When I studied abroad in Brazil, I experienced how even a brief time in another culture can be transformative. My College of Communication class, "Fashion Branding and Sustainability in Brazil," immersed us in the country's art scene and challenged us to apply what we learned to a real marketing proposal. It's one of dozens of short-term study abroad programs that DePaul offers across a wide range of disciplines and destinations. 

The benefits are clear: students who study abroad have higher graduation rates, higher GPAs and even higher starting salaries than their peers, according to research from The Forum on Education Abroad.

From a student who's been there and faculty who build these programs, here's how to make the most of studying abroad.

Study abroad tips for students

1: Start planning early 

Plan early and explore the programs you’re interested in on DePaul’s Study Abroad page. Research the professors who are leading them and put together questions you may have. Student mentors hold frequent Study Abroad 101 sessions to talk about program selection, financing options and applications. Follow the study abroad office on Instagram to see videos and snapshots from students’ trips. 

I met with Nur Uysal, program director for the trip and associate professor in the College of Communication, ahead of our trip to Brazil to show my interest. Some programs have double the applications than the program capacity, so making an extra effort can make you stand out.

Make sure you understand the costs associated with the program you’re picking and create a plan (bonus tip: Use the Study Abroad Budget Worksheet). Explore options for scholarships available and do note deadlines. Less financial stress gives you room to truly enjoy the trip! 

2: Treat the pre-trip course as part of the journey 

You may not be at your destination yet, but the class meetings ahead of the trip help give context on the material, the country and your classmates. This gives you an opportunity to build relationships and ask questions. You also get a better idea of the expectations for the assignments and how to best use your time when doing site visits. 

When I visited public relations agencies in Brazil, the pre-trip meetings paid off. I knew what to listen for, asked better questions and felt prepared to engage with the industry professionals we met.

3: Be open to cultural learning, not just tourism

On your trips, you’ll visit cultural institutions, schools and museums to learn from the people who live there. Talk to them, learn their stories, hear their insights on life and the world, and absorb it all. 

“Our programs connect students to industry professionals, local leaders and educators that want to answer questions about their expertise and their home cultures. Ask questions and try to speak in the local language as best as you can,” says Martha McGivern, director of the Study Abroad Office. “In your free time, observe everyday activities and behaviors like how people act on public transportation, how the grocery stores are organized, or what students wear to school. Consider how the everyday is similar to and different from home and why — without assigning ‘better or worse.’”

Study abroad tips for faculty: Building sustainable and transformative study-abroad programs

1: Have a realistic timeline

Successful study abroad programs are grounded in academic goals that are enhanced by being in the country. For the Brazil course, Uysal worked for two years to design the curriculum.

Starting with a Quality of Instruction Grant, she traveled to Brazil to begin laying the groundwork. 

“During that initial visit, I built relationships with agencies and corporate partners while also exploring museums and cultural landmarks that could support the course curriculum,” Uysal says. “Those early connections helped shape the program and ensured students would have site visits and industry engagement once the class traveled abroad.”

2: Partner with the Study Abroad Office and your college’s international committee

Programs come to life through collaboration. DePaul’s Office of Global Engagement provides significant support throughout the process. 

“From enrollment and program promotion to visa coordination and travel logistics, Global Engagement staff were instrumental,” says Uysal.

Each college has an international committee, which provides the guidelines and requirements that programs must meet for approval. Committee members often have expertise in study abroad and cultural exchange and can recommend connections or assist with curriculum. 

3: Focus on student growth and intercultural experience

Beyond academic outcomes, study abroad programs are designed to support personal and intercultural development. 

“Seeing the students grow through the experience made every detail worthwhile,” Uysal says. “Watching them build intercultural competence, form community, and engage deeply with new cultural environments was incredibly rewarding.”