Study Abroad

Gain new perspectives, explore other cultures and expand your world. Drake University offers a variety of international study programs on every inhabited continent, with learning opportunities in more than 60 countries. Interim, summer, semester and year-long programs are available for students to study abroad at a reasonable cost. Students with or without foreign language background can study in a variety of countries.

Earning Academic Credit
Whether studying abroad for three weeks or a full year, the credits earned on approved programs apply towards a Drake degree.  Early planning with an academic adviser ensures that courses taken abroad fulfill Drake requirements without delaying graduation. 

GPA Requirement
Required grade point averages vary among programs, but better grades mean better scholarship opportunities and a wider variety of program options.  Strong recommendations also make a difference.

Foreign Language Study
A semester abroad is the ideal way to learn or perfect a foreign language, but language study is not required.  Programs in more than 50 countries offer coursework in English.

Financial Aid
Depending on the program and site, a semester or year abroad with a Drake-affiliated program is comparable in cost for tuition, room, and board to a semester or year at Drake.

Financial aid is available for study abroad, and the Office of Student Financial Planning reviews each student's package individually. Drake University grants and scholarships awarded to a student are limited to 50% for study abroad and for two semesters only. All other financial aid (i.e., federal grants and loans, outside scholarships) can be awarded as allowable at 100%. Supplemental study abroad scholarship money is available to students demonstrating exceptional financial need, as funds allow.

To receive Drake aid, all students except graduating seniors are expected to re-enroll at Drake for at least one semester after their term abroad. Students who do not return to Drake are expected to refund the university for any Drake aid received while studying abroad.

Home Away from Home
Study abroad programs offer a variety of living accommodations such as residence halls, apartments, or family home-stays.

International Internships
An international internship is one way to gain experience that may distinguish you from other college graduates. Drake students have interned with the British House of Commons, the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service in Singapore, the Atomic Energy Commission in Vienna and Lipsey Meade Public Relations in London. The internship selection process is competitive, so plan early.

Visit the Study Abroad Web site for more information.