Guidelines

Why study off-campus?

Studying off-campus for a semester or year can be an enriching and vital part of your educational experience at Houghton. Off-Campus Study Opportunities enhance learning in many ways – strengthening specific skills and knowledge, broadening outlook and thinking, enlarging intercultural abilities and relationships, preparing for life in the global community, and deepening Christian commitment and service. Students choose off-campus studies as part of their major/minor or to enrich their general education. Houghton University encourages off-campus study and provides many opportunities.

Who may participate in off-campus studies?

Every Houghton student should consider how off-campus studies can enrich their education. Some majors require sequenced courses, so summers or special planning might be necessary. Work with your advisor to find the best time for you. (Final semester t is often best to have your final semester on campus.) A 2.5 GPA or higher is required for most semester options.

Opportunities

Off-campus opportunities must be carefully selected, similar to choosing which college to attend. Academic strengths, experiential quality, cost, and other issues arise. Houghton students have the following options:

  • Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Opportunities: Contemporary Music Center, Los Angeles Film Studies Center, and Oxford Honours Programme.
  • Affiliated Opportunities: Au Sable, Budapest Semester in Mathematics, Chez Vous, Creation Care Studies Program, Gordon College: Global Education, International Business Institute, Living and Learning, NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), Semester In Spain, Spanish Studies Abroad and Veritas. (Check with the Off-Campus Office for how credits and grades transfer and details about applying for off-campus Financial Aid). These affiliations allow students to remain enrolled at Houghton while at an off-campus host program.
  • Special Agreements: Agreements may be made with other non-affiliated host programs. Financial aid is more restricted.  Check with the Off-Campus Studies Office if you have questions.  Summer programs are easier for you to participate in.

Steps for Off-Campus Study

Houghton students should follow these steps to enroll in off-campus studies:

Questions?

Please Contact the Office of Off-Campus Studies if you have any questions or are a student from another college wishing to apply for a Houghton Program.

(585) 567-9634
OCS@Houghton.edu