Study Abroad

a young man from the back looking over a vista of Seoul's downtown

Explore options for pursuing challenging academic study in dynamic intercultural settings through Occidental College’s study abroad opportunities.

You might spend a semester abroad immersed in another culture, join an international faculty-led course or research experience, or pursue other programs abroad that build on and support your academic interests. No matter where you go, you’ll encounter new perspectives, deepen your learning, and grow through experiences that expand how you see yourself and the world around you.

70+

study abroad programs at Oxy

217

# of students studying abroad, 2025-26

40%

students engaging in for-credit study abroad options

Find the Right Opportunity for You

Liisa Halloran standing in front of the Italian coastline

Semester Abroad

Juniors (and sometimes seniors) can apply to spend a fall or spring semester in one of Oxy’s 70+ study abroad programs across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania. Programs are available across majors, and students work with both International Programs advisers and their major advisers to choose an option that fits their academic goals and preparation.

Semester Abroad

Courses Abroad

Oxy’s faculty-led study abroad opportunities combine a semester of study on campus with a two- to three-week international field experience in January or May. Students travel with their professor and classmates to explore course material firsthand through immersive, experiential learning, earning Oxy credit and letter grades as part of the course. 

Courses Abroad
Oxy student Charlie Carver in Japan with a friend at a table covered with food

Summer/J-Term Abroad for Credit

This is a flexible option for students who want an international experience outside the traditional semester abroad. Students can independently choose an accredited summer or January program, including opportunities focused on coursework, research, or internships, and earn transfer credit toward their Oxy degree. 

Summer/J-Term Abroad

Where Do Oxy Students Go?

a map of the world showing where Oxy students study abroad

From major metropolises to locations off the beaten path, Oxy students pursue learning experiences across continents. With dozens of programs spanning disciplines and academic interests, you might study language and culture in a new country, examine environmental issues in the field, conduct research in the local community, or gain professional experience through an internship. 

Studying abroad changed my personal development and my life for the better because each day challenged me to adapt to a new environment and overcome unexpected obstacles. It gave me an unparalleled opportunity to improve my language skills, build resilience and humility, and connect with some of the greatest people I have ever met.

Christopher Butner ’26, IES Abroad: Buenos Aires, Argentina
DWA major; Orinda, CA
Christopher Butner headshot suit

Studying abroad was transformative to my sense of what I can accomplish and my perspective on my major studies. I was able to rise to the challenge of taking all of my classes in Spanish, and got the opportunity to develop an understanding of urban development paradigms and social movements outside of the U.S. through place-based learning that heavily informs my current UEP studies.

Emma Sindel-Dempcy ’26, IES Abroad: Buenos Aires, Argentina
UEP major; Seattle, WA
Emma Sindel-Dempcy headshot
Studying abroad pushed me outside of my comfort zone and broadened my interdisciplinary perspective. I will forever be grateful for the experience of meeting so many kind people who welcomed me, whether it was in a large, lecture-hall setting or at a sustainable garden where I volunteered. I made it a goal to learn as much as I possibly could while abroad, and this is an approach that I will continue to take in life.
Kabir Kashyap ’26, IES Abroad: Cape Town, South Africa
Economics major; Seattle, WA
Kabir Kashyap headshot

  • Norely Breceda-Mendoza, a biology major, chose summer abroad in Granada, Spain.

    1/12

  • Olilah Coleman, a biology major, studied with the Organization for Tropical Studies in Costa Rica. She was able to pursue unique academic experiences like conducting field experiments in tropical rainforests.

    2/12

  • TJ Hastings, a biology major, studied with the Organization for Tropical Studies in Costa Rica.

    3/12

  • Nicholas Gonzalez, an economics major, studied in China through CET Beijing.

    4/12

  • Anna Jenemann, a MAC major, and classmates at Versailles outside Paris. She took a summer European Cinema course that traveled from London to Paris and Rome.

    5/12

  • Simone Origel, a UEP major, spent the summer in Iceland through the School for International Training’s Renewable Energy, Technology, and Resource Economics program.

    6/12

  • Inés Amarillis Fabián-Hicks, a geology major, studied in Nepal through the School of International Training’s Geoscience in the Himalaya Summer Field Camp. She studied geological formations and hazards in several rural towns along the Kali Gandaki River.

    7/12

  • Ngoc Tran, an economics major, studied in Seoul, South Korea, through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) Arts & Sciences Internship program.

    8/12

  • Ngoc Tran, an economics major, studied in Seoul, South Korea, through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) Arts & Sciences Internship program.

    9/12

  • Liv Pasquale, a music major, studied in Rome where she interned at a record company called Visory Records.

    10/12

  • Zuriyah Smith, a MAC major, studied in Cape Town, South Africa, where she interned at The Rainbow Academy. There, she taught and practiced her photography while developing close relationships with students and supervisors.

    11/12

  • Norely Breceda-Mendoza, a biology major, chose summer abroad in Granada, Spain.

    12/12

Student Blogs: Oxy Abroad

A cropped image of the top of a cathedral in Buenos Aires
Argentina
Adam Zimmer ’24

Program: IES Abroad Buenos Aires, Argentina - Latin American Societies & Cultures
Major: Diplomacy & World Affairs
Hometown: Santa Rosa, CA
A close-up of photo booth photo strips showing friends posing together
South Korea
Perla Duran ’25

Program: CIEE Seoul, South Korea - Arts & Sciences
Major: Economics
Hometown: Newark, NJ
A view of the city of Rome and all its buildings
Italy
Andrew Masciarelli ’25

Program: IES Abroad Rome, Italy - Language & Area Studies
Major: Economics
Hometown: Bellaire, OH

What Students Are Asking About Study Abroad

Sophomores consult International Programs advisers to align their major/graduation requirements and their developing career goals with one of Oxy's 70+ junior semester abroad programs or a course abroad with an Oxy professor. For some, an international summer internship or Oxy-funded research abroad is the ideal opportunity. Advanced language study expands your options for everything! Talk to an International Programs adviser. 

For maximum career impact and major alignment, Oxy sends juniors abroad. That's when you'll have the most clarity and preparation to derive the biggest impact from the opportunity. AND, every summer is available! Talk to an International Programs adviser.

Oxy's 70+ semester programs in 50 countries include options to learn alongside host-country students at major universities or in specialized programs designed for study abroad students.  Program themes, language requirements and prerequisites vary. Summer expands the options exponentially!

Occidental allows loans, need, and merit aid to cover the standardized cost* of approved semester programs. Donor-funded scholarships also support generous grants for fully-funded summer research or creative projects and summer study abroad.

*Oxy enrollment streamlines payment including use of 529 funds and avoiding currency fluctuation.

Oxy's approved semester programs earn in-residence credit toward major, minor, Core Program, and elective credits for on-time graduation. Summer programs are individually pre-approved for transfer credit. Our advisers will assist!

Yes and ... maybe. Depending on your major and career aspirations, the array of programs just right for you will be different from every other student. Your academic adviser and the International Programs staff will help narrow and focus your plans.

Contact International Programs
McKinnon Center for Global Affairs, Johnson 102
Phone: (323) 259-2533
Fax: (323) 341-4976
ipo@oxy.edu