FAQs
What are the requirements to participate in an off-campus program?
Wells approval to study off-campus is separate from admission into an off-campus program. In order to be approved to study off-campus, you must have spent at least one year in residence at Wells, be registered to take OCS 271 Cross Cultural Preparation (if you are going abroad) the semester before going abroad, be in good academic and behavioral standing, have a financial account balance of under $1,000 (or, if you are on the payment plan, your account must be current), and have the approval of your academic/major advisor as well as the Dean of Students and the Dean of the College.
How do I get an application for approval to study off-campus?
The packet you will need to be approved to study off-campus is available on this site, from Amy Torea, Off-Campus Study Coordinator, in Cleveland 200, or from a Program Director or Advisor. Please remember that the application for approval to study off-campus is separate from the application to a specific off-campus study program, which you can obtain from the Program Director/Advisor.
How will credits transfer?
It is important that you discuss with your major/academic advisor the courses you plan on taking before you study off-campus. With the approval of your advisor, you may use courses to fulfill major or general requirements for a BA. If you are on an affiliated program your grades will transfer back and count toward your GPA. Please note that credits earned on a non-affiliated will be treated as transfer credit. This means the credits only, not the grades, will transfer and that only courses in which grades of C- or better are earned will transfer.
How much will it cost to study off-campus?
Students participating in affiliated off-campus programs pay Wells College tuition, room, board and fees. Students receive their institutional aid when studying abroad on such programs for one semester. Should a student choose to study abroad for more than one semester on an affiliated program, they will be charged Wells tuition, room, board and fees but institutional aid will not be available. (First-year students invited to participate on the Fall Study Abroad Program during their sophomore year are the exception to this as they are allowed to take institutional aid abroad on an affiliated program for two semesters during their time at Wells.) Wells will cover the cost of tuition and accommodation on the program. If meals are not included in the program fee and the cost of the program is less than the cost of tuition, room, and board at Wells, a meal stipend will be provided. When program fees exceed the cost of tuition, room, and board at Wells, students will be billed for the cost difference.
What if I am not interested in any of the Wells College or affiliated programs?
If the Wells College or affiliated programs do not fit your academic or cultural objectives, you are free to apply to study on a non-affiliated program. Your institutional aid will not be available and you must withdraw from the College for the semester. Students participating in non-affiliated programs must pay the College an administrative fee of $150. Please note that credits earned on a non-affiliated will be treated as transfer credit. This means the credits only, not the grades, will transfer and that only courses in which grades of C- or better are earned will transfer. Students may not be approved for a non-affiliated program if Wells offers an affiliated program with similar learning objectives. Students exploring non-affiliated programs should speak with the Director of International Programs before applying to any program.