Off Campus Studies

Off Campus Studies at Carleton College offer students a unique opportunity to broaden their academic and cultural horizons through immersive learning experiences outside the traditional campus environment. Designed to complement the college’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum, these programs enable students to engage with diverse communities, explore new environments, and develop valuable intercultural skills that enhance their personal and academic growth. Whether participating in domestic programs that focus on regional studies, environmental conservation, or urban development, or embarking on international exchanges across continents, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and gain firsthand knowledge of global issues and perspectives. Off Campus Studies at Carleton are carefully curated to ensure academic rigor, cultural sensitivity, and meaningful engagement. Students can choose from semester-long programs, summer intensive courses, or specialized research projects, all structured to integrate seamlessly with their degree requirements. These programs not only enrich students’ understanding of different cultures and societies but also foster independence, adaptability, and global citizenship—qualities highly valued in today’s interconnected world. Support services, including pre-departure orientation, on-site coordinators, and re-entry debriefings, are provided to maximize the educational benefits and ensure safety. Alumni of Off Campus Studies frequently cite these experiences as transformative, often leading to further international engagement, language acquisition, and expanded career opportunities. In collaboration with partner institutions worldwide, Carleton’s Off Campus Studies exemplify the college’s commitment to experiential learning, global awareness, and social responsibility, preparing students to become informed and engaged global citizens.

"Off Campus Studies at Carleton College offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultural environments, expand their academic horizons, and develop global perspectives. This program enables students to participate in semester or year-long study experiences outside of the college's main campus, including domestic and international locations. Students can choose from a wide range of partner institutions, research programs, internships, and service-learning projects tailored to their academic interests and career goals. The program emphasizes experiential learning, intercultural understanding, and personal growth, helping students gain valuable skills such as adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and independent problem-solving. Off Campus Studies at Carleton is designed to complement students' core academic pursuits by providing real-world contexts for applied learning, fostering a deeper understanding of global issues, and encouraging engagement with diverse communities. The program staff provides comprehensive support throughout the application process, pre-departure preparations, and re-entry transition, ensuring students are well-equipped to benefit fully from their experiences abroad. Participating students also have access to academic credit transfer options, ensuring their off-campus coursework integrates seamlessly into their degree programs. With an emphasis on responsible global citizenship and experiential education, Carleton’s Off Campus Studies prepare students to become informed, compassionate leaders in today’s interconnected world."

Program requirements for Off Campus Studies at Carleton College include a range of academic and procedural obligations designed to ensure students' successful participation and integration into diverse learning environments. Applicants must submit a detailed application form, including a statement of purpose explaining their objectives and how the program aligns with their academic and career goals. A transcript demonstrating satisfactory academic standing is required, along with a letter of recommendation from a faculty member familiar with the student's academic performance. Students must also meet specific prerequisites related to their chosen program location, which may include language proficiency tests, health requirements, or prior coursework. Approval from the College's Off-Campus Studies Office is mandatory before students can enroll in external programs, and students are advised to consult with academic advisors to ensure that courses taken off-campus will meet graduation requirements and complement their major or minor concentrations. Additionally, students must complete a pre-departure orientation that covers cultural, safety, and logistical considerations pertinent to their host location. Some programs may have additional requirements such as a minimum GPA, disciplinary clearance, or specific technical skills, depending on the nature of the study abroad site or internship host. Post-program, students are often required to submit a reflective report or presentation summarizing their experiences, insights gained, and academic outcomes achieved during their off-campus studies. Throughout their participation, students must adhere to all policies and guidelines provided by Carleton College and the host institutions, including maintaining appropriate conduct and academic integrity. Financial obligations, including program fees, insurance, and travel costs, are outlined and must be fulfilled in accordance with deadlines established by the College. Eligibility for off-campus study programs is generally limited to students with sophomore standing or higher, although some programs may have additional criteria or restrictions. Participation in off-campus studies is considered an integral component of Carleton College's commitment to providing a global and experiential learning environment, fostering intercultural competence, and preparing students for a diverse and interconnected world.

The financing of off-campus studies at Carleton College involves a combination of institutional support, federal and state financial aid programs, scholarships, and personal funds. Carleton College is committed to making off-campus study opportunities accessible to all qualified students, and therefore offers various financial resources to help cover the associated expenses. The college's financial aid program includes need-based grants, federal student loans, and work-study options that can be utilized to support off-campus study costs. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid early by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile to determine their eligibility for need-based aid.

Moreover, Carleton provides specific scholarships aimed at supporting students participating in off-campus programs, including grants that can offset program fees, travel costs, and living expenses. Many off-campus programs themselves may have scholarships or financial assistance available, and students are advised to explore these options directly through the program providers. In addition, the college offers a variety of merit-based scholarships that do not depend on financial need, which can also be applied toward off-campus studies.

Students are also encouraged to seek external funding sources such as private scholarships, government grants, and international exchange funds. The college’s Office of Financial Aid offers counseling and guidance to help students identify and secure additional funding opportunities. Some students may choose to finance their off-campus study expenses through personal savings, family contributions, or employment. For those participating in semester-long programs, Carleton often provides estimated cost breakdowns, helping students plan their budgets effectively.

Overall, the financing of off-campus studies at Carleton College is designed to be flexible and comprehensive, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent qualified students from gaining international or experiential learning opportunities. The college emphasizes the importance of financial planning and encourages students to consult with financial aid advisors early in their planning process to maximize available resources and develop a sustainable financial plan for their off-campus study experience.

Off-Campus Studies at Carleton College offer students the opportunity to engage in academically rigorous programs outside of the college's main campus, including study abroad programs, domestic off-campus programs, and experiential learning opportunities. These programs are designed to expand students' global perspectives, foster intercultural understanding, and enhance their academic and personal growth. Carleton's off-campus offerings include partnerships with institutions around the world, allowing students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures while pursuing coursework that complements their major or minor fields of study.

Students interested in participating in off-campus studies typically work with the college’s Office of Off-Campus Studies, which provides guidance on program selection, application procedures, financial aid options, and credit transfer policies. The programs encompass a wide range of disciplines, including arts, sciences, social sciences, and humanities, ensuring that students can find options aligned with their academic goals. Carleton emphasizes experiential learning, critical reflection, and intercultural competency development within these programs, encouraging students to engage deeply with their host communities and contexts.

The college supports a variety of study abroad programs, including semester, year-long, and summer options, with facilitated partnerships through organizations like the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and other affiliated programs. Many programs are integrated with Carleton’s curriculum, allowing students to fulfill major, minor, or distribution requirements while abroad. Financial aid and scholarships are available specifically for off-campus study participants, making these opportunities accessible to a broader range of students.

Additionally, Carleton offers domestic off-campus programs, such as programs in urban settings, environmental field studies, or internships in different regions within the United States. These initiatives aim to provide experiential learning relevant to students' academic pursuits and career interests. The college also organizes faculty-led off-campus courses, which combine travel with intensive coursework, fostering experiential learning and close mentorship.

Participation in off-campus study programs is considered an integral part of a well-rounded Carleton education, closely aligned with the college’s liberal arts philosophy. Students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and incorporate insights gained from their time away from campus into their academic and personal development. Overall, Carleton’s Off-Campus Studies program is designed to prepare students to become globally engaged citizens, equipped with cross-cultural communication skills, adaptability, and a broadened worldview.