Off-Campus Study

Off-campus study is an enriching intellectual experience when it is fully integrated into the student's overall academic experience at Swarthmore. Since the principal educational advantages of off-campus study are in-depth cross-cultural exposure and language learning, the best programs are those that maximize these benefits by fully immersing students in the host country's culture and society. This goal can only be effectively achieved by choosing full immersion off-campus study programs. Pursuing academic coursework in English in a Spanish-speaking country does not comply with the academic goals and mission of the Department of Spanish.

Students on financial aid may apply that aid to designated programs of study abroad.

All Spanish majors and minors are required to complete a study abroad program in a Spanish-speaking country. Swarthmore College offers students interested in studying abroad several programs listed below. We strongly suggest that majors and minors as well as non-specialists meet with a Spanish faculty member to discuss the possibilities and find the program that best suits their academic needs and interests.

Waiver of the study abroad requirement for Spanish majors and minors: Students who cannot go abroad for one semester due to academic or other constrains should speak to the chair of the department to discuss their circumstances. In special cases, depending on the student’s language proficiency, the study abroad requirement may be waived or fulfilled with a summer-long study abroad program identified and approved by the department. For summer programs, only one relevant course taken abroad may count towards fulfillment of the minor or major. Please consult with the chair of the department if you have any questions.

The Department of Spanish encourages students to choose programs that build on previous language study. In order to be better prepared for academic work in Spanish, we recommend that students take a writing course in Spanish (008, 012, 022, 023) at Swarthmore prior to going abroad.

Swarthmore students interested in enrolling in off-campus study programs in Latin America or Spain and seeking to be accredited by the Department of Spanish, need to follow the policies and accreditation procedures. 

Approved Programs in Spanish Speaking Countries

Argentina | Chile | Costa Rica | Cuba | Mexico | Peru | Puerto Rico |Spain | Uruguay

Note: There are many other good quality programs in Spain that can be considered. Please see Professor Guardiola, or any Spanish faculty member, to consider other alternatives in different Spanish cities. Students interested in studying in Guatemala should contact Prof. Nanci Buiza to find a program.