Snapshots from abroad
Off-Campus Study Program
Photo credit: Christina Wang '22 (Hungary, AIT, fall 2021)
The Swarthmore Off-Campus Study Program in a nutshell:
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Earn Swat credit while you are abroad that counts towards your major/minor, or take electives
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Use your financial aid package as you would during a regular semester at Swat
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Immerse yourself in a new academic and cultural environment, and hone your (inter)cultural competence skills
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Learn a new language, or enhance your language skills by enrolling in classes at a local university (though there are many programs without a language requirement)
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Develop your social network and create new friendships with students from all over the world
With over 250 approved programs, finding the right program for you is very exciting, but can also feel a bit overwhelming. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start your search:
- Some academic departments/programs have selected a semester that's best for study abroad. Be sure to check your department's/program's website.
- You are allowed to study abroad during the second semester of sophomore year, either semester junior year, or the first semester of senior year (seniors need approval from each major department/program). You may study abroad for a maximum of two semesters.
- Consult the Study Abroad Course Database to see what courses Swarthmore students have taken before on study abroad programs you are interested in. You can see the Swarthmore department that awarded credit for each course.
- Read previous students' evaluations, and talk to past participants of programs you are considering.
Search for Programs on the OCS Database
This OCS program database includes all Swarthmore-approved programs. You can search for programs on the database by selecting from a range of parameters (e.g., location, area of study, academic focus, housing options, languages of instruction, etc.). Use search parameters for factors that matter to you to narrow down options.
Click here to access the program database.
Also on the OCS database, you can view our Featured Programs. These are programs with which Swarthmore has a special affiliation.
If you prefer to search by geographical region, you can do a map search on the database.
And remember - the OCS staff is here to help! During your advising appointment we will help you navigate your program options, and answer any questions you may have. And of course you can always email us.
