INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a liberal arts education?
A: A liberal arts education is designed so that students study a wide variety of academic subjects in addition to a student’s academic major that are intended to provide knowledge in various subjects, critical thinking skills and reasoning ability. Students study in depth in a selected field and in breadth in humanities (literature, the arts and philosophy), history, foreign languages, social sciences, mathematics and natural sciences.
Q: If I know what I want to major in, why do I have to take other courses?
A: Because DePauw values the liberal arts philosophy, the University knows that having a well-rounded education will help you be more knowledgeable and better prepared for a career in any field. .
Your DePauw degree will require you to take approximately one-third of your 31 required credits in your major, one-third in your general education requirements (natural science and mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, literature and the arts, historical and philosophical understanding, foreign language, and self expression through performance and participation) and the remaining third in other areas.
Specifically, students must complete a major, groups/general education requirements, competencies, and three Winter Term projects in order to fulfill graduation requirements.
Q: How does DePauw University provide a unique experience for its students?
A: DePauw University believes in helping students to apply theory to practice: allowing students to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world experiences.
Students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty in doing undergraduate research. Internships are available through the programs of distinction (Management Fellows, Media Fellows, Science Research Fellows, and Instructional Technology), Off-Campus Study, Winter Term and other special opportunities. Volunteer experiences also help international students network with and learn from others in their field of study. Many international students engage in Winter Term or semester-long off-campus study experiences both inside and outside the U.S. while studying at DePauw. Funding is available to help students participate in many of these types of hands-on, experiential opportunities.
Q: What services does the Office of International Education & Off-Campus Study provide?
A: This office provides advising on off-campus study, immigration, cultural concerns and other unique issues of international students. English language tutoring, non-resident alien tax programs, and break housing is arranged through this office. Cultural programs such as the annual Thanksgiving Dinner, tree-trimming and International Education Week programs are also organized by the Office of International Education and Off-Campus Study. Our staff works closely with the International Student Association (ISA) and other University offices to provide programs for the campus community.
Q: Is English language assistance available?
A: DePauw University does not have an English as a Second Language (ESL) program. However, the University does provide English language support to students. DePauw understands that although students may meet the University’s English language requirements, non-native speakers of English may require additional language assistance.
During orientation, students will be given an English placement test. Students that place into English 110 will be required to enroll in the course. Upon successful completion of this course, one DePauw credit is earned towards students’ general education requirement. Additionally, English tutorials can be arranged on an individual basis.
Q: What is Winter Term?
A: DePauw’s month-long Winter Term reflects the University’s commitment to non-traditional, experiential learning. Faculty, staff, and students have the opportunity to engage in academic exploration through non-traditional projects during the month of January. Winter Term is a time of adventurous, intellectual exploration in an atmosphere with a reduced emphasis on grades.
Winter Term options include taking an on-campus course, participating in an internship, engaging in independent study projects, impacting others through joining a service project, or studying at another school or through an organization. Each project has a different cost. Student financial support is available for those students with demonstrated financial need.
All degree-seeking students are required to complete three Winter Terms in order to complete their degree requirements. Visiting students are strongly encouraged to participate in Winter Term.
For more information, please visit the Winter Term website.
Q: What is the laptop requirement?
A: A core component of DePauw's success in incorporating technology into the fabric of the University requires that each student have continuous access to a computer. DePauw requires all students entering the University to purchase a designated Dell or Apple Computer laptop through the DePauw Laptop Program. Some students may own a laptop prior to their attendance at DePauw and wish to continue using it; however, DePauw requires students to acquire a designated computer so that the University can provide technical support and ensure that all students have the required software programs.
If you are a short-term exchange student and have your own personal laptop, please bring it with you. At this time, you are not required to purchase a specified laptop. There are computer labs that can be utilized during your stay.
A very limited number of laptops are available for lease to students with exceptional circumstances. Students with leased laptops will be charged a low monthly fee; this fee will be applied to their student accounts. Please contact the international student advisor by August 1 if you will need to lease a laptop.
Q: Can my scholarship be increased once I arrive on campus?
A: Students should expect to maintain the same amount of scholarship that they were initially awarded each term, provided that they meet terms of the scholarship. If a student’s financial circumstances change, the student’s case will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Q: Can I work in the U.S.?
A: International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on campus. However, due to financial aid reasons, a student may be limited to less hours; typically international students work between 8-11 hours per week. Typically, these student positions pay minimum wage which is currently $5.15 per hour. Students are not allowed to work off campus without prior immigration permission. Some internships are available to students as part of a student’s academic program. International students can participate in these programs; however, they must secure immigration authorization well in advance. Practical training is available for those students that are completing their academic program and for employment that is in their field of study. Again, this will require immigration authorization and may take several months.
Q: Can I ship packages to campus for me during the summer?
A: You may mail items in your name prior to your arrival. Please use this format:
Student Name
DePauw University
U.B. Box #### (Your personal box number)
408 S. Locust Street
Greencastle, Indiana 46135 USA
Your UB Box Number is accessible by logging into your e-Services account. Be sure to mark all packages with "STUDENT, HOLD FOR ARRIVAL.” You can retrieve your packages from the Student Post Office located in the Union Building during specific times during orientation and during regularly scheduled hours during the academic year. Any items sent by sea or air freight (i.e., not through the postal service) must be claimed at the U.S. Customs Office in Indianapolis (40 miles from Greencastle). These items can be addressed as above, but you must arrange your own transportation to go to Indianapolis to retrieve them. Regular postal air or sea mail comes directly to DePauw.
Q: What is the local transportation like in Greencastle?
A: You will find that any type of transportation planning must be done with much more advance notice than you may be used to. The United States, unfortunately, is a land of crowded airlines and private automobiles, and does not have much in between. There is no bus service in Greencastle. Taxi service is extremely limited and requires advanced planning, usually at least a week’s notice. The local cab company is Castle Cab and its phone number is 765-653-TAXI (8294).
Q: Since Greencastle does not have a bus system, how do I get around the town?
A: There are a number of places near the University that students do not need a car to reach. The bank, post office, public library, and a grocery store with a pharmacy are all within easy walking distance of campus. Restaurants, banks, and barbers are also very nearby. During orientation, shopping shuttles will be arranged so that you can purchase the items that you need to be comfortable in your housing. Once a week, a free shuttle provides students with transportation to a small shopping plaza that is a bit further away. Your initial transportation to campus is arranged by the Office of International Education & Off-Campus Study, if adequate notification time is provided. During the University’s official breaks, limited shuttles are organized to the Indianapolis International Airport and to the Greyhound Station in Indianapolis. You should arrange your travel according to shuttle availability. You must reserve your spot on these shuttles by contacting the Office of Campus Life. The cost is $15 for each trip. You can view the Shuttle Schedule online.
Q: How can I get an official University transcript?
A: You can request a transcript through e-Services. You will need to login to your account on e-Services through the DePauw homepage. There is a cost of $4 for each transcript. This cost will be placed on your student account. You must specify where you want the transcript sent.
