First Steps

Understand Your Objectives

Start the process by asking yourself some clarifying questions regarding the purpose of your study abroad experience: Why do I want to study abroad? What do I hope to gain from the experience? How will studying abroad benefit me academically, personally, and professionally?

Explore Study Abroad Programs

Take a look at program options in the study abroad portal. You can look at all programs or set parameters to narrow the list of programs (i.e. certain countries or regions, language of course instruction, and term abroad). We recommend talking with your Academic Advisor as early as possible to let them know you would like to study abroad, so that they can assist you with what courses or AOI’s might be best to take while abroad. Also consider the cost of the program and how you plan to pay for it. Once you have selected a program, you can schedule a meeting with Financial Aid to review how your financial aid package could apply.

Talk with the Education Abroad Advisor or Faculty Member

Once you have considered potential programs and want to discuss the application process in more details, reach out to Drake’s Education Abroad Advisor or the Faculty Member leading the program. Generally, if you are considering a semester abroad, contact the Education Abroad Advisor. If you are considering a faculty-led program, such as a traveling J-term program, contact the Faculty Leader(s). You can schedule an appointment online by clicking here.

Research Your Destination

Start to dig into your study abroad location. Consider what kinds of knowledge regarding the city, country, or region would help you feel at home as quickly as possible after arriving. Consider how important parts of your identity may fit into the local culture as well. 

It's also important to consider your host country’s entry requirements, local laws, culture, health conditions, safety and security environment before applying to the program.  The U.S. Department of State provides information regarding many of these topics on their country information pages. Non-U.S. citizens should seek guidance from their country of citizenship, as entry requirements and other details may vary.

Apply to the Program of Your Choice

Submit an application in the study abroad portal! Program deadlines can be found at the bottom of our study abroad checklist.

Apply for Scholarships & Funding

As you review the finances of studying abroad, consider also applying for scholarships. Drake offers Global Learning Scholarships for our students, and there are also many other sources of funding for study abroad. Scholarship deadlines are often one or two terms before departure, so apply early!

Apply for a Passport

Passport applications are available through the U.S. Department of State. You can also submit your passport application at the U.S. Post Office located at 1165 2^nd Avenue in Des Moines. Submit your application as soon as possible, because it can take several months to receive your passport. If you have a passport, make sure that it’s valid six months beyond the return date of your program.