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 Office of Graduate Studies 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 Office of Graduate Studies of Drexel University is committed to helping make the transition as smooth as possible. The Office of Graduate Studies, in partnership with the International Graduate Student Association (IGSA) and campus partners, hosts a series of optional but highly encouraged 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 8, 2025
8 to 9:30 a.m. US Eastern Time (ET)

Watch the Recording [Drexel Streams] 

Tuesday, July 15, 2025
8 to 9:30 a.m. US Eastern Time (ET)

Watch the Recording [Drexel Streams]

The webinars include:

• A welcome and introduction by members of the Office of Graduate Studies, International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS), Counseling and Health Services, the Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC), Drexel Central, and members of the International Graduate Student Association (IGSA);
• A comprehensive overview of life in the US, in Philadelphia, and at Drexel, advice on what to bring and how to prepare for your arrival in the US, and how to prepare for graduate and academic study at Drexel;
• A Question & Answer (Q&A) session featuring current international graduate students, professional staff members to answer questions about immigration requirements, health insurance, immunizations, billing, co-op and career services, and a wide range of other topics!

The webinar sessions will be recorded and archived on this website for later viewing. A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) linked below will continue to be updated following the webinars:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In order to access the FAQs, you will need to be logged into your Microsoft Office 365 account via your Drexel Single Sign-On (SSO).

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

International Graduate Student Roommate Virtual Networking Event

In addition to the pre-arrival webinar listed above, the Office of Graduate Studies in collaboration with the International Graduate Student Association (IGSA) will offer a virtual networking event to assist incoming international graduate students in meeting a potential roommate through CoHive Roommate Search, a third-party application that helps you connect with like-minded individuals to find your ideal living situation safely and securely. Search your Drexel University community listings by downloading the free app, logging in with your Drexel.edu email address, and creating a profile. Register for the mixer by following the link below. Space is limited to 60 people.

Thursday, July 10, 2025
8 to 9 a.m. US Eastern Time (ET)

Register for the Mixer [CoHive]

International Graduate Student Workshops

In addition to the pre-arrival webinars listed above, the Office of Graduate Studies is offering an additional series of informational and professional development workshops to help students get acquainted with campus resources and services as they prepare to begin their graduate study. These workshops are optional but highly encouraged. The workshops will be recorded and archived on this website for later viewing.

Discover Blackboard Learn - Drexel's Learning Management System (LMS)
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
9 to 10 a.m. US Eastern Time (ET)

In this workshop, students will learn how to navigate Blackboard Learn, Drexel's fully-supported Learning Management System (LMS), also known as "Drexel Learn," "Bb Learn," or "Learn" for short, to access courses and materials. Learn is managed by Drexel University Information Technology (DUIT) and is fully integrated with the DrexelOne student portal and the Banner Student Information System (SIS). All Drexel courses have a section created in Drexel Learn each term in which you will be enrolled. The workshop will be presented by Abigail Maley, Online Learning Support Specialist in DUIT.

Join the Webinar [Zoom]

Introducing Drexel Hagerty Library and Services & Navigating the Waters of Academic Integrity with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Thursday, July 24, 2025
9 to 10 a.m. US Eastern Time (ET)

In this workshop, students will learn about Drexel Hagerty Library services, Drexel's Academic Integrity policy, and Academic Integrity Pertaining to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Renowned Drexel Librarian, Jay Bhatt, will lead a discussion on the importance of maintaining academic integrity in the digital age, with a focus on the use of tools like ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs) in academia. Key topics will include the importance of proper citations, the consequences of scientific misconduct, and the role of tools like Retraction Watch in preserving research integrity. The discussion will also cover guidelines for the responsible use of LLMs in coding and academic writing and the importance of verifying AI-generated content and citations against credible, peer-reviewed sources. This session aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate academic work ethically and effectively in an evolving digital landscape.

Join the Webinar [Zoom]

An Overview of Drexel's Graduate Student Career Services
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
9 to 10 a.m. US Eastern Time (ET)

In this workshop, newly admitted international graduate students will learn about all the career-related resources available in the Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC)! We have professionals who are here to help you make the transition from school to the world of work. This webinar is facilitated by Ken Bohrer, Senior Career Counselor in the Steinbright Career Development Center, Division of Student Success.

Join the Webinar [Zoom]

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

Guides & Resources for International Students & Scholars

Community Guide to Drexel and Philadelphia [PDF]

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. Visit the IGSA website for a list of members and more information.

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.

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.