Dartmouth offers a variety of opportunities for students to study off-campus and earn credit toward their degree. The four main categories of opportunities for off-campus work are Dartmouth Language Study Abroad ("LSA" and "LSA+"); Dartmouth Foreign Study Programs ("FSP"); Dartmouth Exchange Programs; and Transfer Credit from another four-year, degree-granting, academic institution unaffiliated with Dartmouth College. Off-campus programs are considered an important extension of the regular Dartmouth curriculum, offering students opportunities to study other cultures and disciplines in depth as well as to gain new perspectives on our own society. The first two types earn Dartmouth credit; the second two types earn transfer credit.

Classroom study on campus, Dartmouth-sponsored academic study in a foreign or domestic program and study at another qualifying institution all earn credit; leave terms for internships, employment, travel and vacation do not earn academic credit, but are considered important to a student's total experience. Information and counseling on Dartmouth-coordinated internships, other leave-term opportunities and funding sources may be obtained at Career Services, The Rockefeller Center , The Dickey Center, or the Tucker Foundation.

Opportunities for students to study in other countries include Language Study Abroad, Advanced Language Study Abroad and Foreign Study Programs. These programs are led by members of the Dartmouth faculty and earn Dartmouth academic credit. In addition to the programs in foreign countries, some departments sponsor programs in the United States combining field work experience with academic study and credit. Only programs taught by Dartmouth faculty offer Dartmouth course credit. ANY other off-campus coursework activity, exchange programs or otherwise, may be eligible for transfer credit. Each student may transfer a maximum of four (4) credits to their Dartmouth record. Complete information about transfer credit may be obtained at the Registrar's Office.

A student who participates in a Dartmouth LSA, LSA+, or FSP receives an 'O' in his or her Enrollment Pattern. A student who participates in a Dartmouth exchange program receives an 'X' in his or her Enrollment Pattern. A student who studies at another institution declares a 'T' in his or her enrollment pattern. No student may normally transfer more than four course credits toward the Dartmouth degree, whether such courses have been taken prior to matriculation or subsequently.

Every student is required to be in residence during the fall, winter, and spring terms of the first and senior years. One of the required senior residence terms may, with the permission of the chair of the major department and the Registrar, be replaced by a term of off-campus study, provided such will be of great benefit to the student's program and will in no way interfere with proper completion of the major or other requirements. Students cannot earn exchange or transfer credits during the fall, winter, or spring term of their senior year.

The application procedures for all 'O' (Off Campus) and 'X' (Exchange Credit) terms are on this website. To apply, click on "programs," select your program and apply online. Please contact the Registrar's Office for application procedures for all 'T' (Transfer Credit) terms. General rules and regulations governing all type of off-campus activities eligible for academic credit are detailed in the bulletin Organization, Regulations, and Courses (ORC).