Exchange Students

• a minimum of second-year university student standing

• a minimum of 3.0 GPA, grades of a "B" average or demonstration of top 20% of student body

• a proof of financial support for the duration of studies.

• If your language of instruction is not in English: demonstrated English proficiency through TOEFL score of 600 on the paper based test (PBT), 100 on the internet based test (IBT) or 250 on the computer based test (CBT)

Oxy is a vibrant and challenging intellectual community. In the American Liberal Arts tradition, you may take classes in any department at Oxy, mixing your interests and needs across disciplines, from American Studies to Politics, from Chemistry to Music. The catalog in your University's International or Exchange Office lists all the fields and most of the available classes. 

In addition to classes, there are important speakers and cultural events on campus every week. A given week might offer a lecture by Chilean writer, Isabel Allende, a student's presentation of his research on plant diversity in the South African grassland or a symposium on Los Angeles politics.

Oxy students have organized nearly 100 exciting clubs. For instance there is Anime Club (animation), Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Conservative Student Union, Hui Nalu Surf Club, Lesbian/Bi-sexual/Gay Alliance, International Student Association, the student newspaper (The Occidental) and every kind of sport.

Residence halls may be single sex or mixed. Each has a lounge, warming kitchen and a computer lab. Every room has modest furniture (desk, bed, chair, dresser). Every hall is self-governing and managed by appointed students called "Resident Advisors." These students are trained to provide personal and academic advising and referrals to College resources. They coordinate educational programs and social activities and ensure a safe and orderly environment for living and studying.

Meals are taken in one of several campus dining rooms. After arrival on campus, students must select one of four "meal plans" that provide nine to seventeen meals per week.

Oxy is on the semester system wherein two semesters comprise one year. The Fall semester runs from late-August to mid-December. The Spring semester runs from mid-January to mid-May. You may apply for either semester or the full academic year.

The cost of the program is dependent upon the existing agreement between Occidental College and your institution. Current costs can be found on our Cost of Attendance page.