join one of Drexel’s academic, cultural, sport and other student groups through Campus Life.
2. Browse opportunities for activities & involvement through Student Life.
3. Explore everything Philadelphia has to offer. From museums to good eats, there is no shortage of activities to explore! Find out more about living in Philadelphia by clicking on the "Guides & Resources" listed above.

Questions? Seek support through the following resources:

1. Scholars should contact their academic advisor for questions related to their academic plan of study and course schedule.
2. For assistance with required Fulbright paperwork and general inquiries, please contact the Office of Global Engagement at global@drexel.edu.

Checks must be mailed to the Cashier’s Office at the address below:

Cashier's Office
Suite 106, Main Building
Drexel University
3141 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

International Graduate Student Association (IGSA)

The International Graduate Student Association (IGSA) advocates for the interests and addresses the concerns of Drexel's international graduate students. As one of the most dynamic, diverse, and active graduate student organizations, the IGSA augments graduate student life at Drexel for international students and collaborates with groups across the University to offer:

• Pre-arrival informational and engaging webinars;
• Welcome programs and events;
• Shopping trips;
• Cultural and informational tours of Drexel and Philadelphia;
• Group trips Philadelphia and metropolitan area attractions;
• Academic and professional development workshops;
• Multicultural social events and gatherings in celebration of US and international holidays and culture;
• Cultural and community building events;
• And, recreational events, such as hiking, skiing, ice skating and more!

Executive Board Members of the IGSA 2023-2024

For general inquiries, please contact the IGSA E-Board at dsoigsa@drexel.edu. Or, visit their page on DragonLink for a list of upcoming events.

Role	Name, Program & Bio	Photo
President	Yash Gupta Master's Program in Business Analytics LeBow College of Business As President, my plans revolve around creating opportunities for international graduate students, like me, and helping them immerse in a new education system. Coming from India, I understand the importance of familiarizing ourselves with the complexities in this new educational chapter of life. I aim to organize events that not only provide educational resources, but also collaborate with various student organizations, academic departments, and faculty members. I want to ensure students gain insights, exchange knowledge, and build networks that will help them succeed in their academic and professional journeys.
Vice President	Ali Ghadimzadeh Alamdari PhD Program in Mechanical Engineering College of Engineering Ali's research interests include robotics, aiming to contribute to the development of innovative solutions for pressing challenges. In addition to his academic pursuits, Ali is actively engaged in mentoring students in Lunabotics robotic club.
Treasurer	Vacant
Event Coordinator	Varad Choudhari Master's Program in Engineering Management College of Engineering
Director of Social Events	Vijay Chandra Tewari Master's Program in Business Analytics LeBow College of Business
Director of Academic Events	Vacant
Director of Cultural Events	Riya Gaur Master's Program in Machine Learning Engineering College of Engineering I have a deep appreciation for different cultures and a desire to create an inclusive environment. As an international student myself, I understand the importance of feeling connected and supported while being away from home. By promoting collaboration and friendship, I believe that every international student deserves to have a fulfilling university experience that transcends borders and creates lifelong connections and cherished memories. I aim to bring the entire international student community together at Drexel University.
Social Media & PR Coordinator	Ritu Kukreja Master's Program in Data Science College of Computing and Informatics Fun fact about me is I try to be an Imperfectly Perfect.

English Language Center

Among many academic and student life resources, Drexel's English Language Center provides high quality English language instruction and support services to English language learners, as well as valuable information for new and international students related to housing, dining, banking and the city of Philadelphia.

The English Language Center also provides an International Teaching Assistant (ITA) program for new international TAs.

More Information

For more information on transitioning to the United States, the Philadelphia area and to the Drexel community please see Drexel's Office of Faculty Advancement's Guidebook for International Faculty which contains information pertinent to international graduate students as well.

The Journal of International Students also offers additional resources and information for international students and scholars.

For more graduate student resources, visit the More Resources page.