Student Experience

Your experience studying abroad could very well change your life.

Many students come back sharing that study abroad was the highlight of their undergraduate experience. There are many things to consider before you leave, and these pages aim to give you a starting point of information on what to consider when preparing for departure, thinking about health and safety, your identity, as well as practical resources like study abroad forms, information for families, and also resources for Alumni who has returned.  

Our office also works with Drake study abroad Alumni to offer additional advice to students preparing to go abroad. If you want to speak with a current Drake student who has been abroad, reach out to our office and we can put you in touch. You can also see Drake students in action by searching #BulldogsWithoutBorders on our social media outlets!  

Plan & Prepare 

As you get started, consider reviewing the First Steps page to see what to do first on your journey toward your study abroad program. You can also click on the Plan & Prepare page to learn more in-depth information about the planning and preparing process for traveling abroad.  

Health & Safety

There are risks involved in traveling abroad, just as there are risks living here in the U.S. It is important to understand health and safety risks associated with your location abroad. Before departing, review your insurance coverage and consider getting vaccines that that are recommended for the country you are traveling to. Additionally, we recommend you review health updates for your country on the CDC website, the local laws in the country you are traveling to, and all safety tips. Finally, memorize or save local emergency contact details into your phone. 

Parents & Families

A semester abroad is one of the most valuable experiences a student can have as a Drake student. Many students return saying studying abroad was one of the best experiences of their undergraduate experience. There are quite a few things to consider in preparation for a study abroad experience, ranging from application paperwork, potentially receiving immunizations before departure, to considering the cost and how to finance an experience abroad. We want you to know we are here to support you and your student. 

Visit the Parents & Families page for more information about how you can help your student prepare and plan for studying abroad. 

Alumni

To those who have already studied abroad, welcome back! Our office continues to be here to support your journey, even after you return home. We hope that your experience was filled with friendship, personal growth, exploration of new cultures, and discovery of new possibilities. We offer resources to those who have returned, as well as ways to get involved on campus, and post-graduate opportunities.