Off-Campus Study Programs

In cooperation with institutions of higher education, Alma College offers a variety of both domestic and international study programs. Credit earned in these programs counts as residence credit. Off-campus study during the Fall or Winter term in an approved Alma College off-campus study program meets the College's S requirement. Off-campus study programs approved by the Academic and Career Planning office that are in session during an Alma College Spring Term will meet one Spring Term requirement. A maximum of 16 credits in language studies per term will count toward a language major or minor. For eligibility, requirements, detailed program information and application materials, consult the Academic and Career Planning office.

Off-Campus Costs and Financial Aid. Students participating in semester off-campus study programs pay published Alma College tuition, fees, room and board. If room and/or board are not provided, Alma College will adjust the fees accordingly. Students participating in summer programs will pay directly the tuition, room, board and associated academic fees associated with the program and a $500 administrative fee.

Alma College aid can be used for off-campus Alma College-approved programs only by students who are U.S. citizens and who reside in the U.S. or a U.S. territory. Alma College financial aid can be used for one semester (not Spring Term) in an approved off-campus program. Federal or state aid is available for more than one term of off-campus course work. Exceptions are for Modern Language majors, who may study for a full academic year in one international language program, and students with a double major in two languages, who can receive aid for up to two terms if the programs are needed to fulfill international language requirements.

Approved International Off-Campus Study Programs. Alma College offers international programs of study in the countries listed below. Additional information is available in the Academic and Career Planning office. The programs in Bolivia, Ecuador, England, India and Peru have internship and volunteer experiences at their locations.

Approved Domestic Off-Campus Study Programs. Each of the domestic programs provides opportunities for experiential and academic learning including internships and traditional coursework. Additional information is available in the Academic and Career Planning office.

Additional Off-Campus Study Programs. Students with academic interests that cannot be met by any of the approved programs should consult the Academic and Career Planning office for assistance in applying to the Off-Campus Study Faculty Committee for approval of their selected program.

Spring Term Off-Campus Study. Each Spring Term, Alma College faculty members offer a variety of courses in international and domestic settings. Recent faculty-led international courses took place in Argentina, Australia, Austria, China, Ecuador, England, Germany, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Poland, Russia, Scotland and Spain. Language study is offered in France, Germany and Latin America. Domestic offerings have included various areas in Michigan and Colorado; the cities of Chicago, Key West, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.; and the U.S.-Mexico border. Additional information about these programs is available through the Provost's Office.

Special Programs

Service Learning Experiences. Alma has an active academic service learning program. Service Learning courses include meaningful community service, a clear connection between course objectives and service activities and structured opportunities for reflection for the enhancement of academic learning. Most disciplines offer at least one service learning course in which students are engaged in meaningful service with a non-profit or service organization addressing economic development, educational, employment, environmental and health related issues. Service opportunities have been developed in the Alma area, throughout Michigan, and even outside the United States. To learn more, contact the Service Learning Coordinator: Ms. A. Ritz.

Undergraduate Research and Performance Programs. Many Alma students seek individualized opportunities to conduct research under the guidance of a faculty member in the field, laboratory, archives or studio. Students from all disciplines of the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences often complete research and/or creative projects that are then presented at forums such as the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts and Letters; state, regional and national meetings of disciplinary honor societies; or invited showings, performances or presentations. Numerous competitive scholarships, including the Currie Scholars Program, the Kinney Research Scholarship and the Yehle Summer Internship Scholarship provide financial assistance to support qualified students who wish to pursue summer research and internship opportunities. For more information, contact the Provost's Office or the appropriate department chair.