About Off-Campus Study

Off-Campus Study at DePauw University exists to help students craft lives of meaning, significance, and service. This includes a greater understanding of the world and one's role in it. In an increasingly complex international economy and society, off-campus study is a key component of present and future student success.

Why spend time off campus?

DePauw University offers its students a contemporary liberal arts education. Its mission is to provide students with an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to critical analysis, problem solving, as well as the leadership skills required to translate what is learned into effective action. DePauw students know how to think, speak, and write effectively and within context. These are the touchstones of a good liberal arts education.    

Our students will enter and lead a world filled with complicated predicaments related to the environment, economy, food and energy resources, health, and ideological conflict.  There is no better preparation to address these issues within a global community than a liberal arts degree from DePauw. 

Participation in an off-campus experience, in particular an international experience, allows students to explore these complicated predicaments while developing, using, and excelling in the skills most important to engaging in these issues within their professional and personal communities.  Combining academic rigor, robust social experiences, and an international education helps students become clear thinkers and socially adept citizens who engage in their personal and professional communities. 

Who goes off-campus?

• 95% of graduates have at least one off-campus experience for credit
• 60% have at least one international experience for credit
• 40% are off-campus for one or more semesters
• 25% are off-campus for one or more semesters at an international location
• 45% complete a Winter Term or semester-long internship

Families

We encourage families to stay involved as we work together to support students in their off-campus experiences. Family members are welcome to join our Twitter and Facebook sites and stop in our office to visit if they are in Greencastle.

How We Work with Students

Our location in the lobby of the Union Building allows us to be in the center of student activity.  Our advisors, coordinators, associate director- and director-level professionals host walk-ins at our advising bar to accommodate student questions.

We also spend time in the campus living units, student organizations, and classrooms. Our staff provide the same services at the living units in the evening as we do during the day. We believe that taking away obstacles is the best way to engage students in these issues.

Finally, we know that every student is unique. This work cannot be done wholesale. The path a student chooses in life is uniquely theirs and we wish to be part of helping them make intentional and successful choices that contribute to their transition to life after DePauw.

Our Adherence to Professional Standards