Getting started

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1. Find the right academic fit

Off-campus programs differ in academic structure, independence, language expectations, and student support. Consider which model best fits how you want to live and learn, along with the following considerations:

• Direct enrollment: Study at a university abroad alongside local students, often in the host country’s language. This model may fit you if you:
  • are an independent learner,
  • have the required language skills, and
  • want access to a broad selection of university courses.
• Center-based programs: Take courses through a program center with local faculty, structured advising, student support, and cultural activities. Courses may be taught in English or in a language-learning environment. This model may fit you if you:
  • prefer a familiar academic structure,
  • want more guidance and support, or
  • are beginning or strengthening your language skills.
• Hybrid programs: Combine courses at a program center with one or more courses at a local university. This model may fit you if you:
  • want structure and cultural immersion,
  • are interested in taking courses with local students, or
  • want support while adapting to a different university system.
• Field-based programs: Learn through fieldwork, internships, research, or independent study connected to a specific place, community, or academic question. This model may fit you if you:
  • prefer learning beyond a traditional classroom,
  • want to focus closely on a particular topic or region, or
  • are adaptable and comfortable working in different environments.
• Faculty-led travel seminars: Join a short-term program led by Skidmore faculty during winter, spring, or summer break. Travel seminars focus on a specific academic topic and may connect to an on-campus course. This model may fit you if you:
  • cannot spend a full semester away,
  • want to study with Skidmore faculty, or
  • are looking for a shorter off-campus experience.

2. Explore your options

Search programs by location, academic interest, language, term, or program type. Consider how each option fits your academic goals, preferred level of support, language experience, and time away.

Search off-campus programs

3. Confirm your eligibility

Before applying to a semester or short-term program, make sure you meet Skidmore’s off-campus study requirements: 

• Minimum GPA: You must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. Students below this requirement may complete a petition.
• Good standing: You must be in good academic, financial, and social standing with Skidmore. 

For a semester/yearlong program, you must also meet:

• Declared major: You must declare a major before applying.  
• Degree progress: Most students study off campus during their junior year. Students planning to participate during their sophomore or senior year must submit a petition explaining how they will remain on track for graduation. 

4. Plan your academics

Meet with your academic advisor to discuss how studying abroad can fit with your major and academic goals. Then submit a Proposed Course of Study that lists your intended courses and the Skidmore departments that will review them for credit. After departmental review, the Office of the Registrar and your academic advisor complete the approval process.

Review academic planning guidance

5. Apply through OCSE

Every student begins by submitting the OCSE online application by the published deadline. 

• Skidmore semester programs and faculty-led travel seminars: The OCSE application is the only program application required. 
• Approved programs: Submit the OCSE application first. After receiving Skidmore approval, students apply directly to their program, which will make the final admissions decision.  
  • Providers commonly request: an official Skidmore transcript, and a Home School Authorization Form completed by OCSE. OCSE will not be able to complete the form until the OCSE application is approved.  
  • Students may apply to only one program at a time unless OCSE determines that an exception is appropriate because of program competitiveness. 

Start the OCSE application

Application deadlines

Applications are typically due during the semester prior to studying off campus. Some programs have earlier deadlines or have rolling admissions and may fill quickly, so contact OCSE for guidance on when to apply. You must submit the OCSE application by the published deadline.  

For Skidmore programs, this is your only application. 
  
Approved Programs 
The OCSE deadline is generally two weeks before the provider's deadline, but no later than: 

• October 15 for spring programs
• March 15 for fall and academic-year programs  

Petitions for Non-Approved Programs 
Keep in mind that deadlines for non-approved petitions are earlier than those for regular semesters. Please meet with an OCSE advisor if you want to pursue this option.

Learn more about the non-approved program petition