International
Programs
101 Weingart
Tel: (323)
259-2533
Fax: (323) 341-4976
ipo@oxy.edu
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Oxy and
Non-Oxy Programs
Occidental College takes great care to offer programs of the highest academic standard and reputation. Study abroad programs that are approved by Occidental College have gone through a vetting process and have been approved by the Off-Campus Study Committee. Typically, approved programs have been visited either by a faculty member or a member of the International Programs Office (IPO). To insure continued quality, the IPO monitors programs through returnee evaluations and close communication with programs. In addition, the IPO maintains information on all approved programs including details regarding credit and transcripts, and course descriptions and syllabi.
As part of monitoring approved study abroad programs, the IPO observes the U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings. The College does not permit study abroad on a program in a country with a current Travel Warning, even if the program is approved. For students who have been accepted to a program in a country in which a Travel Warning arises, the International Programs Office will work with students to identify alternative options. Students are strongly encouraged to investigate the Health & Safety information in the Participants section of the IPO website, which includes links to current Department of State bulletins, as part of the process of investigating study abroad programs.
In addition to the panoply of programs which have been approved by the College, Occidental maintains an option for students to apply for Non-Oxy Programs. Most students find that their academic needs are met on an approved Oxy program abroad. However, students who find that this is not the case may apply for a Non-Oxy program abroad. The College does not maintain a Non-Oxy program option for domestic programs. Non-Oxy program applicants should be aware that in a competitive application pool, priority may be given to students applying to approved Oxy programs. In addition, the Off-Campus Study Committee limits the number of Non-Oxy Program participants in any given year and Non-Oxy Program applicants who are approved for off-campus study may be redirected to an alternate approved Oxy program. Typically, Non-Oxy program participants comprise approximately ten percent of study abroad participants.
Non-Oxy programs are not vetted in the manner of approved Occidental programs and it is the responsibility of the student to obtain full and accurate program information. Students interested in exploring Non-Oxy program options are encouraged to begin their work investigating alternative programs early. It is expected that students interested in this option will contact the program sponsor or university to obtain names of past participants, and to communicate with those students about their proposed program prior to submitting an application.
In the application, students who apply for a Non-Oxy program must present exceptional or compelling reasons for their program choice, and discuss why the existing approved Occidental programs do not meet their academic needs. It is the student’s responsibility to present a persuasive case in the application, addressing the program fully in aspects such as the academic program, housing, language, cultural immersion and credit.
Prior to submitting an application for a Non-Oxy program students are required to meet with either the Director of International Programs of the Assistant Director of International Programs to discuss their options. Please call the IPO at X2533 to arrange an appointment.
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