Frequently Asked Questions

Initial Considerations   

Q: I am interested in studying abroad but I'm not sure where to go or what program would be best for me.  What should I do?

A: Descriptions of all of our programs, as well as application information, is available on the Study Abroad website. After you have explored our programs feel free to come in for open advising (hours available on our advising page) to discuss your options with an advisor.

Q: Do I need any background in a foreign language to study abroad?

A: The language requirements vary from program to program, but many of our programs are in English, including some destinations that are not English speaking. In addition, many of our language programs do not require you to have advanced language skills before you begin your study. Language and other requirements can be found on each program’s page on our website.

Q: I’ve found a study abroad program I’m interested in, but it’s through an institution other than DePaul. What should I do?

A: In order to do a non DePaul program you will need to apply for transfer credit. Visit the Non-DePaul Program Credit page of our website for an explanation of this process and then come in during our Non-DePaul Program walk in hours (listed on our advising page).

Financial   

Q: What is included in the program fee?

A: This varies from program to program. Check the destination’s program page and the Program Fees sections of our web site or, if you have already been accepted, your Cost Information Sheet (available on Blackboard).

Q: What should I do about health insurance abroad?

Q: I receive financial aid. Will it be applied to my account?

A: Financial aid or scholarships you already receive can apply for study abroad programs.  For information on receiving additional financial aid, you can contact the Financial Aid Office.

Q: When will I be getting a response regarding the DePaul Study Abroad scholarship I applied to?

A: Once a decision has been reached, all students will be contacted via email. These decisions often take several weeks past the scholarship deadline to be processed.

Application Process   

Q: How do I apply for Study Abroad? What else do I need to apply?

A: Information about the application and application requirements can be found in the Apply section and the program page will have program specific requirements. Before applying, make sure to have a good understanding of program costs, credits, and other arrangements.

Q: I applied for a program.  Now what?

A: Be sure that you have submitted all the necessay components of your application. If you are missing something, the Study Abroad Office will alert you afer the deadline has passed. Within a month after the deadline, you will be contacted to schedule one or more interviews.

Q: What is the dress code for the interview? Do I need to bring anything?

A: There is no requirement for the dress code, but please feel free to look your best.  Bring a pen, something to write on, and any questions you have. Be ready to engage in a discussion of your reasons for applying to your program as well has study abroad fits into your academic and personal goals.

Forms and Registration   

Q: I have been accepted to a Study Abroad Program. Are there any forms to fill out? Where can I find them?

A: All forms are available on your Blackboard site, which you will have access to at the time of or shortly after acceptance.

Q: How should I submit my forms?

A: Please submit your forms via e-mail, fax, or dropping them off at our office.  If none of these means are possible, please contact the office.

Q: What does JYEL stand for (found Course Registration Forms)? How about SSMW, UP, AL or EL?

A: These are abbreviations that denote the Liberal Studies Requirements for which certain study abroad courses can count.

Q: How do I register for study abroad courses?

A: Study Abroad will register you for your courses once you submit the Course Registration form that you received in your acceptance packet. Depending on the program, sometimes it is necessary to register you for a "credit hold"—this registration will maintain your full-time student status until you confirm the classes you intend to take abroad. Then your registration will be adjusted.

Q: Short Term Programs: When does my class take place?

A: Either Study Abroad or your faculty director will contact you regarding class times and dates.

Travel Arrangements   

Q: When should I buy my plane tickets?

A: For Term Long Programs, once your Travel Information Document in available (on Blackboard) you can begin to make your arrangements. This document will give you the program dates, as well as where go once you reach your destination. You will also have the contact of the other participants in your program on Blackboard if you wish to travel with someone else. Study Abroad generally organizes the purchasing of plane tickets for undergraduate Short Term Programs. 

A: Students on term long programs are responsible for purchasing their flight. Some travel agencies offer student discounts on tickets, but shop around to find the best price. Consider leaving a day or two before your program, as ticket prices vary by day. Note that you will have to arrange your own accommodations if you arrive early.

Q: Do I need to take a leave of absence?

A: Students attending DePaul programs are not required to take a leave of absence.  If you are applying for a non-DePaul program that lasts three consecutive terms, you can enroll in a non-credit course (ISP 050) that will maintain your status as a student at DePaul while you are away.  For more information on this non-credit course, visit the Transfer Credit Section of our Advising Page.

Other   

Q: What about the books I’ll need for my courses abroad?

A: Course texts are not included in the program fee. Books for many short-term programs are available at the bookstore. Additional readings may be available on Blackboard. Books for term-long programs are generally purchased at the program site, or may be borrowed from the host institution library. In addition to your course books, remember to leave room in your luggage for reference books (guide books, language books, pocket dictionary, etc.). Language books and dictionaries will be particularly helpful for writing papers.

Q: Can I talk to someone who has gone on the program in the past?

A: Absolutely! Past participants will be available at your Site Specific Orientation. In addition, you can request that information from our office.

Q: Term Long Programs: Can you give me a list of people that I can sublet my apartment to?

A: Study Abroad can not give out student information except for the contacts for your own program.

A: Yes.  The Study Abroad Office will remove these fees shortly after the add/drop date.

Q: How do I get important university mail while I am away?

A: Be sure to change your address in Campus Connection. You can have your mail forwarded to a friend or family member. Also make sure your e-mail address is up to date, since much University correspondence is sent electronically.

Q: Can I vote in U.S. elections while I am studying abroad?

A: All U.S. citizens overseas are guaranteed the right to vote in federal elections in the United States. Federal elections include primaries, general and special elections for the President, Vice President, U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives to Congress. You may request a ballot before you leave to go abroad from the local election board. In some countries, you may be able to pick up a ballot for the national election from the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For more information on absentee voting, see the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s website at http://www.fvap.gov.

Q: Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from my program. What do I need to do?

Q: Term Long Programs: What should I do when I get to my destination?

Q: I cannot stay after my program ends, but I would like to travel to other countries during the program. Is that possible?

A: Extensive travel is best done before or after your study abroad program. Depending on the constraints of your program, you might be able to travel during the program, either on weekends or school holidays. Remember, however, you are participating in an academic program. Your travels should not interfere with your course work.

Q: Term Long Program: How do I choose what countries or cities to visit?

A: Creating your own travel itinerary is an exciting component of the pre-departure phase. Consult maps and travel guides to help you decide what countries and cities to. You can begin now to jot down countries or cities you would like to visit. Having an idea of where you want to travel will help you determine how much extra money and time you’ll need. On the other hand, having a limited amount of free time for travel will also help you make decisions about where to go. For example, if you can only travel on weekends, travel within your host country may be more feasible. As you plan your travels, remember to leave plenty of time to explore your new home, both your host city and country.

Q: What kind of accommodations should I anticipate while traveling?

A: If you are like most student travelers, you will be traveling on a budget. Many students choose to sleep in youth hostels or budget hotels. Despite the often uncomfortable mattresses, community showers, and basic breakfasts, student travelers often enjoy the friendly and casual atmosphere of hostel life.

A: Communication is the key to a successful homestay experience. Talk to your family; many of the homestay-related problems originate in a small misunderstanding or miscommunication. Be reasonable and be extra polite especially when there is a language and/or cultural barrier. If there is a problem that you do not feel comfortable discussing directly with your family or you are not sure how to talk to your family about, consult the local coordinator. The local coordinators are there to help.

Q: Can I work while I’m studying abroad?

A: Several of our programs offer internships abroad (London, Dublin, Leuven, among others). These internships are unpaid, but they are credit bearing and offer students a chance to gain work experience while abroad. In most countries, a student status does not allow its holder to legally work. Furthermore, adjusting to your destination and the demands of your course work may make it difficult to work while abroad.

Q: When will I get my grades from study abroad?

A: At the earliest, grades are posted at the end of the quarter following a study abroad program’s end. So, grades from a fall program are posted at the end of the winter quarter, grades from an academic year program are posted at the end of the summer, etc. The delay in posting grades is due to the difference between the end dates of study abroad programs compared to end dates of DePaul’s quarters and the extra amount of time it takes for the host institutions to process and send students’ academic transcripts to the Study Abroad Program. Additional delays may be caused by enrollment changes, students’ financial blocks at their host institutions, and student tardiness in completing evaluations and course or journal assignments which must be submitted by the student before grades can be issued. Due to this delay, seniors studying abroad the spring quarter of their final year should not expect degree referral any earlier than August

Q: My transcript has R’s instead of grades, but I am applying for graduate school/jobs that want to see the grades. What can I do?

A: The ‘R" grades mean ‘in progress’ and that we have not received or cannot yet record the grades. However, the Study Abroad Program can provide you with a letter explaining the delay. Including the letter with your application can help them understand the reason for the ‘R’ grades.