Off-Campus Programs

Calvin University provides semester-length programs for students who wish to study in the context of another culture or would benefit from a program that cannot be offered on campus. Calvin offers semester programs, directed by members of the Calvin faculty, in Britain, Hungary, Honduras, Ghana, Spain, France, Peru, and Washington, DC. Students may participate in non-Calvin programs as well. The level of Calvin financial aid varies by the program category. See below for details.

In order to participate in an off-campus program, a student must have at least sophomore standing, a clean student conduct record, and a specified minimum GPA. Calvin semester programs require a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5. Short-term off-campus courses require at least sophomore standing and a minimum GPA of 2.0. The requirements for admission to non-Calvin programs vary, as indicated in the program descriptions below.

Courses taught by Calvin instructors, or instructors hired by Calvin, will be given letter grades that calculate into the student’s GPA. These courses will be courses usually starting with ST (e.g., STGH for the Semester in Ghana program). Courses taught at host universities will be treated as transfer credit (e.g., the Chicago Semester); these grades will be noted on the Calvin transcript, but will not calculate into the student’s GPA.

Further information is available in the off-campus programs office or on the department website.

Students studying off campus are required to carry a course load of at least 12 semester hours.

Calvin Off-Campus Programs

These programs have been developed by and are implemented through Calvin. Applicants should have completed at least one year of course work with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Selection of participants is normally based on the appropriateness of the study to the applicant’s academic program, class level, GPA, interviews and recommendations.

Calvin Exchange Programs

Calvin has exchange programs that allow an equal number of students to be exchanged between two institutions. As one Calvin student goes to an overseas institution, a student from that institution attends Calvin. Exchanges have often been set up for students in specific majors. Students pay Calvin tuition to Calvin and are responsible for other costs such as room and board, transportation, and immunizations. These programs are open to students in all majors.

Lingnan University in Hong Kong. Open to all majors.
Handong University in Pohang, Korea. Open to all majors.
Northwestern College (Iowa). Programs in Oman and Romania.
Universitas Pelita Harapan, Indonesia. Open to all majors.

Non-Calvin Programs

Calvin recognizes that some programs offered by other institutions might fit better with a student’s interests and major/minor. The cost for non-Calvin off-campus semester programs depends on the price set by the host institution. It is the student’s responsibility to understand all program costs. Other costs may include housing, food, local transportation, student fees, etc. Transportation to and from the program site is the student’s financial responsibility. All federal and state financial aid can be used for a non-Calvin program. Credit for these programs will be considered transfer credit.

Programs

Off-Campus Programs

Courses

Spanish Studies in Honduras

Study in Britain

Study in Costa Rica

STCR 225 - Community in a Costa Rican Watershed

Study in France

STFR 330 - Contemporary France

Study in Ghana

Study in Hungary

Study in Peru

Study in Spain

Study in Washington, DC