Admitted Graduate GGP Students​​​​ Next Steps

The first step in applying for your visa is submitting the documents to receive a Form I-20.  Visa application information is available here

Class Registration

Global Gateway Program staff will pre-register you for your classes before you arrive. Your English proficiency will be re-tested when you arrive to be sure the classes you have been assigned are the right ones for you.  Sample GGP Graduate Study Plans for the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media and Kellstadt Graduate School of Business are the same for on ground and virtual learning environments.

Academics

While you are in the GGP you are a DePaul student.  However, you are in a special status as a GGP student since you take both GGP classes and DePaul content classes.  You can find all the DePaul academic rules and policies in the current year’s Catalog. You can find all of the GGP academic rules and policies in the GGP Student Handbook.

English Proficiency Testing

During orientation, all arriving students will be tested for English proficiency.   This test will address all four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Though there is no way to study for this test, students can practice their listening skills by reading and listening to podcasts, TED talks, and international news (in English).  

Students whose test results differ significantly from those at time of admission may be placed in a different level than was indicated on the offer letter . As a result, the length of study may be longer than originally anticipated and may require extra costs for which the Student will be responsible.

Change of Major

During your time in the GGP, your major will remain whatever you said it would be at the time of application. GGP students interested in changing majors will meet with their GGP advisor to discuss the process. Please be aware that different majors have different admission and course requirements; the requirements can be found here.  Admission to one degree program does not guarantee admission to another degree progam.  

Time off during the GGP

Students are required to complete their study plans by remaining on campus for consecutive Fall, Winter Spring and Summer quarters. Students are encouraged to travel during school holidays or breaks between quarter (ie. December Intersession, spring break, and between the end of the Summer quarter and start of the Fall quarter).

Earning GGP Credits 

The GGP Study Plan provides a general overview of the courses students might take during their time in the Global Gateway Program. This overview lists the required coursework for the program, including EAP classes (English for Academic Purposes) and DePaul academic courses.  The Study Plan is set; students must complete all required courses to matriculate.

Introductory Courses 

Some graduate programs require Introductory Courses in addition to the major requirements.  GGP students who are enrolled in degree programs with Introductory courses will have those evaluated at the time of matriculation.  The GGP Graduate program curriculum is set, with no substitutions or changes permitted.  Students must complete all of the courses in the pathway to be considered for matriculation.

Submit your academic documents (transcripts).

During the application process, you provided scans of your original or official academic documents. To finalize the process and confirm your admission, you must submit the following items on or before arrival:

Academic documents (transcripts) that have been certified and stamped by the appropriate authority at the issuing institution must be submitted to the university in the original sealed envelope. If the envelope has been previously opened, the documents are no longer considered official and will not be accepted. Original completion certificates (degree or secondary school test results) Official translations of all academic documents which were not issued in English.

Once you arrange your travel plans, complete the Arrival Form and email it to naadmissions@studygroup.com. Make sure to schedule your arrival no later than the published arrival date since orientation is mandatory. Global Gateway Program students who arrive at O’Hare International Airport on Arrival Day each quarter between 8am and 5pm are eligible for free transportation from O’Hare to the University Center. Flight details must be received at least 7 days prior to Arrival Day.

This Pre-Arrival Guide will be helpful in providing planning and packing information. 

Arriving before the Arrival Date

If you are arriving in Chicago before the designated arrival day, you will need to arrange for accommodation at a nearby hotel at your expense. Please click on the following link to suggested hotels with DePaul University discounts.

Hotel Partners with DePaul University

The hotels listed at the link here are convenient to DePaul students and are willing to rent to students who are 18 years old. DePaul and the GGP do not advocate for these hotels; this list is for your convenience if you choose to stay at one of these hotels.  Please let Gretchen or Timothy know if you have any questions about hotels.

Airport Transportation

If you are arriving outside of the official arrival times, you are responsible for your own transportation from the airport. There are many options that range in price and convenience including an airport shuttle, train, taxi or ride share: Airport Transportation Options

 Again, if you should have any questions about your arrival to Chicago and the Global Pathway Program, please contact us at dadmissions@studygroup.com 

Arrival & Orientation Program

During the Arrival Program you will complete all the required steps to prepare for the start of the GGP. Orientation provides an opportunity to learn more about DePaul University facilities and resources, and experience what makes Chicago and the University unique. The first few days of orientation will include fun and interactive workshops, presentations and activities to start your success at DePaul.

During Arrival Week, you will participate in/complete the following tasks:

• International Student Check-In: Bring your I-20, passport, and I-94

• SEVIS Session: International Student & Scholar Services Presents: Learn About your I-20, visa, immigration rules and regulations, etc.

• ID Card: Get your DePaul University ID card

• Document Collection: Submit official transcripts, diploma, FERPA and Health Forms

• Campus Tour: Visit all the important buildings on campus and access to transportation

• Academic/Advising Overview: Learn more about your study plan, expectations, requirements, attendance, and all the resources available for you to succeed in the GGP and at DePaul.

• Student Experience: How to get involved, community services, student involvement, activity calendars, conversation partners, student life at DePaul and in Chicago

• Health and Safety: Public safety, health promotion and wellness, University counseling, campus recreation, and spiritual life

• Campus Connect and D2L: Learn about your email account, online resources, and D2L 

• The American Classroom: Plagiarism & Academic Integrity: Learn about the expectations of student, faculty and academic integrity at DePaul. 

• English Examination: Confirm your English language level placement 

• Involvement Fair: Learn about campus extracurricular programs, support services, and school year activities 

• Social Events: Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, take a City Tour, and explore the Lincoln Park Zoo with fellow classmates and staff. Fun and free

Academic Calendar

The University is officially closed on these dates:

• New Year’s Day (January)

• MLK Day (January)

• Good Friday to Easter (one Friday to Sunday in March/April)

• Memorial Day (May)

• 4th of July (July)

• Labor Day (September)

• Thanksgiving (November – Wednesday-Sunday)

• Christmas (third week in December -January 2)

Please see the full Academic Calendar for exact dates.  During Spring Break, typically the end of March, there are no classes but the University is open. 

Social Media

Get invovled with the GGP and meet other students through the WeChat Group 2020 GGP Students.  We also have a group on Facebook Incoming DePaul GGP Students.  Are you on WhatsApp?  Connect with DePaul Global Pathway at 01.312.502.2972.  Using another social media platform?  Email us at dadmissions@studyglobal.com and let us know where else we should be!

GGP students will have to pay both Study Group and DePaul while in the program.  These payments are done through two different systems.

GGP students pay Study Group for tuition.  

Study Group will send invoices to GGP students via their email on file.

Study Group bills can be accessed via invoices, which are emailed from Study Group or your agent to your email address on file.  There should be a link on the last page of the invoice you receive.

Study Group bills can also be accessed via the Study Group Pay portal - using the Study Group Student ID (*not the DePaul ID number)

GGP students pay DePaul University for health insurance, housing, meal plans, and fees.  

DePaul bills can be accessed via the DePaul e-PAY/e-BILL System available through Campus Connect.

Credit Card, Debit Card and eCheck payments can be made online by logging on to your campus connect portal and clicking on the Student Accounts tile, then ePay/eBill.  

IMPORTANT:  Before each quarter you will get an email from DePaul's Student Financial Accounts notifying you that there is a bill due.  Wait for the email from the Student Financial Accounts before checking your bill. If you check your bill before you get the email from DePaul the bill might not be correct.

New students will not have access to this system until they arrive on campus.  New students must pay their fees by the end of the first week of classes.

Paying Fees and Housing to DePaul University

Student bills will are normally available in the Campus Connect after students are registered for the coming term

New GGP students may see a delay in their billing because it is connected to registration for classes.   Pre-registration for classes happens a few weeks before classes begin, so nothing for the next quarter will appear until that time. If this is the case, do not worry.

Do I need to purchase health insurance?

Students in the GGP are required to purchase health insurance.  The health insurance charges will automatically appear on each student’s DePaul account.  The insurance cost is $72 per month. Charges are applied each quarter.

The  international student insurance policy can be found here. Insurance charges are posted to student accounts in advance of quarter billing (if the student registered by that time) or after registration (if the student is registered after initial billing).

I paid by wire, but the credit is not showing

First, it can take a couple days for this wire to appear on your account.  If you have waited, and the amount is still not appearing, please email the DePaul Central (studentaccounts@DePaul.edu), with a copy to GGP Staff (dadmissions@studygroup.com).

Who do I contact with questions about my DePaul bills?

You can email DePaul Central (studentaccounts@depaul.edu), with a copy to GGP Staff (dadmissions@studygroup.com).

What if I pay late?

You may be charged a late fee.

What if I paid too much money to Study Group for my tuition?

If you overpaid your Study Group tuition bill, the money will be credited to your Study Group account for future Study Group tuition payments. However, if you are in your last quarter of the Global Gateway Program and you overpaid your Study Group tuition bill, then you must fill out the Refund Request Form.

To obtain the Refund Request Form, please email gfrickx@depaul.edu and share the reason for your specific request.

Do I have to pay my entire bill?

DePaul does offer payment plans. See the Payment Plans section on the DePaul Student Financial Accounts website.

What if I am studying in the GGP and want to cancel and go home, or don’t want to come back next quarter?

It is very important that you refer to the Acceptance of Offer and Terms & Conditions document that you signed when you decided to enter the GGP. It has a lot of important information regarding your financial commitments.

Scholarship

When I finish the GGP, can I get a scholarship?

Study Group does not manage scholarships for students who complete the GGP.  Once you have finished the GGP program, you may be eligible for a scholarship through individual academic departments or organizations. Information about academic scholarships can be found on DePaul's website.

Note:  Some scholarships are only available to U.S. citizens.

Your Student Success Manager is the first point of contact during your time in the GGP. Timothy du Vall-Brown, Senior Student Success Manager and Gretchen Frickx, Director GGP can be contacted by email or phone if you have questions.

DePaul University complies with Illinois state law, which requires students to provide proof of immunization for Tetanus/Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps and Rubella. 

Students should bring the completed Immunization Form and their health records to orientation.  Students can also email the form to gfrickx@depaul.edu prior to arrival.  

For more information visit: go.depaul.edu/immunizations