• International Programs Office
• International Students
• Exchange

Exchange

Exchange and Visiting Students

Study abroad can be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your college program and can have a significant impact on intellectual, personal and professional development. The International Programs Office invites serious, motivated students to apply to study abroad at "Oxy!"

In one of the world’s truly global cities, Oxy is a vibrant international campus where diverse backgrounds, interests and ideas thrive, where international students feel welcome and supported.  Occidental  prepares "citizens of the world," skilled at negotiating its complexities and eclectic in interests and tastes. Founded in 1887, Oxy is a small liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 1900 students. 

If your home institution has a standing reciprocal exchange agreement with Occidental College, you will need the nomination of your own international office to participate in the exchange. 

If you can pay out-of-pocket or through a scholarship source for a semester at Oxy, you may apply as a visiting student.

Intellectual Life - Oxy is a vibrant and challenging intellectual community. In the American Liberal Arts tradition, you may take classes in any department at Oxy, mixing your interests and needs across disciplines, from American Studies to Politics, from Chemistry to Music. The catalog in your University's International or Exchange Office lists all the fields and most of the available classes. Current class offerings are also available online.

Upper division classes, of most interest to visiting students, tend to be small, 15 - 20 students, some smaller. Teaching methods generally rely heavily on in-class discussion, student presentations, extensive reading and writing assignments, and exams. Thus, class participation often plays a large role in grading. Experiencing the differences between your own country's or home institution and Oxy classroom dynamics can be one of the most interesting components of your stay.

In addition to classes, there are important speakers and cultural events on campus every week. A given week might offer a lecture by Chilean writer, Isabel Allende, a student's presentation of his research on plant diversity in the South African grassland or a symposium on Los Angeles politics.

Student Life - Oxy students have organized more than 80 exciting clubs. For instance there is Sky Diving, Anime Club (animation), Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Conservative Student Union, Hui Nalu Surf Club, Lesbian/Bi-sexual/Gay Alliance, International Student Association, the student newspaper (The Occidental) and every kind of sport.

Of course, Los Angeles, rich in cultural and recreational activities, awaits! 

Housing & Meals - Residential living is an important part of Occidental College life and a great way to make friends. As such, you will be living with a roommate in a residence hall on campus. Unless you specifically request a single room and are prepared to bear the extra expense, you will be matched with a Junior or Senior student.

Residence halls may be single sex or mixed. Each has a lounge and kitchen. Many have computer labs. Every room has modest furniture (desk, bed, chair, shelves), a telephone with electronic messaging and hook-ups to the College computer network. Every hall is self-governing and managed by appointed students called "Resident Advisors" and "Hall Directors." These students are trained to provide personal and academic advising and referrals to College resources. They coordinate educational programs and social activities and ensure a safe and orderly environment for living and studying.

Meals are taken in one of several campus dining rooms. After arrival on campus, students may select one of four "meal plans" that provide nine to seventeen meals per week.

Program Dates - Oxy is on the semester system wherein two semesters comprise one year. The Fall semester runs from late-August to mid-December. The Spring semester runs from mid-January to mid-May. You may apply for either semester or the full academic year.

Eligibility -  A minimum of second-year university student standing; minimum of 3.0 GPA, grades of a "B" average or demonstration of top 20% of student body; demonstrated English proficiency through TOEFL score of 600 on the paper based test (PBT), 100 on the internet based test (IBT) or 250 on the computer based test (CBT); proof of financial support for the duration of studies.

Cost - The cost of the program is dependent upon the existing agreement between Occidental College and your institution. Visiting Students who study at Occidental do so through an institutional agreement, not independently. Please consult the office at your institution that manages exchange and visiting programs for details on what components (tuition, room, board, insurance, student fees) are included in this institutional agreement. Current costs can be found at here.