Off-campus programs offer a variety of program features. Here are some basic considerations when selecting a program:

Coursework

• Is instruction classroom or field-based?
• Are classes taught by local faculty or visiting professors from the United States and elsewhere?
• Does the program have a thematic focus or do students choose from a variety of subject areas?
• Where are other students from?

Housing

• Will you live with a local host family, local roommates, or with other students on the program?
• Will you stay in a house, dorm, apartment, or hostel/hotel?

Food

• Are meals included in the cost?
• Where do students typically eat?

On-site support

• Is there someone available to contact 24/7?
• Is that person located nearby or in another part of the country?
• Where, specifically, is the program located (in city center, at or near a university, in rented office space, etc)?

Internships

• How many hours/week is the internship?
• What kinds of internships are available?
• Are placements guaranteed or competitive?
• Is the internship accompanied by an academic course (necessary to receive credit)?
• Is the internship done part-time throughout the program or full-time for part of the program?

Independent research

• Is independent research an integral part of program or one option among many?
• Who supervises the research?
• How is the independent research project structured (weekly seminars, discussion group, final paper, presentation, etc.)?
• Does the program have an IRB (Internal Review Board) approval  process for human subjects or will you need to request IRB approval from Carleton?

Civic engagement

• Does the program offer non-credit volunteer opportunities?
• Do any of the classes include a service-learning component?