About Us

Aims and Goals

Off-Campus Programs are designed to provide Calvin students and guest students with coherent, comprehensive, and authentic learning experiences that have an unusually deep and long-lasting effect on their development. Such experiences, which generally cannot be duplicated on campus, uniquely advance the mission of Calvin College.

Calvin students confirm that Off-Campus Study Programs have broadened their perspectives on the world affairs and the kingdom of God, have enhanced their self-discipline, and have helped them to develop a more positive self-image.

Eligibility

Students generally must have sophomore or higher standing in order to participate in most Off-Campus Programs, and usually should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. A higher GPA may be required by a particular program. Particular details are available from the Off-Campus Programs Office.

Courses and Credits

For semester off-campus courses taught by Calvin faculty or local instructors hired by Calvin College, letter grades are recorded and included in the calculation of the student's GPA. For other courses, such as those taken at local institutions, grades are recorded but do not become part of the GPA. Courses taken in non-Calvin programs are treated as transfer credits: grades are recorded but not included in the student's GPA and no credit is given for a course in which the grade is lower than "C." Inquire at the Office of the Registrar for questions related to grading policies.

Application

A preliminary application for all semester study programs must be completed and approved by the Director of Off-Campus Programs prior to application to any specific program.