Semesters Off Campus
Introduction
Students enrolled at George Fox University may enrich their learning experience and in some cases fulfill important requirements for their major or minor by participating in one of the approved programs listed below. For those approved to participate, the cost is similar to staying on campus. Complete information about the programs and the application processes is available in the Center for Global Studies and on the George Fox University website.
Eligibility
- Student must have sophomore standing, including 31 semester hours completed, at the time of application for a semester off campus. Exceptions may be made if necessary for completion of a student's major requirements.
- Student must be enrolled at GFU for a full academic year prior to participation in a semester off campus. Exceptions may be made if necessary for completion of a student's major requirements.
- Student must be in good standing with Student Life.
- Student must be current with student financial accounts.
- Student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 to apply for a semester off campus. Exceptions will be granted to students in good academic standing if a semester off campus is required for completion of the student's major or minor requirements. Students applying to the Scholars' Semester in Oxford must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
- GPA will be one of the factors considered by the committee that selects GFU students to participate in the Semesters Off Campus programs.
Application Process
- Meet with your academic advisor to determine the impact on completing the major and other graduation requirements.
- Obtain the application form from the Center for Global Studies or the GFU website.
- Submit the form and its required attachments (faculty recommendation, transcript request, essay on your interest in the program) as well as the required signatures from various offices on campus to the registrar's office. The materials are due at the end of the first week of classes in the spring semester.
Selection Process
After the deadline, the Off Campus Selection Committee meets to review the applications and accepts or rejects them, based on the requirements listed above. The director of global studies then notifies the applicants of their acceptance or rejection.
Approved Programs
The following programs have been approved by the GFU faculty for their academic quality, their Christian focus, and their affordability. Detailed literature about the programs can be obtained at the Center for Global Studies.
- African Studies Program - In cooperation with Food for the Hungry International, this program is based in Uganda and has classes and internships in other countries.
- American Studies Program - Located in Washington, D.C., with a focus on public policy and featuring an internship in a public or private agency.
- Australia Studies Centre - Located at Wesley Institute in Sydney; students take a seminar in Australian history, culture, and society. They may choose other courses in theology, music, dance, drama, and design.
- China Studies Program - Located at Xiamen, on the southern coast of China, the program features Chinese language, Chinese history, and intercultural communications. Students travel to various parts of China as well.
- Contemporary Music Center - Located at Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, the program is designed to help Christians find their place in the creation, marketing, and consumption of contemporary music.
- Costa Rica: Veritas Studies Program - Veritas Studies Program is located at Veritas University in San José, Costa Rica. This is a language program within a larger Costa Rican University. Students have the opportunity to develop advanced Spanish language skills, as well as study other cultural and social issues as they pertain to the Costa Rican culture. In addition to Spanish language classes, students can take one humanities elective and also complete a service learning project. Home stays are part of the program.
- France Program - Located in Dijon, France, and operated by Grace College, the program is designed for students minoring in French. Students take courses at the Centre International d'Etudes Francaise de l'Universite de Bourgogne.
- Latin American Studies Program - Located in San Jose, Costa Rica, the program deals with Latin American culture, history, politics, and economics. There are specialized tracks in language, business, and science.
- Los Angeles Film Studies Center - Located in Hollywood, with a focus on cinema and featuring an internship in the film industry.
- Mexico Program - Located in Cuernavaca, at the Centro de Lengua y Communication Social, the program is for Spanish majors and minors.
- Middle East Studies Program - Located in Cairo, Egypt; students study Middle Eastern cultures, religions, and conflicts. There are travel opportunities to other countries in the region.
- Russian Studies Program - Located in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Nizhni Novgorod, the program features Russian language, history, and culture.
- Scholars' Semester in Oxford - Students participate in a course in Christianity and cultures, an integrative seminar, and participate in tutorials. Students have access to the Oxford libraries and academic programs.
- Semester in Spain - Located in Seville, the program is operated by Trinity Christian College and is designed entirely for Spanish majors. Students live in homes while studying language and culture.
- South American Studies Program - Located in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and directly sponsored by George Fox University. Courses cover the religions of South America, the history of Latin America, and the cultures and customs of South America. Classes are held at Universidad Evangelica Boliviana, an interdenominational university founded by World Gospel Mission.
- Uganda Studies Program - Located at Uganda Christian College in Kampala, the program features African religions, history, culture, and literature.