Resources for Specific Student Populations

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.

Apply for DePaul Sponsored Scholarships

DePaul Study Abroad sponsors the Students of Color Scholarship, First-Generation Scholarship, Term-long Scholarship, Short-Term Scholarship, First Year Abroad Scholarship, and Halstead Scholarship. Remember to apply for the DePaul sponsored scholarship at the same time that you apply for your study abroad program. The deadlines to apply for the program and the scholarship are the same. Scholarship application deadlines will not be extended.

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-based scholarships, heritage-based scholarships, language-based scholarships, area studies scholarships and even corporate 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.

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.

Start down the path to global citizenship early! FY@broad programs are designed for first-year students and combine travel with a Focal Point Seminars, a required course for most first-year students.

 

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.

Which FY@broad programs are being offered?
Each year, a selection of FY@broad programs are offered, visiting various destinations around the world.  Programs either have coursework in the winter quarter (with travel during spring break) or coursework in the spring quarter (with travel at the start of the summer, immediately following the spring quarter).  The program locations vary from year to year, so be sure to check the Study Abroad website to see the list of programs offered in the coming year.

Besides FY@broad, where in the world can I go?
We have over 40 destination countries and 70 programs for you to choose from. You can go anywhere from Shanghai to London!

Will I get behind my studies if I go abroad?
Once accepted to a program, you will work with your academic advisor and study abroad advisor to ensure the courses you enroll in abroad will assist in your degree progress.

How will this actually help me?
According to a 2012 survey conducted by IES Abroad, 95 percent of students who studied abroad found jobs within a year of graduation, compared to 49 percent of the general population.

If you are intending on enrolling in a DePaul-sponsored program, all of the financial aid and scholarships you currently receive will remain in place. Additionally, there are DePaul-sponsored scholarships available.  If you decide to go on a study abroad program through an outside service provider or university, you can still receive federal aid but would need to apply to external scholarships.

Study Abroad has specific scholarship funding set aside for first-year students participating in the FY@broad programs.  This includes funding for need-based scholarships, students of color, and first-gereration students.  Be sure to complete and submit the scholarship application questionnaire when you are applying to your FY@broad program.

Advisors

Resources

• Am I currently out or open about my sexuality or gender identity in my home country?
• How open am I going to be with my sexuality or gender identity with my peers, roommates, homestay family, professors, etc. while abroad?
• If I am not out or open about my sexuality or gender identity in my home country but plan on coming out while abroad, will there be resources or support I can access?
• Some countries are more progressive in their beliefs regarding sexuality and gender identity than others (even my home country), is my host country like this?
• In general, are there safety considerations that I should be aware of?
• How important is it for me to find other LGBTQ identified individuals?
• Will I need access to certain medications or services while abroad?  If so, will I need to provide further documentation to ensure I receive them?
• Are there any LGBTQ resources nearby? How can I find and access them?

• What are the cultural and local attitudes in my host country towards people of my nationality, tourists, sexual orientation and gender identity? What is the attitude of local residents toward LGBTQ individuals?
• What is the social perception of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning people in my host country? How are LGBTQ individuals socially defined? What roles do LGBTQ people play in the host culture?
• What are gender relations in the host culture? What is considered typical male and female social behavior in the host culture? Does the host country operate within a strict binary?
• Is the country I am staying in more progressive than my home country regarding issues of sexuality and gender?
• What is the current government’s view on LGBTQ rights? What about the past governments?
• Are there any conflicts going on within the host country that LGBTQ citizens and visitors should be especially aware of? If so, what is the government/police’s role in the conflict?

• Will I have access to the medications and supplies I currently take or use in my host country?
• Do I need additional documentation to ensure I can receive the medication, supplies and services I require?
• Are there any physicians I can see while abroad? How will I find them?

• What is the police attitude towards LGBTQ individuals (both local residents and visitors)?
• Are there “public decency” laws? Or sodomy laws? Are they different depending on gender?
• Are there any gender-specific laws?
• What is the age of consent? Does it differ for heterosexual versus same-sex couples?
• Does the law require having “proper documentation” at all times?

Financing a Program

Advisors

Resources

Research your host country and any other countries you may visit! The belief systems and values held there may differ heavily from your own or they may be more closely aligned than you previously thought. As a student of color, there are social, political and personal considerations you must make while planning your future study abroad endeavor.

Consider your own race and cultural background. Establish what is important and necessary for you and determine how you would navigate new situations.

• What is the racial make-up of my host country/city/university?
• What expectations do I have of the experience?
• Is there any local community that shares my heritage—and what are my feelings about having or not having such a community available to me?
• Some countries are more progressive in their beliefs regarding race than others (even my home country), is my host country like this?
• In some countries, discrimination may be more overt than it would be in other places, is my host country like this? Are there local stereotypes or discrimination regarding individuals of my background that might be similar to or different from what I’ve experienced in the U.S.?
• How will I deal with discrimination abroad? Are their resources within the host city/university that I can access? If so, how do I find them?
• Are there safety considerations that I should be aware of?

Consider the host country’s social and political climate regarding race and ethnicity.

• What are the cultural and local attitudes towards people of my nationality, race and ethnicity in my host country? What is the attitude of local residents toward people of color?
• What is the social perception of people of color in my host country? How are people of color socially defined?
• What roles do people of color have in my host country?
• What are the racial relations in the host culture?
• Is the country I am staying in more progressive than my home country regarding issues of race?
• Are there any conflicts going on within the host country that citizens and visitors of color should be especially aware of? If so, what is the government/police’s role in the conflict?

Financing a Program

Advisors

Resources

 

• What are the physical environments like in my host country? Are there cobblestone streets and sidewalks?
• What is the general attitude in my host country towards disabilities and people with disabilities? What kinds of resources are available in my host country?
• Are there any language differences I should be aware of regarding my disability or necessary accommodations?
• Are there elevators at the university? Are there elevators at residence halls?
• How are the classes taught? Is it mainly through lecture, readings, independent research, etc.?
• Is there an office at the university abroad I can reach out to for accommodations to be made regarding exams, class materials, etc.?
• How are the assignments and grading scales different?
• What housing options exist?
• Is transportation available and accessible?

• Is the program staff, both at home and abroad, aware of my disability so appropriate arrangements can be made in advance?
• Does the university provide physical and academic accommodations? If so, how do you request or access these?
• Is there an office or department that I can utilize at the university abroad? If so, how to I contact them?
• Will I have access to the medications and supplies I currently take or use in my host country?
• Do I need additional documentation to ensure I can receive the medication, supplies, and services I require?
• Are there any physicians I could see while abroad? How would I find them?
• Am I required to provide my own meals and groceries? Is there a cafeteria that I can access?

Financing a Program

On-campus:

• Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) coordinates DePaul University's provision of accommodations and other services to students with documented disabilities.

Additional:

• U.S. Depart​ment of State​ includes summaries of the policies of different nations toward individuals with disabilities as well as helpful travel information.
• Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides tips and resources for students who travel abroad including recent health notices.
• Mobility International USA (MIUSA) aspires to empower people with disabilities through international exchange, information, technical assistance and training to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities in international exchange and development programs.
• Access Abroad ​is a collaborative effort at the University of Minnesota and provides country-specific information on disability-related attitudes and legislation, as well as details on accessibility at selected study abroad sites.
• Global Sch​olars offers online modules for study abroad courses—pre-departure, while abroad and return.

As a transfer student, there are many academic and personal considerations you must make while planning your future study abroad endeavor.

When I should go abroad?

• Plan to be on campus for at least two quarters before travel for term-long (quarter or longer) programs.
• You may be able to study abroad on a short-term program (1-3 weeks over a break) right away. Contact the Study Abroad office for details.
• For transfer students from two-year colleges, plan to study abroad the fall quarter of your senior year.
• Application deadlines:
  • November 1 (for Spring Break and Spring programs)
  • February 1 (for Summer, Fall, and Academic Year programs)
  • May 1 (for December, Winter, and Winter-Spring programs)

Which courses can I take?

• Major and minor credit
• Liberal Studies domain courses
• Electives
• Note: Liberal Studies domain and elective credit is always easiest to fulfill on study abroad, so save those courses.

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.

Financing a Program

Advisors

Resources