Prior to the beginning of the Saarlandes academic program, students take an intensive language and area studies program arranged by the university. Students attend regular university classes during the academic year and live in dormitories along with resident German and international students at both institutions. Course titles are translated into English and grades are converted into Occidental equivalents by an Occidental faculty member designated as Program Adviser. Students study mathematics and Hungarian language or culture for one semester through the St. Olaf College program in Budapest. Hungarian faculty teach courses in English.
Housing is with Hungarian families.
Participants on this semester program study in Parma through Pitzer College. Courses include intensive Italian language, and contemporary Italian society, history, culture, and art history. An independent research project for credit is required. Italian faculty of Universita degli Studi di Parma teach courses. Field trips are integral.