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Tips For Getting Started

Maximize resources on this website

This website serves as a guide and resource for future and current study abroad students. Explore and learn more by browsing this site.

Read Dragons Abroad student journals for student perspectives on life abroad and their experiences in particular programs.

Attend Study Abroad Information Session

There are a number of classroom visits, college specific info sessions, and campus wide events (as well as Study Abroad 101) throughout the term. This is a great opportunity to hear an overview of the study abroad process and begin exploring options!

Take Language Placement Test

Even if students have no intention of continuing with previous language studies, taking the language placement test is strongly recommended. Why? Because students often decide later on to continue studying the language or may want to apply for a program with a language pre-requisite. Taking the placement test can help save time down the road!

Inform Academic Advisor and Co-op Coordinator about study abroad intentions

Academic advisors and co-op coordinators can help plan students' co-op cycle and curriculum sequence accordingly. In some instances, a co-op cycle change may be necessary to best schedule a study abroad term.

Build relationships with Drexel faculty and staff

Students should build relationships with Drexel faculty and staff by participating in class, attending office hours, getting involved with extracurricular activities, etc. This is extremely helpful when it comes time to ask for recommendations for study abroad and scholarship applications. The more active students are both in and outside of the classroom, the stronger their recommendations will be!

Consider short term language intensives or volunteering abroad

Students can maximize their summer vacation term or inter-term breaks for short term international opportunities.

Take courses during co-op term

Drexel also allows students to take 1 course per co-op term at no cost, which can be a requirement or elective course. Taking courses during co-op can allow students to accelerate their language skills or get ahead in required courses, both of which can be helpful for studying abroad.

It's never too early to start saving money

The further ahead students prepare to go abroad, the longer they have to make and save money for their international experience. Students should review the Financing Study Abroad page for creative ideas for saving money, as well as explore our scholarships page.

Seek internationally themed Drexel student organizations

There are many culturally themed students organization on campus. Involvement can help students learn about other cultures and support the international community at Drexel.

Arrange campus housing

Students should factor study abroad into their housing decisions. Apartments will need to be sub-letted during study abroad periods, which can affect if and when students sign a lease. Students who sign up for Drexel Housing must complete a Housing Release Form for their term abroad.