Going Beyond the Hill: Deepening Our Commitment to Off-Campus Study

What We Can Be: The Denison Campaign

At Denison, off-campus study not only broadens the mind but also builds networks and skills that launch students' careers and lives as global citizens.

August 2, 2025

Photo of a smiling woman sitting in a row boat on, surrounded by other boaters enjoying a leisurely afternoon on a lake in Europe.

Recognizing off-campus study as a formative aspect of a student’s educational and personal experience, we offer more than 200 programs in 60 countries that accommodate students’ academic goals and schedules.

Currently, over half of Denison’s junior class engages in off-campus study. And with the popularity of recently-added majors like Global Commerce, in which off-campus study is a core component, we expect to garner even higher participation going forward.

“Denison is all about successfully launching lives, and off-campus study lets students cultivate qualities important to employers, such as maturity and confidence. When our students return to The Hill, they are sharper, smarter, and more sure-footed.”

Katy Crossley-Frolick
Executive Director of the Center for Global Programs

At Denison, the ultimate goal is to ensure that off-campus study is accessible to every student who desires it. Thanks to philanthropic support, students are not burdened with additional tuition costs when they study abroad. Longtime champions of this mission, Stephen Polk ’78, P’17, and Bobbi Polk P’17, have made a lasting impact through the Polk Family Endowed Fund for Study Abroad and the newly established Polk Director for Off-Campus Study.

“Because of generous donors like the Polk family, more students—regardless of financial background—are able to access the life-changing experiences that come with studying off campus,” says Katy Crossley-Frolick, Executive Director of the Center for Global Programs.

For the first time in our program’s history, a cohort of 14 QuestBridge scholars had access to this life-changing experience. The QuestBridge program connects high-achieving students from low- and-middle-income backgrounds with the nation’s most selective colleges and universities. In 2021 Denison became one of just 55 QuestBridge partner schools in the country.

A selfie photo of Ashlee Salmon '26 with friends in Ghana.

Ashlee Salmon ʼ26, Ghana

“My experience has been humbling and rewarding as everything is experiential learning and hands-on; we get to experience day-to-day life for a Ghanaian outside of just city life but across the country in different regions.”

Photo of Meli Gomez ʼ26 in a courtyard in Spain.

Meli Gomez ʼ26, Spain

“In a short amount of time, Seville has taught me to slow down, step out of my comfort zone, and to enjoy the art, history, and the sunlight that this city offers!”

Photo of Sam Morawski ʼ25 posing during a hike on a glacier in Iceland.

Sam Morawski ʼ25, Iceland

“Even though Iceland’s environment is cold, the culture is warm and welcoming, as I have been able to experience a music festival, an island in the Arctic Circle with 14 residents, life with a homestay family, and amazing food.”