Committed to

Global
Learning

We are committed to global learning and pride ourselves on being a global institution. In living up to the promise contained in our mission statement—to prepare students for meaningful lives, professional accomplishments, and global citizenship—we have developed an institutional profile that for decades has meaningfully and responsibly engaged with the world by creating intentional and sustained global experiences for students, faculty, and staff. We weave intercultural learning into all facets of the Drake education and formation, building a sense of interconnectedness and enhancing our ability to overcome challenges, innovate, and ultimately create a better world.
Line drawing of a bulldog's face.
Drake welcomed its first international student to campus just four years after the University was founded.
Line drawing of a school building with five windows and a circular window
The Principal Center for Global Citizenship works to ensure that global perspectives and issues are an integral part of the intellectual and cultural experience of all members of the Drake community.
Thirty-three percent of 2023 graduates studied in a global academic program, studied a foreign language, or studied abroad.
33%
Since 2016, Drake has served as a Mandela Washington Fellowship host institute—a U.S. Department of State program for young African leaders.
Outline of the African continent.
Four hands holding each other's wrists, forming a square.
Drake maintains a portfolio of 19 international partnerships in 13 countries.
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Drake ranks among the top 30 schools in the United States for study abroad participation, with 31% of the 2024 graduating class studying abroad compared to 10% nationally.
51
This year, Drake is proud to be the University of choice for 125 international students from 51 countries.
Drake was recently awarded a U.S. Department of State IDEAS grant to increase and diversify study abroad participation.
Certificate icon with text lines and a seal.
Outline of China.
Terry Branstad, former U.S. Ambassador to China and Iowa’s longest-serving governor was named the Ambassador-in-Residence at Drake University in the fall of 2021. A successful outcome of his residency is an annual event convening experienced professionals, academics, and other experts to speak on various topics related to U.S.-China relations.

A recent addition to Drake’s global partnerships is Qingdao University, located in Shandong, China. A well-respected institution, it ranks among the world’s top 500 universities.

Beyond the Classroom

A Global Learning Experience

Drake University students have long embraced the opportunity to expand their global perspectives through J-Term travel seminars. This year, they continued that tradition, immersing themselves in hands-on learning experiences across the world.
A group of people in life jackets on a boat under a green canopy, smiling and posing for a selfie.
A real-world business challenge at Panama Pacifico gave students firsthand experience in international business 💼 and sustainable development. 🌱

#SustainableDevelopment #GlobalBusiness

Group photo of people in front of the Colosseum in Rome.
Students studying art and anatomy explored Renaissance Italy, examining the intersections of science and art through historic landmarks, museums, and hands-on learning. 🎨 📸 🍝

#ArtMeetsScience #RenaissanceItaly #JTerm

A group of twenty-four people in business attire in a formal office setting.
📍From historic landmarks to high-stakes hearings, our students made the most of their J-Term in Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸 Highlights included attending a Supreme Court ⚖️ hearing on the TikTok ban, exploring the political capital, and gaining firsthand insights into government, law, and policy.

#JTermDC #DCExperience #FutureLeaders

Group of people in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City with scaffolding beside the structure.
Students explored Mexico City’s vibrant culture, including its food and music, before traveling to Xalapa for deeper cultural immersion. 🌮 🎶 🎭

#StudyAbroad #GlobalLearning #MexicoCityAdventures

Five people in a hospital room with hospital beds, one writing on a clipboard.
🩺 Health Sciences students gained practical experience through labs 🔬, lectures, and collaborations with peers at the Wiener Neustadt Campus of Health Sciences, comparing health care systems in the United States and Austria. 🏥

#GlobalHealthCare #HandsOnLearning

A group of seventeen people, with two women seated at a table and others standing behind them.
🔬 STEM students explored inclusive education, connecting with leaders in innovation, accessibility, and technology, while experiencing Kosovo’s cultural and scientific advancements.

#SustainableDevelopment #GlobalBusiness

Group of people posing on a scenic overlook with ocean and coastline in the background.
Business students refined their presentation skills by analyzing local tourism industries and researching the cultural and environmental impact of Indigenous communities in New Zealand. 🛖 🌏

#NewZealand #BusinessEducation #FutureLeaders

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