Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to apply to study off-campus next semester?
The ACP office requires applicants to complete step 1-3 (paperwork obtained from the ACP office) by the posted deadline. The deadline for Winter is in early April of the previous year. Fall/Summer deadlines are in December of the previous year. There is a petition process if the deadline has passed. If you would like to petition for a deadline extension, visit the ACP office for details.
How do I start the Application process?
The Academic and Career Planning (ACP) office has a series of steps required for application to these program. Therefore, once you decide to study abroad, your first task to go to the ACP office located in the basement of the library to obtain initial paperwork. All applications are submitted to each program through the ACP Office on the student’s behalf so please do not submit an online application without consulting the ACP office.
Does my financial aid transfer to Off-Campus Studies Programs?
Yes! Alma College students pay full tuition for Off-campus studies programs and can transfer financial aid for up to one semester. An exception is made for students with a double major in two foreign languages who need to study abroad for two semesters as part of their degree.
How much will it cost me to study off-campus?
Semester Programs: Students will pay published Alma College tuition, fees, room and board whether their studies take place on or off campus. If room and board are not included in the off-campus studies program, fees will be adjusted accordingly. Talk with the financial aid and business offices to see what your final room and board payment will be.
Summer Programs: Students will pay the tuition, room, board, and associated academic fees associated with the program and a $500 summer enrollment fee.
Scholarships: Certain programs like AHA International may offer additional scholarships. Make sure to examine your program’s website to see if this is the case. The Academic and Career Planning Office keeps a record of other outside scholarships offered to students who wish to study abroad. Visit the ACP office for details.
Where can I get my Passport Photo?
The following locations near Alma will take passport photos.
- Alma Shirts/ Signs: Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 2 / $9.95; 463-6851
- Rite Aid: 8a.m. to 10 p.m.; 2 / $7.99; 463-6111
- Walgreens: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; 2 / $7.99; 463-2704
- Wal-mart: Sun. - Thu. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 10a.m. to 2p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; 2 / $9.99; 466-2865
How do I know if off-campus study courses will fulfill a requirement?
Talk with your advisor about your decision to study abroad to find out what courses you need for graduation and your major. Before Departure, Students have courses approved by faculty members to transfer in for certain requirements. This is part of the 7 Application steps. This process requires the student to obtain a course syllabus (usually available online at the program website) and a course approval form so that the faculty member may evaluate the OCS course and determine whether it is equivalent to an Alma College Course.
South America and Europa-Kolleg courses have been pre-approved to transfer as Alma College credit; all other programs must go through the process described above.
Can I attend a different program than those offered through Alma College?
Yes. Alma College encourages students to attend approved programs as these programs have been evaluated by multiple faculty members and have been used successfully for Alma College students for many years. The procedure to transfer credit may also be easier with approved programs. However, if one of these programs does not fit your needs you may petition for program approval of an alternate program.
Therefore, if you are applying to a program that is not included on the Alma College Approved Programs list, you must include the following additional information in Step One.
- An overview of the program
- Website address
- Program Dates
- All associated costs (tuition, room, board and a breakdown of residual costs)
- Application Deadlines
