Off-Campus Study

Off-campus study can provide a significant educational experience as part of your major program. Currently, nearly half of all Kenyon students spend one or both terms abroad in their junior year. Sociology students often find that first-hand experience of a culture or social environment different from their own heightens their appreciation of how social structures govern human action. Many off-campus programs featuring internships provide opportunities for students to apply their understanding of society in real-life settings. Some students develop projects that form the basis of the senior exercise or honors research, enabling them to integrate off-campus work within the major program.

Off-campus study is normally no obstacle to completing the sociology major. However, early planning is important for two reasons. First, you need to receive sufficient sociological training before leaving campus to make the most of your experience. This is particularly true if you plan to gather research materials in preparation for work at Kenyon in your senior year. Second, you must plan Kenyon course selections to allow completion of all requirements. Be sure to discuss your plans with your major advisor before making any commitment to study off-campus.

Your search for a suitable off-campus program should begin at the Center for Global Engagement, which provides up-to-date information on a wide variety of programs both within the United States and abroad. The staff there will advise you on procedures to obtain Kenyon approval for off-campus study and to gain acceptance into the program of your choice. Once accepted, you will need to get approval for the specific course of study you plan to complete off-campus.

Off-campus study programs are available throughout the United States and in almost every part of the world. Given the wide range of programs and the diversity of student interests, it is impossible to specify one particular program that is right for sociology majors. Nonetheless, over the years we have discovered a number of off-campus opportunities that sociology students have found to be particularly beneficial; be sure to give these your consideration.

European Academic Term

This fall-semester program offers students in the social sciences an opportunity to examine the social and political transformations in Europe. Students travel to selected cities in Germany, Eastern Europe, and Great Britain. Program activities feature lectures, readings, groups discussions, and independent research projects.

The Philadelphia Center

This one-semester program centers on an occupational placement in a business, social service agency, or other setting of interest to the student. In addition, students enroll in seminars that explore issues related to urban life.

School for International Training

This one-semester program provides interdisciplinary education in many countries throughout the world. In addition to structured courses, the program offers field study and independent research opportunities that many students have later developed into senior theses.

Swedish Program

This one-semester program explores Sweden's historical and innovative responses to public policy issues through a variety of interdisciplinary courses, e.g., environmental protection, gender equality. All classes are taught in English, but students are required to study Swedish. Through field trips and a host family experience, the program integrates academic study with a broad, cultural experience.

American University Washington Semester

This one-semester program offers classes, seminars, and internships to study areas including American politics, economics and foreign policy, justice, and peace and conflict studies. Students conduct an independent study as a central component of the program.