Identity-Based Resources

Be the First!

First generation students are the first in their family to attend college or university. It takes courage and determination to be first! DePaul Study Abroad is here to help first generation students navigate and locate helpful resources to pursue an international study experience during their academic career.

We understand that first generation students may face a distinct set of challenges when it comes to studying abroad, but our aim is to inspire you to enhance your academic experience as you pursue your degree.

Did you and your family know…

• According to a study by the Institute for International Education, less than 10% of American college graduates have studied abroad. You could become a member of this elite group!
• Students who study abroad tend to have higher GPA’s and GRADUATE ON TIME.
• Students who study abroad are typically hired by employers within six months of graduating.
• Students who study abroad tend to earn a higher annual salary than their non-study abroad peers.
• Study Abroad is an investment. There is evidence of direct economic benefit to study abroad students post-graduation.

Share these facts with your family and friends. You can help them better understand the benefits of study abroad and why you are considering an international learning experience. It is helpful for family and friends to understand how important studying abroad is so they can provide support and encouragement to you in pursuing these goals.

Selecting a Program

We recommend choosing a DePaul sponsored study abroad program because all current financial aid and scholarships you receive will remain in place. DePaul-sponsored scholarships are available for students studying abroad.

Cost

Study Abroad does not have to be expensive! The cost of study abroad at DePaul is tuition plus a program fee. Tuition is billed at your regular DePaul tuition rate based on the number of credits enrolled. Program fees vary across short-term and term-long programs. Be sure to search for affordable programs or cost-effective programs, where you get the most “bang for your buck”!

Location

Location! Location! Location! The destination matters! 

You may want to choose a city or country overseas that has a lower cost of living than here in Chicago. It can be cheaper to live in certain places around the world than in the U.S. Keep in mind different currencies used and currency conversion rates. Also, try to find a program where it may be possible to work abroad in a part-time job in an effort to continue earning money while on a study abroad program.

Academic Fit

Explore which types of courses are offered on study abroad programs. Certain programs may be better tailored to students with certain majors and minors. A study abroad advisor can help you find a program that offers courses to fulfill your academic degree requirements. This way, you can study abroad and still graduate on time. Leave electives open and liberal studies domain courses open, in an effort to take these types of courses abroad.

Financing a Program

Understand DePaul Sponsored Scholarships

All students who apply by the original deadline are considered for DePaul Study Abroad-sponsored scholarships without a separate application. 

Apply for External Scholarships

It is important to hunt for funds that may be available in scholarships nationwide. Use study abroad scholarship databases in which you can search for funding based on a variety of criteria. There are destination-, major, heritage-, need-level, and language-based scholarships that may help to fund your study abroad program.

Start Crowdfunding

More students are finding ways to collect funds to help them study abroad, including the use of online crowdfunding. Students have started fundraising campaigns on websites (like gofundme.org) in which they reach out to social, familial, religious and other communities to which they belong. Students are able to galvanize family, friends and community members in an effort to support their academic goals. When you give others a chance to help you reach your dreams, you might be surprised at how much the people who care about you want to see you succeed. 

Consider Personal / Private Loans

We understand that most first generation students work part-time or even full- time jobs – and often need to cover the cost of a study abroad program with financial assistance from private loans. We know that this is often the last resort to finance an international study program, but in the case that a private loan can help, it is important to seek out a family member to serve as a co-signer on a personal loan. The benefit of taking out a private loan, is that you can build your personal credit history by paying off these loans over time – thereby demonstrating that you are a good financial borrower.

Use a Budget worksheet

Use the Study Abroad Budget Worksheet to help you plan your budget and compare total costs across programs. Look carefully to see what is included in the study abroad program fee and ask your Study Abroad Advisor if you have questions.

Contact a Financial Aid Counselor

If you need assistance calculating the cost of your study abroad, please contact a Financial Aid Counselor. Also, the financial office aid may offer foreign travel grants to students with a valid FAFSA on file.

Resources

On-campus:
Please reach out to the Study Abroad office to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding studying abroad. We may also be able to connect you with previous study abroad participants to discuss the specifics of the program you are interested in.

Additional:

• AllAbroad.us is a great resource for funding advice, outreach materials and study abroad advice specifically written with first-generation students in mind.
• Diversity Abroad provides tips for first-generation students on how to best prepare for studying abroad; this includes advice, scholarship information, student testimonials and more.
• First Generation Student is a great website for first-generation students in general, but they also feature student testimonials from study abroad programs.
• Global Scholars offers online modules for study abroad courses—pre-departure, while abroad and return.

Students of color and students from underrepresented ethnic and religious groups successfully study abroad every quarter here at DePaul.  In terms of the issue of race, some students feel that they are effected different while they are abroad than they are here in America, while some feel that the experience is quite similar to their lives here in America.

In collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Student Success (OMSS), Study Abroad has compiled information regarding the selection of programs, questions to ask yourself and additional resources including on-campus, off-campus and financial resources.  Contact our office if you would like to talk to a student of color who has participated in study abroad.

Selecting a Program

Whether you already identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer or asexual student or are still exploring your own sexual and gender identities, Study Abroad seeks to provide the most beneficial programs and resources for you. 

In collaboration with LGBTQA Student Services, Study Abroad has compiled information regarding the selection of programs, questions to ask yourself, and additional resources including on-campus, off-campus and financial resources.

Selecting a Program

Resources:

Questions to consider:

Blogs:

• It's a Mind Game: Studying Abroad with Anxiety

• How I Successfully Studied Abroad with a Disability

• First 3 Weeks in Granada [student with blindness]

• Handling Mental Illness While Abroad

• Depression, Anxiety, and Homesickness: Pushing Through It

• Abled Abroad: España Edition

• Traveling with Type 1 Diabetes

• Traveling with a Chronic Condition

Resources:

Transfer students, graduate students and nontraditional students—those who may be older than 25, work full-time, have dependents, or are returning to education after a break— bring unique perspectives and life experiences to study abroad. While balancing family, work, and lack of degree plan flexibility can make international study feel daunting, these students can–and do!–make study abroad work.

Questions to Consider

• Transfer students: 

• Do I have enough time left? 

• Transfer students frequently participate in both our short-term and term-long study abroad programs, so don’t rule it out just because your overall time at DePaul is shorter.

• Some students in our short-term programs are in their final quarter at DePaul, so it’s rarely too late!

• How much flexibility do I have for electives in my degree path?

• What remaining degree requirements can be fulfilled via study abroad?

• What about DePaul’s residency requirement?
  • Don’t worry!  In DePaul-sponsored study abroad programs, all of your courses count as DePaul credit.  It's as good as being on campus.

• Do I still need LSP 112? 

• Our FY@broad programs are designed for first-year students, but transfer students and others who still need to take LSP 112 are eligible as well!

• Graduate students:

• How much flexibility do I have in my degree path for electives?

• Can any of my degree requirements be fulfilled via study abroad?

• The vast majority of graduate students studying abroad at DePaul participate in short-term, rather than term-long, programs due to the greater ease of fitting just one course into a degree plan and/or leaving responsibilities at home for a shorter time. 

• DePaul offers some programs designed mainly or exclusively for graduate students as well as many open to both graduate and undergraduate students.

• All short-term programs include a required class. Programs with two required classes for undergrads often allow graduate students to take only one. 

• What is my budget for tuition?

• The tuition for the class is required in addition to the program fee, so most graduate students only participate if the class fulfills a degree requirement.

• The tuition for the course is charged at the rate for the college in which the study abroad course is registered, which may be different than your own college.

• Students with families

• Do I wish to take my family with me, or study abroad independently?

• What is the time difference, if I expect to keep in close touch with family at home?

• What program makes sense for me?

• Short-term programs 

• The shorter length of time makes it easier to secure care for children at home or leave partners behind while you are abroad.

• With the exception of some Law programs, families are not permitted to join the student on a short-term program. Any visitors should arrive after the program is over.

• Term-long programs

• Consider:

• What are the childcare or school options abroad?

• What is the visa process for partners and/or dependents?

• Will my partner be legally allowed to work?

• Will my family struggle with a language barrier?

• Students aged 25+:

• What may my cohort look like, and how much socializing do I hope to do with the group?

• We have many students older than a traditional college student who participate in our programs every term. However, it may still be the case that most participants are 18-24, even on grad-only programs.

• Am I able to step away from other responsibilities during the program?

• DePaul’s short-term programs keep to a very demanding schedule, and in most cases, we highly discourage students from attempting to fulfill other responsibilities (online classes, work) while traveling on a short-term program. 

• Late arrivals or early departures are not permitted in any but the most extremely rare cases. Work or family obligations do not usually constitute exceptions.

• Can I adapt to student group travel, including sharing a room?

• Students are required to use the program housing, if included. On most short-term study abroad programs, students stay in shared accommodations. 

• While uneven student numbers may result in a student being placed in a single room by necessity, DePaul only guarantees a single room assignment if it is granted through our shared housing appeal process. The two factors in that decision are the demonstration of a legitimate medical need and our determination that it is logistically possible to add an additional room for the program. 

• Students are NOT permitted to bring partners or other guests along to stay with them on programs. Only certain College of Law programs are the exception to this, since those programs require students to find their own housing for the duration of their time abroad.

• Much of the time abroad will be scheduled, since we try to fit in so much during a short period of time. However, there will be some free time as well.

• Do I have goals for independent exploration in my free time? 

• Would I prefer to explore on my own, or would I be open to a classmate or two joining in? 

• On term-long programs:

• If you have a job while in the U.S., how will you make up that lost income? Are international students allowed to work in your host country?

• What housing options are offered, and what accommodation choices can you make so that you are comfortable and integrated into the host country?

DePaul DREAM Statement

At DePaul University we affirm the dignity of the individual. We value diversity and culture because these are part of our core values and traditions as a Catholic, Vincentian, and urban university. DePaul University has decided to take a strong and public stand for supporting undocumented students, and DREAM Act legislation. Read DePaul’s full DREAM statement here.

Study Abroad & DACAmented Students

This page should serve as a guide for support and resources that DACA students interested in studying abroad can find at DePaul and external resources for continued support and success. The DePaul Study Abroad office continues to hope for new avenues for DACA recipients and similar cohorts to study abroad through new legislation. The information below is not intended to constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.

Virtual International & Domestic Opportunities

The DePaul Study Abroad office encourages DACA students to consider any of the various virtual and domestic programs offered by DePaul as an alternative to a traditional study abroad program. Students can participate in virtual international opportunities from the comfort of their home, or in domestic opportunities and travel in the U.S. with a driver’s license, state identification card, passport, or other document accepted by the mode of transportation.

• Virtual International Internship
• Global Learning Experience (GLE) Courses
• Alternative Break Service Immersions – facilitated by DePaul’s Division of Mission & Ministry, contact them for more information.

Advance Parole

Students who are DACA recipients may be permitted to temporarily leave and return to the U.S. to participate in a study abroad program by obtaining Advance Parole from the Federal government. Advance Parole does not guarantee readmission into the United States. U.S. students in DACA status with Advance Parole are still subject to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection process at the port of entry. DePaul Study Abroad cannot guarantee any student re-entry back into the United States, including those participating in an approved university study abroad program. Only undocumented students with DACA status are eligible to apply for Advance Parole. Students with pending initial DACA applications are not eligible. Applying for Advance Parole requires submitting a form and paying a fee to US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Processing times for advance parole requests may vary anywhere from 8 to 18 months. Please review the USCIS website for the most up-to-date requirements, processing times, and costs.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Risks

There are significant risks involved in participating in a study abroad program while in DACA status. Dacamented students may be refused reentry into the U.S., even with advance parole. Being denied reentry may impact future visa applications or changes in status. It is important for students to consider the potential impacts that international travel may have on their specific situation, both legal and personal. DACAmented students are strongly encouraged to consult with an immigration attorney prior to deciding whether to apply to a study abroad program.

Costs

There may be significant costs associated with studying abroad as a DACAmented student, including:

• Filing fees associated with advanced parole application.
• Attorney’s fees.
• Costs associated with country-specific visas.
• Housing or transportation costs.
• Study abroad program fees. If the advanced parole application is denied after a student is already committed to a program, the student may be liable for the tuition and/or program in accordance with the Study Abroad Withdrawal Policy.

Legal Resources

Students are strongly encouraged to consult with an immigration attorney before making any decisions about studying abroad. The DePaul College of Law Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic can assist students and their families. They have also developed a referral list of low-cost legal service providers who provide assistance in DACA cases and have engaged DePaul College of Law alumni to provide one-on-one consultations for DACA and undocumented students. Email DePaulLegalClinic@depaul.edu for more information.

Questions to Consider

• Have you consulted with an immigration attorney regarding your status?
• Do you have the necessary government-issued identification to travel by airplane within the U.S. or abroad? If not, can you get to your location by ground transportation?
• What is your host institution or program’s policy for undocumented or DACA students?
• Does the program or institution have an advisor or student support services for undocumented or DACA students?
• Are you eligible to renew your DACA benefits in the near future?
• Is there an immigrant rights advocacy agency near your program’s location that could provide support if needed?
• Based on your interintersecting identity factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and citizenship status, how will you be perceived in your host community? What stereotypes or assumptions might you encounter?

Additional Resources for Undocumented Students

• DePaul Undocumented Student Support- OMSS
• Immigration and Refugee Resources at DePaul – OIDE
• USCIS - Travel FAQ for DACA Recipients
• How Study Abroad Made One Undocumented Student a World Traveler - Student Blog (UC Berkeley)
• Dream Website
• United We Dream
• Scholarships AZ

Studying abroad as a veteran or ROTC student comes with unique considerations. While many countries view the U.S. military positively or neutrally, attitudes can vary based on personal interactions, broader political views, the economic impact of U.S. deployments, or isolated incidents involving U.S. troops. Approach conversations about your service with sensitivity and an open mind, as perspectives can differ widely from country to country, and of course, from person to person!

Questions to Consider

• Legal/Security:

• Will I need to list my military service on a visa application, and how will I do so?

• Will there be an issue with my visa if I served in certain countries?

• Do I have or will I need a future security clearance?

• Create a spreadsheet to store sustained foreign contact information for serious connections you make abroad. Keep track of your addresses abroad and details for two references per address.

• You can check out the Questionnaire for National Security Positions SF-86 form for more info.

• Logistical:

• Do I need to maintain a fitness regimen? What facilities will be available?

• What military responsibilities do I need to take into consideration?

• Cultural:

• Has the U.S. military been involved in prior action in my host country? Historically and currently, what is the local attitude towards U.S. military involvement?

• How will I discuss my own military experience with locals?

• Does the host country have a military or required service requirement? How are people who serve in the local military treated in my host country?

• How might previous international experiences help me while abroad?

• Financial:

• What VA benefits, ROTC scholarships, or Basic Allowance for Housing funds am I relying on? Will they apply? Will they be delayed?

• VA funding covers the tuition (not the program fee or travel costs) for short-term programs led by DePaul faculty and tied to credit-bearing DePaul classes.

• VA funding covers tuition (not the program fee or travel costs) for term-long programs at VA-approved universities that are listed under the VA WEAMS database of approved institutions. There may be conditions on the classes approved for funding.

• Work closely with Study Abroad and the DePaul Office of Veteran Affairs to find the program that fits the requirements of the VA and your study abroad goals. 

• The BAH is available if the program is an approved study abroad program through VA. Study Abroad provides cost breakdowns showing tuition and program fees on all online program brochure pages. 

• VA benefits typically cannot pay outside study abroad companies directly.

Resources

On-campus:

Consult with the Office of Veteran Services at DePaul:

Loop Campus Office
DePaul Center, 11007
Phone: 312.362.5656

Lincoln Park Office
Student Center 360
Phone: 773.325.7088

veteransaffairs@depaul.edu

Veteran Liaisons are DePaul students with prior military experience that can help you connect with benefits and resources. If you are unsure if you are eligible for a GI Bill to fund your education, please contact Veteran Services and research Military Veteran Benefits within DePaul University.

Additional resources:

• How to Use Your GI Bill to Study Abroad
• GI Bill Benefits for Study Abroad
• Gilman-McCain Scholarship
• Student blogs:
  • Studying Abroad as an Army Vet
  • Studying Abroad as a Veteran
  • Studying as an Athlete Abroad – Staying Active in Rennes
  • Debunking the Myth: Go Abroad as an ROTC Cadet
  • Video: Using My GI Bill to Study Abroad in Bangkok, Thailand

For students of all faiths, including those who identify as secular or non-religious, navigating religious practices in a new country can bring both opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re seeking places of worship, dietary accommodations, or simply want to understand the religious climate of your host country, having the right resources can help you feel supported and empowered throughout your time abroad. A bit of preparation will help you respect local customs, connect with your faith community, and meet your spiritual needs while you are abroad.

Questions to Consider

• What is the host country’s majority religion, or is it a largely secular society?

• Will I be a part of the religious minority or majority?

• How tolerant is my host country of my religious beliefs (or lack thereof)?

• Will the local religious beliefs influence how people interact with me, especially those of the perceived opposite gender?

• How will I respect the local religion(s), even as a non-member?

• How will I feel during program excursions to sites of worship?

• What holidays in the local majority religion occur during my stay? How will they affect my daily routine?

• Will local religion dictate cultural norms regarding food?

• What about my own religious beliefs?

• Is it realistic for me to continue to practice my religion abroad in the same way I practice it at home or on campus?

• Is it safe to wear religious symbols or to openly practice my own religion in that destination?

• Can my own religious dietary restrictions be accommodated in my host country?

• Will I be able to find places of worship in my host country? 

• In my language?

• Will any of my religion's holidays fall while I am abroad?

• Are there aspects of my religious practice I can be flexible about? 

• Can I make adjustments to ease my experience during my time abroad?

Resources

• The Pluralism Project

• The International Religious Freedom Report from the U.S. Department of State describes the status of religious freedom in every country

• Roman Catholic Churches with Mass in English

• Travel resources for Muslim students: Covered Traveler

• Finding Jewish Community Abroad:

• Kahal

• Moishe House

• Kosher restaurants abroad

Student blogs:

• Ramadan in Rabat
• Keeping the Faith: Religious Differences and Experiences Abroad
• Say Mashallah: Studying Abroad as a Pakistani Muslim American
• Couscous Friday
• Jewish Life Studying Abroad in Italy
• Sundays were the Highlight
• Bittersweet Like Matcha: Abroad as a Muslim in Japan
• What the Desert Gave Me: (Re)Discovering my Religion On Mars and The Moon
• How I Found Christian Community While Studying Abroad in the French Riviera
• 4 Tips to Grow Your Faith While Abroad
• Confessions of a Non-Practicing Catholic in a Super Catholic Country
• Studying Abroad While Muslim

Heritage seekers are students studying abroad in a place where they have ancestry. Students may experience some of the same factors even if they do not have ancestry in the study abroad location but might be assumed to be "from" there or to have fluency in the local language due to their appearance. If this is you, you may find yourself navigating complex emotions: feeling both familiar and foreign, managing expectations from locals (or classmates) who may assume a high level of cultural or linguistic fluency, and reconciling idealized images of an ancestral homeland with reality. Locals may also assume your heritage, correctly or incorrectly, based on your appearance.

Questions to Consider

• What are my expectations of what it will be like? 

• There might be differences between what you think you know about the destination based on how you were raised and what it is actually like. Have an open mind in an effort to avoid unrealistic expectations.

• How are my language skills? Am I able to converse on a variety of topics, or mainly domestic topics? How will I feel if I struggle?

• Am I used to being in the minority at home? Will I be presenting as the majority group abroad? What will that shift feel like?

• How do I hope to be received by locals? How will I handle it if that doesn’t happen?

• How will I feel if I’m perceived as American, and not connected to the local population?

• Will I be perceived as wealthy by the local population? If that’s not how I’m perceived at home, how will that feel?

• Do I plan to connect with any relatives or acquaintances abroad? What expectations will they have for me, as a visitor coming from the US?

• How will I feel if I’m expected to fit in better than my peers, based on my name or appearance? 

• Some locals may make assumptions about your language or cultural understanding, and may not grant the same patience they show people who stick out more obviously as visitors.

• How will my family feel about me going “back” to our ancestral country, especially if they chose to come to the US? Or to another country, instead of "our" country? How can I explain my choice to do so?

Resources

• Tips for Heritage Seekers Traveling Abroad

• Northwestern University's page for heritage speakers, including links to many more student stories

• Student blogs:

  • Going Home to China

  • Wait, You're Not African?

  • Exploring My Mexican Identity in Mexico

  • Asian in America, American in Asia

  • The Color of Study Abroad: My Experience Living in South Africa

  • How Study Abroad Helped Me Embrace the Complexities of All My Identities

The most important step for studying abroad as a student with dietary restrictions is to speak to your program advisor or program manager as early as possible. Dietary restrictions frequently can be accommodated in most locations, especially with advance notice. However, due to cultural and dietary norms, certain dietary restrictions are more tricky in some locations compared to others. We can usually work with students to find a solution if we know in advance!

Questions to Consider

• Do I know how to explain and ask questions related to my dietary restriction in the local language?

• If not, you can find printable cards online, or make your own to carry around!

• Don’t make assumptions…vegetable dishes may hide pieces of meat or be made with fish sauce, and names may be misleading. (A ‘sandwich vegetal’ in Spain often has tuna, for example!)

• What meals are included, and will they be provided in a restaurant, hotel buffet, homestay family, cafeteria, or other setting?

• Are there areas of the world where my needs are more easily met based on the local cuisine or culture? 

• If my destination is one where it would be extremely difficult or inconvenient to avoid my restricted food(s) or fulfill my dietary needs, how willing/able am I to compromise on my (non-medical) restrictions?

• What local dishes would reliably be safe for me to eat?

• How does the local culture treat hospitality and food sharing? Do I know how to politely avoid eating something presented to me without offending my host?

• How flexible am I able to be with my diet while abroad?

• If my restrictions are aversions rather than allergies, how adventurous am I willing to be when presented with new or disliked foods?

• What is my backup plan for if I’m in a situation where the meal served is something I cannot eat? Is there a portable snack I can carry, or easily found alternative options to grab in that country?

• Do I have a plan for what I would do medically if I accidentally consume an allergen?

• Will my religious dietary restrictions be accommodated in my host country? Is there a community with the same dietary practices as me where I can find what I need?

• If fasting during certain days or times, what will my program itinerary be like during that period? Is there flexibility if I need a rest or to eat at a specific time?

Resources

• Vegetarian Resource Guide

• Kosher restaurants abroad

• Halal restaurants and markets

• CeliacTravel.com

• Happy Cow - Vegan restaurant search engine

• Blogs:

• A Celiac in Scotland: Managing Celiac Disease Abroad

• How I Managed Severe Food Allergies While Studying Abroad in Madrid

• Study Abroad with Dietary Restrictions

• Eating Abroad with Food Restrictions

• Food Allergies and Extra Expenses in Study Abroad

• On the Search for Kosher Haggis

• The Eternal Search for Halal Japanese Food

• A Foodie’s Halal Journey While Studying Abroad in Dublin, Ireland