Frequently asked questions

Yes! You can book an appointment or email ocse@skidmore.edu. Same day appointments are often available and we are happy to meet in-person (Starbuck 202) or on Zoom. 

Yes. Student can typically take courses in subject areas other than their major. Some programs abroad, however, may limit enrollment options in this regard — be sure to check your program's requirements prior to submitting an application. You should also inform yourself of what requirements you need to fulfill while off campus and be sure you understand how major, minor, or all-college requirements will affect your program and course choices.

With careful planning off campus study should help, not hinder, your progress toward graduation. In addition it offers important opportunities to enhance the academic work you are engaged in on campus.

You should review the Approved Programs list developed by your major or minor department to determine which off-campus programs are approved by that area. The programs included on the various departmental Approved Programs lists are those that fit academically with that major or minor. The Approved Programs list include both Skidmore and non-Skidmore programs abroad and in the U.S./Canada. Students should consult with their major or minor department and an advisor in Off-Campus Study & Exchanges on securing credit approval.

Skidmore Programs are study abroad programs that have been developed by the faculty and OCSE to directly support certain aspects of Skidmore's curriculum. Skidmore programs are administered through OCSE, which also has general oversight for these programs.

International and Domestic Approved Programs are study abroad programs that have been reviewed and approved by Skidmore's academic departments, the OCSE and the Committee on Educational Policies and Planning (CEPP). They are high quality programs that offer academically rigorous programs and a strong on-site administrative structure, and are available in a wide variety of destinations around the world.

Skidmore Programs and Approved Programs are treated the same when it comes to billing.

If you don't need credit toward your major/minor, you will still search for programs on the college-wide Master Approved Programs list. The Master List is available through OCSE and online here.

If you cannot find an appropriate program in the existing program lists, you may petition to participate on a study abroad program that is not already approved by Skidmore. The petition must have an academic focus and have support of the students' major/minor department. Students wishing to petition for a non-Approved Program must consult with OCSE for details.

Customarily, juniors apply to study off campus. Students at other stages in their Skidmore education must submit a letter of intent and a letter of recommendation from their academic advisor to study off campus

You need a GPA of 2.75 or better in order to study off campus. You must also be in good academic, social and financial standing with the College at the time of departure. You should check with your specific program regarding any additional requirements.

Yes. You must declare your major and, in fact, you must do so before applying to study off campus through OCSE. This rule applies to all students applying for a semester/full year program, including those who will study off-campus during their sophomore year.

You will need to check with your specific program of interest for prerequisites to specific programs and courses. Some programs have language requirements or ask that you complete certain culture- or discipline-based coursework before participating.

Fine arts programs do tend to require that samples of a student's work, and possibly a discipline-related résumé, accompany the primary program application forms. In additional, programs offered in a language other than English may also require verification of a student's proficiency in the foreign language. Please check with your specific program of interest to determine what, if any, supplemental materials are required for your application.

If you participate on a Skidmore Program your credits will come back as Skidmore credits. If you participate on an International Approved Program or a Domestic Approved Program your credits will come back as transfer credits. That means you must earn a "C" or better in order for the courses to count.

If you participate on a Skidmore Program, your grades will be calculated into your GPA. If you participate on an International Approved Program or a Domestic Approved Program your grades will NOT be calculated into your GPA.

All courses at the 300 level will be applicable to the all-college requirement for maturity-level credits. Each department determines how many maturity-level credits may be brought in from off-campus study for the major or minor. Therefore, you must work with the appropriate Department Chair or Program Director before departure to determine which of the 300-level courses taken while off campus will fulfill departmental or other requirements.

All-college requirements may be completed while studying off campus. You will need to seek pre-approval through the appropriate department or the Registrar's Office.

Students studying off campus are expected to maintain a full-time course load.

While requirements vary by program, a full course load is typically:

• Approximately 15 U.S. credits
• Four to five courses

If you are considering an underload or overload, contact OCSE before registering for courses. Students should not enroll in fewer than 12 U.S. credits without prior approval.

To request a transcript from Skidmore you need to login to the Student System from the Registrar’s webpage and select Student Records from Student Profile section list, then select Official Transcript Request.  

Students participating on Skidmore Programs and International or Domestic Approved Programs will be billed by Skidmore for the Skidmore comprehensive fee. The comprehensive fee includes the current rates for Skidmore tuition, room at the on campus apartment rate, and board (if applicable). In return, Skidmore will manage payment to the program provider, as the program provider will bill Skidmore/OCSE directly. Skidmore will pay the provider for tuition and mandatory academic fees, room, board (if applicable), and mandatory medical insurance. Students are responsible for any refundable deposits payable to the program provider, transportation costs to and from the program, passport and visa fees, and personal expenses. NOTE: Some programs do not include meals in their fees or they include partial meal plans. If this is the case, Skidmore will not bill you for board or will bill for partial board only, and you will be responsible for your meals.

Students can make a payment of the deposit for a semester program ($500) or for a travel seminar ($250) online via electronic check or credit card. Those utilizing a debit or credit card will be charged a convenience fee. To make an online payment, use the Registrar's E-bill system, and when selecting your term, an option to make a study abroad deposit will be available.

You can use most financial aid for off-campus study for up to two semesters. If you receive aid, you should speak with a Financial Aid representative to review possible aid changes based on increased expenses.

Yes. Skidmore College has secured international travel insurance through GeoBlue. 

Students approved to study off-campus in a country other than their home country will be covered under this plan, receiving details of coverage via email directly from the carrier shortly before their program start date.