International Students
As an international student, your time at Drexel will be full of support from your professors, potential mentors, and the professional staff in the office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS). The goal of ISSS is to help guide students like you during your Drexel experience all the way through graduation and assist in navigating any immigration, cultural, financial, academic, and personal concerns along the way. In addition to ISSS, our colleges, schools, departments, and numerous offices work in close collaboration to provide comprehensive support and are committed to helping you reach your maximum potential.
Check out the resources on this page to get a sense of how the University works to help our family of international Dragons thrive.
You Are Welcome Here: Drexel's International Community
Studying at Drexel means you'll have the flexibility to pursue a wide variety of academic interests combined with up to 18 months of real-world experience in the profession you're considering through our cooperative education program (known as Drexel Co-op). But the benefits of studying in the U.S. and at Drexel don’t end there. Located in Philadelphia, PA — the birthplace of the country and the first and only U.S. World Heritage City — there’s so much to explore in this thriving city for education, culture, and history.
1675
Drexel undergraduate international students.
13
percent of our undergraduate student population.
117
different countries represented.
*Data from Drexel University Fact Book
Philadelphia’s International Community
At Drexel, we’re proud to call the city of Philadelphia, or “Philly” for short, our home and we’re excited for it to become a home to you too. Known for its cultural diversity, rich history, and revolutionary spirit, there are plenty of unique experiences to have here.
Consider checking out these local communities:
As the second largest in the Eastern U.S. — Philadelphia’s Chinatown, originally settled in the mid-19th century by Cantonese immigrants, is a tight-knit community of about 3,000 people that also has restaurants, markets, and shops featuring items from different Asian countries including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, Myanmar, Japan, and Malaysia.
What began as a community of Italian immigrants in the 1880s has become one of the largest continuous outdoor markets in the country — South Philly's Italian Market operates today as a small business haven with rows of produce and fresh seafood and butcher shops, plus some of the most authentic Mexican food in the city.
With one of the largest Cambodian populations in any major U.S. city, the Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park has been a haven for immigrants within this Southeast Asian community (and many more) to share their rich cultural flavors and experiences with the rest of Philadelphia.
From restaurants and grocery stores to karaoke bars and other unique experiences — Little Saigon is the heart of the Vietnamese community in South Philadelphia.
What It Means To Be a Global Dragon
Drexel alumni and current students come from many different backgrounds and each Dragon makes unique contributions to our global community. Hear from Drexel Dragons from around the world and get a sense of how Drexel can prepare you for future success.
I quickly realized that coming to Drexel was the right choice. Drexel not only challenges you but allows you to pursue your passions and discover new interests.
Mago G. – Honduras
In retrospect, what surprised me most about Drexel were the opportunities I had as a student. I have graduated after completing three co-ops...[I've been] everywhere from Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Zürich, at companies like Microsoft and Google.
Alexandru C. – Romania
I participate in numerous professional student organizations that host various case competitions and events. I have been able to strengthen my interpersonal skills and network with professionals.
Annie N. – Vietnam
Being a Dragon is about discovering your passions and excelling in your endeavors.
Ruchika M. - Ghana
I gained classroom theory and practical, hands-on experience prior to graduation, a combination which is rare to find and unique to Drexel. The experience was transformational for me.
Krishna S. - India
“As I introspectively look back on my time here, I see immense growth in myself…Drexel has equipped me with the tools to take on any kind of challenges that the world throws at me.”
Saugat D. - Nepal