How to Apply

The timeline for those traveling during the 2026-2027 academic year is as follows:

Sept. 9: Sophomore Info Session

Sept. 16: OCS Info Day (Program Discovery Fair)

Sept. 17: Drop-in advising begins in Chalmers Library 216 on Wednesday afternoons (1 - 4:30 p.m.); open during the fall semester when classes are in session.

Sept. 22: Advising Questionnaire and appointments open. Complete Advising Questionnaire in StudioAbroad, then book your advising appointment.

Dec. 5: Last day to complete interview with OCS staff and open applications for Early Deadline programs**

Dec. 11: Applications for Early Deadline programs are due in StudioAbroad**

Jan. 23: Last day to complete interview with OCS staff and open applications for Standard Deadline programs

Feb. 2: Applications for Standard Deadline programs are due in StudioAbroad

Feb. 20: OCS will notify you of Kenyon approval for your program and term by this date

Ongoing: Apply on provider website ASAP (check provider website for deadlines and be aware of rolling admissions)

Ongoing: After receiving Kenyon approval, complete post-decision materials in StudioAbroad as you are able to (you must complete the course pre-approval form via etrieve before your semester off-campus starts)

**About the early deadline: Normally, all students must complete their application by Feb. 2, 2026. However, if your program provider has a deadline of Feb. 15, 2026, or earlier, you are considered an early deadline applicant and must complete your application by Dec. 11, 2025. It is your responsibility to note your program deadline by checking the program provider's website. We will not accept applications that are not completed by Kenyon deadlines, and we cannot accommodate students who do not plan ahead. Kenyon-Exeter and Kenyon-Rome are not considered early deadline programs.

In order to participate in OCS, you must apply for Kenyon approval through StudioAbroad. See below for a timeline of requirements and deadlines:

1. The CGE offers advising appointments throughout the year in order to help answer your questions about off-campus study. Please make an appointment through Google Calendar. OCS advising appointments for the Class of 2028 will begin on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. Prior to your first appointment, please complete the short Advising Questionnaire in StudioAbroad.

2. After your advising appointment(s), you will choose a first and second choice program and then you will interview with OCS staff. You also must have declared your major by this point. These appointments should also be scheduled through Google Calendar. 

3. After a successful interview, OCS staff will open your application for you and you will be able to begin working on your OCS application in StudioAbroad. Materials needed to fully submit an OCS Application  are: (1) the OCS Proposal Questions, (2) Alternate Program Proposal, (3) Departmental Approval and Advisor Confirmation Form (via Etrieve), (4) faculty recommendation, and (5) Transcript Consent. Use your research to build a convincing academic rationale in your application. Explain how the program aligns with your academic, personal and professional goals, your major, and Kenyon's liberal arts education. Prepare essays in advance and copy into Studio Abroad carefully — you have limited session time (59 minutes per entry). 

4. Final decisions for OCS participation are made by the Faculty Subcommittee on Global Engagement. You will be notified of the decision by email to your Kenyon email address. 

5. Apply on your desired program provider's website (see below). Be aware of provider application deadlines, deposits, and be sure to apply early. Many providers have competitive applications/have classes that fill up quickly for those that apply early. Some providers are also on "rolling" admissions and process applications as they receive them. Program deposits are usually due within two weeks after acceptance of your program, but will vary. You are responsible for obtaining these deadlines directly from the provider.

6. Complete OCS application (post-decision) in Study Abroad as you are able to (passport scan, Course Pre-Approval Form, OCS Program Deposit Confirmation, etc. and attend OCS Pre-Departure Orientations.

The process for approval to study off-campus is competitive. You are responsible for compiling the strongest possible application. The number of spaces available for off-campus study is limited.  Still, in most cases students who qualify are ultimately granted permission to study off-campus. Students applying for OCS for an academic year or a split-year (two programs in one year) must present a very strong case for this lengthier option. Because this process is a competitive one, some year-long or split-year applicants may be approved for one semester only. The CGE reserves the right to take disciplinary history into account when making final OCS approval.

Once you have Kenyon approval, you are responsible for completing an application with the program provider. These applications can be accessed on each provider websites. 

• Program deadlines vary, and it is your responsibility to complete your application to the program provider on time. Failure to complete an on-time application with the provider will prohibit you from being admitted into your program. 

• For applications with rolling deadlines, apply as soon as possible after your Kenyon approval. 

• Familiarize yourself with the provider website, as this is where application deadlines, academic dates, course availability, and program information can be found. 

• DIS and Kenyon-Exeter are two exceptions: OCS staff will share your name and Kenyon email with these providers, who will then reach out to you directly with next steps to take.