Off-Campus Study FAQ’s

 

Can I study off campus and still graduate in four years?

Yes, with careful planning this is possible in almost any major at Monmouth College.  The key is to obtain a four-year plan for your major from your department and work with your academic advisor to follow this plan, from your very first semester of college, if possible.

 

How much does it cost?
Costs vary from program to program, but, typically, you should assume that the cost will approximate tuition, room and board at Monmouth College plus travel expenses. But keep in mind that you will probably want to travel a lot and to purchase a lot of mementos.  Cost for books, medical coverage,  and other expenses vary from program to program.

                                                                                                                                                                                    

Can I use my financial aid to study off-campus?

Yes, you are still eligible for financial aid from Monmouth College if you apply for a college-approved program.  If you have financial aid from other sources (private scholarships, State or Federal programs, or loans), you will need to find out whether that aid can be used to study off-campus. 

 

Can I study off campus anywhere I want to?

Yes, but you can only use your Monmouth College tuition for college approved programs. If you want to go on a program not sponsored by the college, you can do so, but without financial aid from the college. If you study at a program that is not approved by Monmouth College, transfer credit is not automatic.  You will want to work out in advance of applying whether the courses offered will transfer to Monmouth and satisfy the requirements for your major and degree. 

 

Where can I spend a semester abroad through Monmouth College?

Monmouth College sponsors a number of approved programs, especially through the Associated Colleges of the Midwest. There are a variety of opportunities in the United States and abroad.

 

Where can I find a list of approved Monmouth College Programs?
Brochures for many of these programs are available in a rank outside Wallace 101. You can also find this information at http://department.monm.edu/offcampus/ListofPrograms.htm.

 

Are there any specific requirements for off-campus study?

Yes, your application must be approved by a faculty committee which will look at your GPA (typically 3.0 minimum), your academic justification for doing this (How does off-campus study fit into your academic plan and career goals?), and a demonstration of personal maturity and responsibility. In some cases, the application process is competitive, so it is important for you to make sure you are a strong candidate.

 

What foreign languages can I study?
Monmouth College sponsors programs where you can begin or improve your study of Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese and other languages but a knowledge of a foreign language is only required for certain programs. Be  sure to read the requirements and expectations for each individual program.

 

Why should I study off-campus? 

By living off campus, you will acquire the skills and flexibility to live in an increasingly global and multicultural world. Through the experience of studying off campus, you will experience the art, history and language of another culture. This  opportunity can be both challenging and rewarding. It will teach you patience and creativity and ultimately prepare you for the complexity of life and work after graduation. You will return to campus revitalized by fresh perspectives and challenges. Study off-campus can also be fun and joy-filled.

 

How do I apply?
You can obtain an application packet from Prof. Sienkewicz (coordinator of off-campus study) in Wallace 101 or at http://department.monm.edu/offcampus/ApplicationProcedures.htm.

 

When do I apply?

Most Monmouth students choose to study off-campus during their junior year. Some go in their senior year. It is rare for students to be approved for off-campus study in their 1st- or 2nd- year at Monmouth. Applications for off-campus study are usually due in February for the next academic year so advanced planning is important.

 

Can I study off-campus for a full-year instead of one semester?
Yes, if you have good academic justification, it is possible to be approved for a full-year of off-campus study.

 

I don’t want to be away for a full-semester. Are there any shorter options for off-campus study?
Yes, the college usually sponsors a number of faculty-organized short trips every academic year, usually in January, over spring break, or after commencement in May. You can even obtain academic credit for participating in such a short academic trip.

 

Where can I obtain more information?
Contact Prof. Sienkewicz (toms@monm.edu) or go to http://department.monm.edu/offcampus/.