Kenyon Home » Center for Global Engagement » How to Apply

How to Apply

The meeting is mandatory for those who wish to participate on an OCS program. The details of this meeting will be announced via email and in Newscope.

Back to Top

You can find a lot of OCS program information on the internet and in our office. The Director, Assistant Director, and peer advisors are also available to help you find a program that suits your needs. You are also encouraged to contact former OCS students, and faculty who have lived and worked abroad.

Back to Top

Discuss your intentions and plans with your faculty advisor and with the chair of your intended major department (applicants must have a declared major). Review the requirements of your intended major, paying particular attention to any year-long requirements (especially in the sciences) and required courses that may have limited availability.

Keep in mind that your advisor will play a big role in the OCS application process, and be provided with ample information and time to complete evaluations and so forth.

This is also a good time to check the OCS requirements and ensure that you will be eligible.

Back to Top

Make an appointment (contact us) for an interview with the Director or Assistant Director to discuss your general academic goals, your intentions and plans for off-campus study, and your ability to adjust to new academic, cultural, and linguistic environments, and to give the Director or Assistant Director an opportunity to get to know you better. All interviews must be completed by January 22, 2010.

The Director or Assistant Director will give you a Kenyon OCS Application after you have completed your interview, provided that you have adequately demonstrated that you are ready to begin the application process.

Back to Top

You must complete a Kenyon OCS application before completing a host program or institution application. Also note that the Kenyon application grants the approval necessary to receive academic credit for your OCS program. Furthermore, many programs require approval of applicants' college or university for admission.

Your completed application is due at the Center for Global Engagement by February 1st. Applications are reviewed by the Director or Assistant Director, Center for Global Engagement, and by members of the Faculty Subcommittee on International Education. You will receive written notification of their decision and, if that decision is favorable, information regarding your approval including the date for the mandatory Pre-departure Orientation Program. Students who wish to appeal a negative decision may use the spring semester to improve the quality of their proposals and/or their academic performance at Kenyon.

Back to Top

In addition to applying to Kenyon for OCS, YOU MUST APPLY TO YOUR PROGRAM. Please remember that the Kenyon OCS application must precede any program application. Be aware of the deadlines for program applications, and also note that despite published deadlines some programs with "rolling" admissions fill early.

Back to Top

Once you have been approved for OCS, and have been accepted into your program, you can begin to prepare for departure. Consult the information about costs & financial aid, and pay particular attention to the health & safety information.

Many students participating in OCS programs, particularly in developing countries, may require vaccinations and/or medications. Students are encouraged to consult the Health Services office at Kenyon or other medical professionals as soon as possible, as some vaccines are given over an extended period of time and/or must be special ordered.

We encourage students preparing for off-campus study to get as much information as they can about their program and the area in which they will live. You can get a lot of helpful information from our links & resources page and from our staff and former students.

Back to Top