Division of Global Affairs
At Drake University, global perspective isn’t an add-on—it’s a defining value.
We prepare students to lead in a world that is deeply interconnected by intentionally weaving international learning and cross-cultural understanding into every aspect of the student experience.
In our classrooms, students engage with ideas, case studies, and international experts for perspectives that extend far beyond local or national boundaries. Beyond them, that learning extends through research, experience, and service—where students and faculty address real-world challenges shaped by global and cultural dynamics.
The result is graduates who think beyond local markets and immediate contexts. They are equipped to understand complex, systemic issues, navigate global relationships, and develop solutions grounded in an interconnected world—with care, and compassion.
That’s the Drake difference: an education that expands not just what you know, but how you lead.
Global Learning, Woven Throughout Drake
Global perspectives are embedded across the Drake Curriculum—from Areas of Inquiry in Global and Cultural Understanding to majors, minors, and concentrations with an international focus. Through learning alongside international students and scholars and through transnational partnerships around the world, students engage diverse viewpoints and develop the skills to lead in a connected, global society.
Develop a Global and Cultural Understanding
Everybody has value and a voice to share. You’ll encounter that simple concept in many of your classes by examining nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, and culture, acquiring a fuller understanding of the issues and events that shape our world.
International Students & Scholars
You'll be joining a community of 125 international students from 51 different countries. Before you get to campus, our International Student and Scholar Services Team will help you with everything from logistics (securing a visa or traveling to campus) to ensuring you have the tools and support to thrive once you're here.
Majors, Minors, and Concentrations
A global perspective is strengthened through what you study. Through majors like International Business and International Relations—and minors in Human Rights Studies and Language and Culture—students deepen their understanding of a complex, interconnected world and build the insight to engage it.
Transnational Education
Through international partnerships in places like Singapore, Panama, and China, Drake extends its degrees beyond Des Moines—making a globally focused education accessible where students live, while creating pathways to continue their journey on campus.
The World Is Waiting
Study abroad at Drake is accessible to everyone—all majors and every term. Program offerings are intentionally selected to complement the curriculum.
1 in
Of graduating Drake students have studied abroad.
$ K
Of study abroad scholarships offered by Drake annually.
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Countries represented by Drake’s student body.
Study Abroad
The best way to understand the world is to see it for yourself. Our hands-on, learn-by-doing philosophy means you have access to the kinds of experiences that lead to unforgettable learning in far-off places. Study abroad opportunities include year-long programs at foreign universities and intensive, short-term experiences led by Drake faculty. Whether you participate in an internship, language immersion program, research, or service project, we’ll help you find an option that meets your goals.
Learn here. Lead anywhere.
Growing a global leadership mindset happens every day at Drake. Whether you attend an event on campus like our International celebration, I-night, join Unity Roundtable, engage with our Young African Leaders Initiative, become an International Peer Mentor, or get accepted to the Global Leaders Corps, there are endless ways to build your global mindset.
Global Partnerships
Turn Drake’s global connections into personal opportunities. With 19 partnerships in 13 countries, Drake students and faculty can participate in travel seminars, research projects, and short-term programs where you’ll attend class at an international institution, converse with its students and faculty, and explore the region’s culture.