“Anthropology, it is frequently noted, makes the familiar strange and the exotic quotidian. Off-campus study whether it be near or far, can offer the same.”
–Jason Pribilsky, Associate Professor, Anthropology Department

Off-Campus Studies can help Anthropology students …

  • Expand cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
  • Develop an awareness of the major discipline from a different scholarly tradition
  • Gain primary research skills from field studies and work with primary sources, such as collecting ethnographic data.
  • Develop a global perspective
  • Prepare for an increasingly diverse and international workplace
  • Improve or acquire foreign language skills

How does a semester or year of OCS help students in Anthropology prepare for graduate school or various career opportunities? 

  • During off-campus studies students can improve foreign language skills, practice social science research methods, and acquire an in-depth understanding of a country or region.
  • Prepares students for future work in diverse communities.

As a general rule of thumb, the Anthropology Department recommends the following for students who wish to study off campus.

  • First-year and second-year students are encouraged to take ANTH 101 Becoming Human: An Introduction to Anthropology and ANTH 102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology. Additionally, the student should take as much of the language of the study abroad destination as possible in preparation.
  • If possible prior to study abroad, anthropology majors should enroll in an ethnographic/field methods course such as: ANTH 337 Regional Ethnographic Fieldwork: Researching and Writing Culture 4 or SOC 207 Social Research Methods.
  • Prior to the senior year, it is recommended that anthropology majors complete ANTH 318 History and Theory in Anthropology.

Which requirements can Anthropology majors fulfill while off campus?

  • Elective major credit
  • Research that can inform the Senior Thesis

Major Credit Limitations

  • The maximum number of credits that can be applied to the Anthropology major from off campus studies (including AP credit, IB credit and credits from other U.S. institutions) is 12 credits with the approval of your major adviser.
  • Business courses typically cannot be transferred to Whitman because they are vocational in nature and not considered liberal arts.

Minor Credit Limitations

  • A minimum of three-fifths of the specific course and credit requirements for the minor must be completed in the on-campus program of the college.

What are the types of OCS programs recommended by the Anthropology department?

  • Field study program with the opportunity to engage in research with the local community
  • Programs that provide an opportunity for in-depth exploration of the ethnography of another region
  • Programs that help students gain proficiency in another language
  • Programs that offer an opportunity for independent study research

Which Partner Programs are recommended by the Anthropology department?

  • Students with a strong interest in cultural anthropology should consider SIT and other programs with a field component. Students who are interested in direct enrollment at foreign universities and taking classes with local students should consider universities that offer anthropology courses, such as IES: University College London (UCL), University of Otago, IFSA-Butler: Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, and IFSA Butler: University of Melbourne.

Students interested in Off-Campus Studies should attend an OCS First Step meeting in the fall of their second year, discuss their interests with their major adviser, and schedule an appointment with an OCS adviser.