Unfortunately, students from non-partner institutions are not eligible for the Inbound Exchange Program. Though limited, Swarthmore occasionally offers opportunities for visiting students, which you can view on the Registrar's Office website.

Swarthmore can only consider a student for a given term if their home school nominated them for that specific term. International exchange students can attend Swarthmore during the fall semester or the full academic year (Swarthmore generally cannot accept international students for the spring semester only). Domestic exchange students can attend Swarthmore during the fall semester, the spring semester, or the full academic year.

Swarthmore requires very strong English language skills. In addition, international exchange students will need to demonstrate English proficiency to be eligible for a J1 visa.

Swarthmore conducts a holistic review of applications and does not require a specific GPA. However, strong academic performance in home institution courses is considered as part of Swarthmore's review process. Details about qualities that Swarthmore looks for in applicants can be found on the Admissions website (note that some other pages on this website do not apply to exchange students).

Many courses at Swarthmore have prerequisites. Check the prerequisites for any courses of interest. If an exchange student has taken equivalent courses to prerequisites at Swarthmore, they might be eligible for courses with those prerequisites (permission from the instructor is required).

No. Exchange students cannot take classes in the Computer Science Department and cannot take first-year seminars. Access to honors seminars and other upper-level courses is extremely limited in certain other departments (e.g., Natural Sciences and Engineering departments). Exchange applicants are encouraged to keep a variety of departments/programs and course options in case their top-choice courses do not have availability.

No. Even if the home institution nominates a student, Swarthmore cannot guarantee admission. Swarthmore conducts our own external review of nominees' qualifications.

Fall Semester or Full Academic Year
Nomination deadline: April 1
Application deadline: April 15

Spring Semester (Domestic Exchanges Only)
Nomination deadline: September 1
Application deadline: September 15

These deadlines may be adjusted to align with home schools' internal timelines (but not to meet individual applicants' needs). In such cases, Swarthmore communicates with the home school to revise the timeline.

Home schools generally require students to submit internal applications to be considered for nomination to Swarthmore. The study abroad office at the applicant's home school provides instructions about the nomination process (contact them with any questions). At some schools, the nomination process is highly selective.

Nomination by the applicant's home school is NOT a guarantee of admission to Swarthmore. Nominees also need to demonstrate their qualifications through Swarthmore's external application.

Nominees should be prepared to submit the following information and materials (after Swarthmore has sent them our external application link):

• Academic Reference: Nominees will need to provide contact information for one academic reference. The reference should be a professor who has taught at least one of their classes. In some cases, Swarthmore may contact a reference during our application review process to request a letter of support for an applicant. Unless this happens, the reference does not need to write a letter. We recommend that applicants contact a professor as early as possible to request permission to list them as a reference.
• Transcript: Nominees will need to request an official transcript from their home school.
• Image of passport (international applicants) or any official photo ID (domestic applicants)
• English Test Scores: If the language of instruction at the nominee's home school is not English, they are encouraged (but not required) to submit English language test scores (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS).

The rest of the Swarthmore Inbound Exchange application can be completed in our online portal. The online application will ask nominees to provide personal information and write several short essays.

Our application requires students to list courses of interest at Swarthmore. The College Bulletin contains all courses ever taught at Swarthmore (click course titles to view descriptions, prerequisites, and available terms). We encourage nominees to consider courses in a variety of departments/programs. Nominees may NOT list courses that include the codes CPSC or FYS. They must list at least four courses (a full course load at Swarthmore) and may list additional options in case their top-choice courses do not have availability. The course list in our application is used for informational purposes—the actual registration process takes place after students have been admitted. Swarthmore CANNOT guarantee registration for the courses listed in the application.

Nominees are also invited to share Swarthmore activities of interest. A list of student activities is available on the Office of Student Engagement's website.

Applications go through a thorough review process, which usually takes 2-6 weeks. International exchange applications are reviewed by our Admissions Office, and domestic exchange applications are reviewed by the Global Engagement Advisory Committee. Admissions decisions are released via email.

Reviewers are interested in why the applicant wants to study at Swarthmore, as well as their academic and personal preparation for the exchange. Applicants should demonstrate that they have researched Swarthmore and found opportunities relevant to their academic and extracurricular interests. Reviewers assess the writing skills demonstrated through applications. In addition, reviewers check whether courses in applicants' academic areas of interest will have availability for exchange students.

Tuition and fees depend on the type of exchange agreement that the student's home school has with Swarthmore College. All exchange students are billed for their home school's tuition and are not charged for Swarthmore tuition. Students from most partner institutions (currently Ashesi and Pomona) also pay room and board fees to their home school, and will not be billed by Swarthmore for housing or meals.

Students from schools where the exchange agreement only includes tuition (currently UTokyo) will not pay room and board fees to their home institution. These students will instead be billed by Swarthmore for housing and meals. The room and board fees billed by Swarthmore correspond to the cost of room and board for outbound Swarthmore exchange students at UTokyo (and differ from the fees on the main Swarthmore website). The exact fees that Swarthmore will bill each student is listed in their Expected Costs Letter.

Swarthmore is a "cash-free" campus, which means that most expenses on campus are included in the billed fees listed in the student's Financial Letter. While on campus, students will not be charged additional fees for courses, campus events, student organizations, or certain campus services (e.g., laundry and printing).

The Textbook Affordability Program (TAP) is available to exchange students. Students who attend Swarthmore for one semester will receive half the amount of TAP credit listed on the website, while full-year students will receive the full amount of credit. TAP funds cover required textbooks for students' courses (e.g., textbooks). Students should wait to purchase textbooks until their have arrived on campus, finalized your course registrations, and accessed their TAP accounts.

Students should anticipate some out-of-pocket expenses while at Swarthmore. These expenses may include but are not limited to school supplies, personal items (clothing, bedding, souvenirs, etc.), a phone plan, off-campus activities (eating out, entertainment, etc.), and independent travel. The Financial Letter includes the estimated cost of supplies and other expenses (though actual out-of-pocket expenses may vary depending on the student's spending habits).

Inbound exchange students are eligible for campus jobs at Swarthmore provided they meet all the College's requirements for student employment. International students must contact the International Student Center to share their intent to work and receive information about specific requirements (e.g., setup of U.S. bank accounts and Social Security Numbers). After arrival, students can apply for positions and complete requirements for campus employment via JobX.

International exchange students need a J-1 visa to attend Swarthmore. The International Student Center (ISC) emails admitted students instructions to submit required information, which they will use to create the DS-2019 form (a J-1 visa requirement). Once students have received the DS-2019, they can use it for their visa appointment at a nearby embassy. Students must follow the ISC's instructions carefully and promptly to ensure timely entry into the U.S.

A few months before their arrival, exchange students will be emailed their Swarthmore username and Banner ID number. They will use this information to create their Swarthmore password. Once they have set up their account, they can use it to log into their Swarthmore email (and other Google apps), MySwarthmore (portal for various administrative services), Moodle (learning management system for your courses), Eduroam (campus WiFi), and other campus digital services.

Inbound exchange students must complete health requirements for new students following these instructions. The required forms can be accessed through the Student Health Portal on MySwarthmore. Students must submit their insurance information to waive the Swarthmore health insurance plan, so that insurance fees will not be billed to them. The requirements are due by the date listed on the linked page for fall or full-year exchange students, or as soon as possible after acceptance for spring-only domestic exchange students.

Admitted exchange students are assigned housing automatically. They are placed in one of Swarthmore's residence halls and generally have one or more roommates. If students have special housing requests, they should contact GEO as early as possible (special arrangements cannot be guaranteed).

Exchange students are automatically enrolled in the SWAT meal plan (which includes unlimited meals at our Dining Center). To select a different meal plan, students should follow instructions sent to their Swarthmore email shortly before their term at Swarthmore.

If an exchange student needs housing, academic, or other accommodations, they should inform the Global Engagement Office as early as possible. If availability of accommodations would influence the student's decision to attend, they should let us know before they apply (accommodation requests will NOT impact Swarthmore's admissions decision). GEO will pass on the student's information to Student Disability Services, then SDS will follow up with them to schedule an intake appointment. If possible, the student should prepare documentation of their needs in advance of their meeting (e.g., confirmation of accommodations at their home institution). Swarthmore cannot guarantee the same accommodations that the home school provides and evaluates requests based on our own guidelines.

Clothing: Temperatures at Swarthmore fluctuate, so we recommend that students bring layers. Swarthmore can become very cold and snowy during the winter!

Electronics: Students should prepare to purchase a physical or electronic SIM card that will work with their phone or a new U.S. phone. Students can access public computers at Swarthmore, but most choose to bring their own laptop. International students should check whether they need a power adapter to plug in their devices in the U.S. and bring one if necessary.

Bedding: Swarthmore does not provide bedding, so students need to bring or buy their own sheets, blankets, pillows, etc. (beds are twin x-long). If students order bedding to be shipped to Swarthmore, note that it should arrive within a week of their move-in date and can only be picked up at the Post Office during regular business hours.

Additional Guidelines on What to Pack

If a student wishes to keep a car on campus, they must apply for a parking permit as far in advance of their arrival as possible. If they receive a permit, they can park on campus following these guidelines. If the permit is not approved, the student may not bring a car to campus.

Exchange students should carefully review all dates on our Academic Calendar for their term at Swarthmore. Swarthmore housing is NOT available to exchange students before the arrival and departure dates above (i.e., during winter or summer break). During the mid-semester fall or spring break, students will not have classes — they may either leave Swarthmore or stay in Swarthmore housing during that week (though meals will not be available).

International exchange students must arrive in time for the International Student Orientation. Domestic students must several days before classes start. Swarthmore staff will contact exchange student about their exact required arrival date. Communicate with us about your estimated time of arrival so that someone at Swarthmore can meet you upon arrival, guide you to your room, and give you an ID card (which will give you access to Swarthmore buildings, meals, etc.).

Students must depart after they have completed all final examinations. If they need to book your return trip before Swarthmore's final exam schedule is released, they should plan to depart after the examination period ends and before residence halls close to non-seniors. These dates/times are available on our academic calendar.

Students are responsible for their own transportation to campus. The main Swarthmore address is 500 College Ave, Swarthmore, PA, 19081, USA. If possible, we recommend that students arrive at their assigned residence hall, so that they don't need to carry luggage a long distance. Specific residence halls are searchable on Google Maps and other navigation apps.

By flight: The closest airport to Swarthmore is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). We recommend that students take an Uber or Lyft from the airport to campus (taxis are available but usually are more expensive).

By train or bus: The closest Amtrak train station is William Gray III 30th Street Station. If students are coming from a train or bus station in Philadelphia, they can take the SEPTA Regional Rail to Swarthmore Station (right on campus) via the Media/Wawa line, or they can take an Uber or Lyft.

By car: If someone is giving the student a ride, they can drop them off near their residence hall then park in Benjamin West Visitor Parking. If the student is driving to campus, they must park in the student lot listed on their permit.

Students can find buildings on our campus map or ask around!

International exchange students participate in the International Student Orientation, which covers a range of topics and provides opportunities to meet other new international students. Domestic exchange students participate in a brief orientation with GEO during move-in week, which includes a campus tour and an overview of resources and expectations.

The Swarthmore community strives to be collaborative and inclusive, and many students, faculty, and staff are happy to be approached. However, most community members are not aware that Swarthmore has exchange students new to campus. Therefore, exchange students might need to be proactive about introducing themselves. Swarthmore organizes many start-of-term events where exchange students can meet peers. For example, there's an Activities Fair at the start of each semester, where students can meet representatives of student organizations and sign up for clubs.

Exchange students must follow the same policies as Swarthmore students. It's the student's responsibility to understand and abide by the policies in the Swarthmore Student Handbook. Violation of a Swarthmore policy may have consequences up to and including dismissal from the Inbound Exchange Program.

Exchange students also must review and comply with all of their home school's policies for study away participants.

Several months before their arrival, GEO will contact exchange students to put them in touch with their Academic Advisor. Students will meet with their advisor to discuss course selections and the registration process and timeline. Once the registration period begins, students can pre-register for classes via this link.

Exchange students are sometimes denied registration for courses with Swarthmore prerequisites. If these students contact instructors to provide documentation of equivalent courses they have taken, some instructors may reconsider denials. Other times, students are denied registration because courses have reached capacity. If students cannot register for certain courses, they must add other courses.

After the registration period ends, students must follow the Registrar's Add/Drop Procedure to add or drop a class. Students typically may add or drop a class during the first two weeks of classes (exact add/drop deadlines are listed on Swarthmore's Academic Calendar).

We usually recommend that exchange students only take Swarthmore classes, given the short time they'll be on campus. However, if an exchange student is highly interested in a class at Bryn Mawr, Haverford, or the University of Pennsylvania, they may register for up to one class per semester at one of these institutions. Students should only list Swarthmore classes in their Swarthmore Inbound Exchange application as the registration process for other institutions does not start until later. They must remain registered for a full course load at Swarthmore until they have finalized registration for a Tri-Co or Penn class.

Interested students must follow registration instructions for the relevant institution. To take a Penn class, students will need to stay in the PA area for the entire period when Penn classes are in session (which may include dates outside the period when Swarthmore housing is available and require special arrangements).

Information about each Swarthmore classes for which a student has registered is available on the Swarthmore Moodle page. Each course page should show up on Moodle by the time classes start or soon after the student has added the course. Students should use Moodle to view syllabi and topics, access readings, submit assignments, and complete other online course requirements.

If exchange students have questions about a class, they should first contact the professor. Swarthmore faculty may not be aware that there are new exchange students in their classes, who may need extra support. We recommend that exchange students introduce themselves to their professors soon after classes have started and explain that they are new to Swarthmore, so that the professors can better support their needs. If exchange students continue to experience difficulties with a class, we encourage them to seek additional academic support (see "Support and Resources" section below).

Exchange students must abide by all academic policies at Swarthmore AND their home school's academic policies for study away participants. They should pay particular attention to the following policies:

Course Load: Students must register for 4 Swarthmore credits (which usually means 4 one-credit classes). Their home school must send GEO written permission for exchange students to carry more or fewer than 4 credits. Students may NEVER carry more than 5 credits or fewer than 3 credits.

Credit/No Credit: Exchange students may NOT declare Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) for any course unless their home institution has sent GEO written permission for them to do so. Unless a student's home school allows an exception, all courses must be taken for a grade.

Incompletes: Exchange students must complete all coursework before the end of their term at Swarthmore. Incomplete (INC) grades are not permitted.

A month or two after an exchange student's term at Swarthmore, GEO will send their transcript to their home school. The study abroad coordinator at their home school will then review their credits following their own procedure. Any time after a student's transcript is ready, they can also request a copy for themselves via the National Student Clearinghouse (for a small fee).

Exchange students will live in one of Swarthmore's residential communities, which are all within walking distance of campus. Unless students have been approved for an accommodation, they will likely have one or more roommates. The Resident Assistant in their hall can answer any questions they may have about Swarthmore housing and connect you with others in their hall.

Students can use their Swarthmore meal plan at any of our campus dining locations and even at several restaurants and stores in the town next to campus! The amount of money students can spend at each type of dining location depends on the specific meal plan that they select. They can swipe their Swarthmore ID card at any available dining location to use their meal plan.

A list of student organizations is available on the Office of Student Engagement's website. We strongly encourage exchange students to attend the Activities Fair at the start of the semester to meet representatives of student organizations and sign up! Exchange students can also email ose@swarthmore.edu to request contact information for a certain organization. Most organizations welcome new members at any time!

Throughout the semester, Swarthmore organizes many events open to all students (parties, study breaks, speakers, shows, etc.). Students can check their Swarthmore email, browse the College events calendar, and/or follow the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) Instagram for information about upcoming events. Certain Swarthmore traditions take place almost every year!

Swarthmore has several libraries where students can study, work on group projects, and borrow books and other academic resources. Students also have access to a wide array of study spaces and lounges in locations such as their residence hall, academic buildings, and Sharples Commons.

Swarthmore has many athletic facilities, such as a gym (the Matchbox Fitness Center), a pool, tracks, and tennis courts. Exchange students should make sure to visit mySwarthmore to complete the Athletic Facilities Waiver (Personal Information section) so that they can access these facilities.

Downtown Swarthmore (known as "the Ville") is within walking distance of campus and has several restaurants, coffee shops, and stores. The Campus & Community Store, which sells textbooks, school supplies and Swarthmore-themed souvenirs, is between campus and the Ville.

Swarthmore shuttles can take students to several locations on campus and near campus. Students should review these tips if they plan to use campus shuttles. Available shuttles include the Garnet Shuttle (transportation to dorms far from campus), the Target-Giant Shuttle (transportation to a nearby mall and/or supermarket), and the Media Shuttle (transportation to a larger neighboring town).

Philadelphia, a large and lively city, offers restaurants, stores, and entertainment. Most Swarthmore students appreciate their proximity to an urban location — Philly is only a 25-35 minute train ride from campus! Students can take the SEPTA Regional Rail to Swarthmore Station (right on campus) via the Media/Wawa line. Exchange students receive a SEPTA pass from Swarthmore that is included in the cost of the exchange.

The Dash, a convenient site for Swarthmore students, is updated on a daily basis. Students can check The Dash each day for hours of campus services, menus at campus dining venues, upcoming evens, transportation times, links to campus digital services, and more!

Exchange students can direct any (non-emergency) question or concern to the Global Engagement Office. We will direct them to the offices on campus that can best assist you.

• Email: geo@swarthmore.edu
• Phone: 610-328-7827
• Location: Cunningham House (dome next to Scott Arboretum that faces College Ave)
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm and 1-4pm

In an emergency, exchange students should contact Public Safety. We recommend that exchange students add their emergency number, 610-328-8333, to their contacts. Public Safety is available 24/7 to provide immediate assistance in any type of on-campus emergency.

Exchange students have access to all services offered by the Student Health and Wellness Center. To schedule an appointment, they must call 610-328-8058 (walk-in appointments are not available). Note that if students use a different insurance plan from Swarthmore's, they may need to be reimbursed for certain services.

Exchange students have access to all services offered by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Students can follow instructions on the CAPS website to access an initial appointment.

If students need support in a specific class, they are encouraged to communicate with the professor. They can email the professor or stop by their office hours. In some cases, students may request a tutor for a class (usually when recommended to do so by a professor or advisor).

If students have any general academic questions, they can also contact their assigned Academic Advisor. After their initial meeting about course selection, they can stay in contact with their advisor about their academic progress throughout their term at Swarthmore.

If students receive academic accommodations, Student Disability Services is available to offer related support.

If students would like support as they work on any written assignment, they can schedule an appointment with the Writing Center. The Writing Center can help them develop the writing skills expected at Swarthmore.

Exchange students are each assigned a Student Dean, who can provide holistic support as they navigate academics and student life on campus. If any academic, personal, medical, or other challenges impact a student's experience at Swarthmore, they are encouraged to reach out to their Student Dean.

The International Student Center (ISC) provides support for international exchange students. The ISC can assist with visa questions and cultural adjustment, among many other services for international students.

The Office of Inclusive Excellence offers resources related to each student's personal identities. Through the relevant Center, students can speak with staff or peers about race and ethnicity, culture, religion, first-generation/low-income, gender and sexuality, and more.

Because Swarthmore's information systems were designed primarily for four-year students, exchange students may run into unexpected issues. If exchange students have problems with technology (e.g., WiFi, printing, or campus digital services), please use the ITS Service Portal. If their OneCard (Swarthmore ID card) does not work for meal swipes or denies access to a campus building (that other students can enter), exchange students should stop by the OneCard Office.

On-site Swarthmore staff can usually best assist exchange students with questions or concerns they have while on-campus. However, if a student has a question related to their home school's study away policies, or if no offices at Swarthmore can support their needs, they should contact their home school.