More than 12,000 students from Chicago-area universities head overseas each year. That’s not just a number-it’s a real shift in how young people see their future. Whether you’re from the South Side, the North Shore, or somewhere in between, studying abroad isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s a practical step toward a career, a global perspective, and personal growth. And yes, it’s more doable than you think.
What Programs Are Available to Chicago Students?
Chicago’s top universities don’t just offer study abroad programs-they’ve built entire networks around them. The University of Chicago, for example, partners with over 70 institutions worldwide. Students have taken courses in Kyoto, interned in Berlin, and researched climate policy in Cape Town. Northwestern University runs semester-long programs in 35 countries, with dedicated advisors who help students pick the right fit based on major, language skills, and budget.
DePaul University and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) focus on accessibility. UIC’s Global Engagement Office has programs in places like Ghana, Vietnam, and Argentina that don’t require fluency in a second language. DePaul’s partnership with the University of Seville lets students take Spanish classes while earning credits in business or journalism. These aren’t just short-term trips. These are full-credit, accredited experiences that count toward your degree.
Even community colleges like Harold Washington College and City Colleges of Chicago have exchange agreements. A student from Englewood can spend a semester in Oaxaca, Mexico, and still graduate on time. The key? Start early. Most programs open applications 9-12 months ahead. Deadlines for fall semesters often fall in January or February.
How Much Does It Actually Cost?
The biggest myth about studying abroad? It’s too expensive. Yes, a semester in London or Sydney can run $25,000. But that’s not the norm. The average cost for a Chicago student in a mid-range program-think Italy, Chile, or South Korea-is between $12,000 and $16,000. That includes tuition, housing, meals, and local transportation. Many programs even let you use your existing financial aid.
Here’s the real deal: study abroad doesn’t mean you have to pay more. Most Chicago-area schools allow you to apply federal Pell Grants, state aid, and even institutional scholarships directly to your overseas program. UIC students, for example, can use their Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) grants abroad. The University of Chicago offers need-based grants that cover up to 75% of program fees for qualifying students.
And don’t forget housing. Many programs include homestays or dorm-style housing at local universities. That’s often cheaper than living on campus in Chicago. A student in Valencia, Spain, might pay $450 a month for a private room with meals included. In Chicago? That same room would cost $1,200.
Where Are the Best Scholarships for Chicago Students?
There are more scholarships than you realize-and most go unclaimed because students don’t know where to look.
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: For U.S. citizens with financial need. Up to $5,000. Open to undergraduates. Chicago applicants have a 32% success rate.
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program: For research, study, or English teaching abroad. Covers airfare, living stipend, insurance, and tuition. Only 1,000 awarded yearly, but Chicago students have won 18 since 2020.
- Boren Awards: For students studying in countries critical to U.S. interests-think Japan, Brazil, Egypt. Up to $25,000 for semester or year-long programs.
- Chicago Foundation for Women Study Abroad Grant: Specifically for female-identifying students from Chicago. Awards $3,000-$7,500. Deadline: March 15.
- Study Abroad Scholarship from the Chicago Alumni Network: Open to students from any Chicago-area school. Requires a 500-word essay on how the experience will impact your community. Winners get $2,000-$10,000.
Many departments also offer their own funding. The Political Science Department at Loyola University gives $1,500 to students studying governance in Germany. The Art Department at Columbia College funds travel to residencies in Iceland. Talk to your academic advisor. They often know about hidden opportunities.
What Are the Top Destinations for Chicago Students?
It’s not just Europe. While Spain, Italy, and the UK are popular, Chicago students are increasingly choosing places with growing economies and cultural depth.
- Japan: Over 1,200 Chicago students studied there in 2025. Programs in Tokyo and Kyoto focus on technology, robotics, and urban design. Many offer internships at companies like Sony and Toyota.
- Mexico: Especially popular with students from Latinx communities. Programs in Guadalajara and Oaxaca combine language immersion with public health, education, or social justice work.
- South Korea: Seoul offers strong engineering and business programs. The Korean government even subsidizes housing for international students.
- Ghana: UIC and DePaul have growing partnerships. Students work with NGOs on clean water projects, education access, and sustainable agriculture.
- Chile: Known for its environmental science programs. Students study glacial retreat in Patagonia or urban sustainability in Santiago.
These aren’t tourist destinations. They’re classrooms. And they’re changing how students see themselves in the world.
How to Get Started: A Realistic Timeline
You don’t need to be a genius or have a perfect GPA. You just need to plan ahead.
- Start 12 months out: Talk to your study abroad office. Look at program catalogs. Attend info sessions. Most schools host these in September and October.
- 9-10 months out: Pick 3-5 programs. Check deadlines. Start gathering transcripts and recommendation letters.
- 7-8 months out: Apply for scholarships. Fill out the Gilman, Boren, and your school’s internal applications. Don’t wait for the deadline-submit early.
- 5-6 months out: Complete visa paperwork. Book flights. Attend pre-departure orientation. Learn basic phrases in the local language.
- 2-3 months out: Set up international banking. Buy travel insurance. Connect with past participants on Instagram or Facebook groups.
One student from Oak Park applied for a program in Vietnam with no prior travel experience. She got the Gilman Scholarship, lived with a host family, and now runs a nonprofit that connects Chicago teens with Southeast Asian mentors.
What You Won’t Be Told
Studying abroad isn’t all Instagram moments. There are lonely nights. Misunderstandings. Culture shock. You might cry over a missed bus or feel lost in a market where no one speaks English.
But here’s what no one says enough: those moments are the point. The student who learns to haggle in a Moroccan souk. The one who cooks dinner with a host sibling in Colombia. The one who realizes their thesis topic on climate change means more when they’ve seen the melting glaciers in person.
Employers don’t care that you went to Paris. They care that you figured out how to navigate a new system, adapt to different expectations, and solve problems without Google Maps.
And when you come back? You won’t just have a transcript. You’ll have a new way of thinking. That’s the real return on investment.
Can I study abroad if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Many Chicago-area universities accept international students in their study abroad programs. If you’re an international student currently studying in Chicago, you can often apply to programs in your home country or third countries. Visa rules vary by destination, so check with your school’s international office. Some countries, like Canada and Germany, have streamlined processes for students with valid U.S. student visas.
Do I need to speak another language?
Not necessarily. Many programs offer courses in English-even in non-English-speaking countries. Spain, Italy, and Japan have dozens of English-taught programs in business, engineering, and social sciences. That said, learning even basic phrases improves your experience and helps you connect with locals. Some scholarships, like Boren, require language study, so check the requirements before applying.
Can I study abroad during my senior year?
Yes, but it requires careful planning. Most universities require you to complete at least 30 credits on campus before going abroad. If you’re graduating in May, you can typically go abroad in the fall of your senior year. Some students even defer graduation by one semester. Talk to your academic advisor early to map out your remaining credits.
Are there programs for STEM majors?
Absolutely. Northwestern, UIC, and the University of Chicago all have strong STEM abroad options. Students have conducted lab research in Norway, studied renewable energy in Denmark, and taken robotics courses in Singapore. Many programs partner with international labs and universities that offer credit in engineering, biology, and computer science. Look for programs that include internships or field research.
What if I have a disability or medical condition?
Study abroad offices are required to provide accommodations. Whether you need wheelchair access, mental health support, or dietary accommodations, most programs can adjust housing, transportation, and coursework. Start by contacting your school’s disability services office-they work directly with study abroad coordinators to ensure you have what you need. Countries like Japan, Germany, and Canada have excellent accessibility standards.
What Comes Next?
If you’re reading this, you’re already ahead of most students. The next step? Pick up the phone. Call your university’s study abroad office. Attend the next info session. Download the program catalog. Talk to someone who’s been there.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start.