The mission of International Programs is to educate students in cross cultural perspectives by providing academic opportunities to engage with global cultures through study and research abroad. Qualified students are encouraged to apply to study off-campus for a semester in a country and academic environment that will enrich their overall college experience; contribute positively to the life of the College; and engender responsible participation in a global, multi-cultural society. The Study Abroad program is available to all qualified Oxy students subject to a competitive selection process. The College is committed to offering equal access to off-campus study opportunities and therefore charges the same fees for a semester off-campus as for a semester at Occidental while extending all financial aid. Occidental College offers over forty study abroad programs throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and Oceania, as well as at the United Nations. Off-campus study is a privilege, not a right. While Occidental values a sustained period of study in another culture and encourages students to pursue opportunities for off-campus study, it is neither a requirement nor an entitlement of an Oxy education to study off-campus.  

Approved programs grow out of and extend the on-campus curriculum. During their first two years at Occidental, students build a foundation for the academic work they will pursue off-campus. In addition, approved programs offer students opportunities to integrate with the host culture and to approach the country in which they reside for a semester as a local. Many programs allow students to pursue independent research projects or internships abroad which, in turn, may serve as a basis for their senior comprehensive project or thesis.

Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor early to plan for off-campus study, and to explore their goals with an advisor in the International Programs Office.