About Off-Campus Study

Semester Programs

Students considering off-campus study should consult the International Programs Office to learn about courses fulfilling General Education Requirements.

AUGUST WILDERNESS (3 credits)
August Wilderness is open to all students, but is particularly valuable for entering students. Participants build self-reliance, develop leadership skills, and practice consensus decision making during a three-week backpacking or canoeing trip immediately preceding Fall Semester. The perspectives of a broad range of disciplines are used to gain an understanding of the areas visited.

BORDER STUDIES PROGRAM (Fall or Spring Semester)
The Border Studies Program explores cultural and political factors contributing to the identity of an international border region. Participants study the complexities of immigration and immigration policy, as well as engage with issues relating to human rights, the environment, labor practices, economics, public health and education. A supervised field study, a significant portion of the program, provides active experience with organizations in areas of bilingual education, immigration, health and the environment, legal aid and the arts.

EAST AFRICA (Fall Semester)
This program takes advantage of a wide variety of educational experiences in East Africa, a culturally and ecologically diverse area. Students gain perspectives on the nature of contemporary and traditional East African cultures and values, as well as gain an appreciation for ecology and conservation. The program takes place in Tanzania and includes homestays in the Usa River region where students study Kiswahili. Other stays are with a Swahili family on the island of Zanzibar and with a Maasai family. Students participate in a camping expedition, visiting game reserves and studying wildlife ecology.

ENGLAND (Spring Semester)
Based in London, the program provides context to contemporary British political and cultural trends. While living in private homes in London, students complete coursework in contemporary British literature, current British politics, drama and other topics. Students also volunteer on a weekly basis with an agency in London relevant to their individual interests. Program excursions typically include Stratford, Cambridge, Bath and an extended educational visit to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

FRANCE (Fall Semester)
The France program is designed for students interested in pursuing French language fluency and deepening their knowledge of French and European culture and politics. Students live with families in Nantes and Paris while completing coursework in French grammar and conversation, history, literature, theater, and French and European Union politics. Students also have the unique opportunity to spend two weeks in a stage, or apprenticeship, with artisans in Salies de Bearn, at the foot of the Pyrenees. Students in past years have learned crafts such as pottery, weaving or wrought iron.

GERMANY/AUSTRIA (Fall Semester)
Students pursue German language fluency and study the cultural and political context and contributions of Germany and Austria to the European Union (EU). The group divides its time between Germany, where it studies and resides in both Marburg and Berlin, and Austria, where it is based in Vienna. Throughout the program, students engage in intensive language courses and take advantage of local resources to study art and music, literature and drama, and politics and government in Germany, Austria and the EU. Students live with families and take part in an ethnographic field study through placements in social organizations in Austria.

INDIANAPOLIS PEACE INSTITUTE (Fall or Spring Semester)
The Institute's program in Peacebuilding Across the Disciplines provides students of all majors from around the United States with an opportunity to participate in rigorous academics and engage in practical peacebuilding, linking these efforts to their chosen major(s) or career interests. Three program components — internship, academic courses and community living — help students define themselves as peacebuilders and connect with a wide range of peacebuilding practitioners. Summer opportunities are also available.

JAPAN: STUDIES IN CROSS-CULTURAL EDUCATION (SICE) (Fall Semester)
Students travel to Japan's Iwate Prefecture to live and study in Morioka. Participants focus their study with a field placement in local schools where they participate in and observe educational processes central to Japanese society. Experiences acquired in host families and in the field placement are explored further through readings and class discussions. Students also continue the study of Japanese language at Iwate University.

JAPAN STUDY (Academic Year)
During this program, students live with families in Tokyo while taking classes at the School of International Liberal Studies at Waseda University. The program includes a two-week summer orientation in Japan, language study, classes (in the humanities, sciences, social sciences and the arts), retreats, field trips and a one-month Cultural Practicum. One semester of language study prior to the beginning of the program is required.

MARTINIQUE (Spring Semester)
A French language program, the Martinique program focuses on French Creole culture, the politics of the European Union in the Caribbean, and the African Diaspora. Students live with families in Fort-de-France and Schoelcher, and take courses in Martinican and Caribbean politics and history, French Caribbean literature, and Creole culture and society. Additionally, students pursue a field study, participating in and observing a particular area of French Caribbean society. Examples of past projects include research about Haitian refugees, and education and political parties in Martinique.

MEXICO (Fall and Spring Semester)
Based in Cuautla, Morelos, this program is devoted to intensive Spanish and the study of Mexican culture, history, literature and politics. Students become participant observers in an aspect of Mexican life through field studies such as education in private and public schools, health care, pottery, alternative medicine, dance and theater organizations, and political and environmental organizations. Students live with families throughout the semester. A group excursion is an important part of the learning experience and students have opportunities to travel to several areas of Mexico.

JORDAN (Spring Semester)
Earlham began a program in Amman, Jordan, during Spring Semester 2009. The program enables participants to develop an insider's perspective of the Middle East, its geopolitical significance and its diverse peoples and cultures. Courses focus on such topics as Middle East politics, Arab society and Arabic language. Students also have the opportunity to visit archaeological sites, Bedouin encampments and sites of historical and religious importance.

NEWBERRY LIBRARY (Fall Semester)
This program makes available to students the rich collections of books, manuscripts and maps of one of the U.S.'s foremost libraries in the humanities. Students concentrate on a single project and complete a major piece of writing. Resident faculty members conduct a seminar and direct individual student research projects related to the topic. Participants also interact as colleagues with visiting scholars.

NEW YORK ARTS (Fall or Spring Semester)
This program provides students with a rare opportunity to gain experience in the world of established professional artists in New York City. Participants serve as apprentices to professional artists representing all fields of art. A faculty adviser teaches a seminar dealing with current issues in art and works closely with each student and the internship sponsor.

NEW ZEALAND (Spring Semester)
At the beginning of the New Zealand program, students spend time on the north island in the larger urban centers of both Auckland and Wellington as well as the at Quaker Settlement in Whanangui on the coast of the Tasman Sea to become oriented and acquainted. The balance of the program is based on the south island city of Christchurch where courses include Natural History of New Zealand, Cultural Ecology, a Field Study, and Culture and Environment. Excursions to several Maori communities, an extended farm-stay and outdoor expeditions are important parts of the program.

NORTHERN IRELAND (Spring Semester)
The Northern Ireland program gives students the opportunity to explore the complex social and political dynamics of the conflict in Northern Ireland, while gaining theoretical and practical tools for understanding conflict in their own and other societies. In both Londonderry (also known as "Derry") and Belfast, students live with families and complete coursework in peace studies, the history of the Troubles, and the politics and culture of Northern Ireland. Students also spend a significant amount of time pursuing field placements in both Derry and Belfast. In the past, students have worked with agencies such as the Derry Peace and Reconciliation Group, Oakgrove Integrated School and the Corrymeela Community.

OAK RIDGE SCIENCE SEMESTER (Fall Semester)
This program takes place at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, one of the world's major research institutions. Participants work with scientists on research projects ranging from contemporary topics in "pure" science to those in applied technology. Students are responsible for an aspect of an on-going project, gaining experience seldom possible on campus. Resident faculty members teach advanced courses and direct a seminar with Oak Ridge scientists.

THE PHILADELPHIA CENTER (Fall or Spring Semester)
Students use the city of Philadelphia and its resources as a "classroom." Seminars, workshops and colloquia in a wide range of liberal arts subjects foster learning in an active participatory environment. Students also identify areas of personal and professional interest and select from over 700 internship sites. A goal-oriented learning plan designed by the student provides a structure for integrating work experience with educational, social and professional development goals. Students obtain housing with the help of program staff.

SENEGAL (Academic Year)
In this program, students enroll directly in courses at the Université de Dakar, and take French courses at the Institut Français pour les Etudiants Etrangers and at the Baobab Center. Students also undertake an independent study project on topics such as women's issues or relief organizations. A minimum GPA of 2.75 and completion of two years of college-level French language are required.

SOUTH ASIA (Fall Semester)
Based in India in Chennai and in Kerala, this program immerses students in a number of academic, cultural and social experiences through coursework, lectures, homestays, field studies and excursions. Courses include Contemporary Social Issues in India; Introduction to the Indian Economy; South Asian Literature; Indian Cinema; Introduction to Art, Music and Dance; and a field study.

SPAIN (Spring Semester)
The Spain program is designed for those seeking to develop considerable fluency in Spanish while studying the history, literature and cultures of Spain. The program is typically based in Valencia, the third largest city in Spain, located on the Mediterranean coast. In addition to courses in Spanish literature, Spanish History and Politics, and Spanish Arts, students participate in a field study, which allows them to take an active role in an aspect of Spanish life and society. Throughout the program students live with Spanish families. The program also offers opportunities for travel to many parts of Spain.

SEMESTER IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (Fall Semester)
The Semester in Environmental Science was established in 1997 under the auspices of the Ecosystems Center at the Marine Biological Center at Woods Hole, Massachusetts. It is designed to introduce undergraduates to the study of nutrient cycles and biogeochemistry. Scientists at the Ecosystems Center serve as the faculty and bring together complimentary skills in mathematical modeling, environmental chemistry, geochemistry, forestry, soil science, aquatic biology and microbial ecology.