Go to the program search page at on StudioAbroad. Click “Begin an Advising Appointment” on the left side. You will create a Profile and answer a brief advising questionnaire.
Start looking for potential programs by clicking the “Programs” drop-down at the top of the page. Most students find it helpful to search by academic area of study or language of instruction of the program to identify some potential programs of interest. Also, keep in mind the evaluations of returned OCS students available in the Center for Global Engagement or online in StudioAbroad. You may save programs of interest in your profile to review later until you have decided on your first choice, and an alternate as back-up.
Once you have finally decided on your first program choice, schedule an appointment to open your application in Google Calendar. Make note of the date and time of your interview. The CGE does not send reminders! Remember you cannot start your application until you meet with someone in the CGE.
When we've discussed your program choice, the CGE will open your program application in StudioAbroad, and then you'll need to apply for your program. If you are applying to a semester or academic year program, you may apply to ONE program; if you are applying for a split-year (two programs — one fall and one spring), you must apply to ONE program for fall semester and ONE program for spring semester. Do not open applications in other programs. If you have an alternate program, it will be part of your primary application. All application materials to be submitted are listed on your application page. The application will be available in StudioAbroad beginning Nov. 1.
Tips for the “OCS Proposal:” You should revise your essays in a word processing program, then copy and paste into the online form. SAVE OFTEN in the online form: you only have 59 minutes in each session of StudioAbroad before it closes or asks you to renew your session; if you walk away and the program closes, you may lose your work. Note that there are additional questions if you are applying for an academic year or a split-year (two programs/year). Once you have completed your proposal, click “Submit”.
If you are considering an alternate or back-up program, complete the “Alternate Program Proposal”. You are strongly advised to have a back-up program. If you do not have an alternate program, please type “n/a”, “no alternate program”, etc. in the questions on the Alternate Program Questionnaire, before you submit it, so it will be properly registered in your StudioAbroad file and you will not receive incomplete application reminders.
You will need one faculty recommendation. Before requesting recommendations, you will want to discuss your plans with your selected faculty member, but you must request the recommendation from them through electronically StudioAbroad by clicking “Request Electronic Recommendation”. Fill out the request completely and click on “Save”. Your recommender will then receive an automatic email with instructions on how to complete the recommendation. A “check” will appear in your recommendation list when the faculty member has completed and submitted the form. If you are applying to two programs for a split-year, you only need to complete ONE recommendation in one of your selected programs, but inform your faculty advisor in your recommendation request of both programs, so your recommender may address both programs in their recommendation.
You will need to complete the “Advisor Confirmation Form”. If you are a double-major, you must obtain two signatures, one from each major department. If you are applying for a split-year, you must turn in two forms, one for each semester program.
All materials must be submitted to complete your file by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered for OCS approval. The StudioAbroad application closes automatically at the close of the deadline date, and time extensions are not granted.
Notification of OCS approval will be made by Kenyon email. Early decision applicants will be notified by email prior to Winter Break.