Getting Started

It is important to review and understand all OCS policies. Some key ones include:

Eligibility: Current Kenyon sophomores are eligible to apply to attend an OCS program during their junior year. A minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA is required to apply. Other eligibility requirements can be reviewed on the OCS Policies page.

Grade transfer: Unless taken in the Exeter English department, courses will post on your transcript as transfer credit and not be factored into your GPA. You must receive a C- or higher to earn credit for the course, and you must be enrolled in the equivalent of 15 - 16 semester credits. This can range from 2 to 6 courses, depending where you go.

Language requirement: If you go to a non-English speaking country, you'll need to take and pass a local language course. Failure to do so will result in no credit for any coursework from the OCS semester transferring back to Kenyon.

Start by defining your objectives for your experience off-campus:

Academic goals: What do you hope to gain from the program academically? What courses or subjects do you want to explore? Do you want research opportunities? How do you want to complement your work at Kenyon? 

Cultural goals: How do you want to be able to engage in the community? What are cultural aspects or current issues you want to explore? Would you like a host family experience? Are you seeking language immersion? Do you have personal connections to a country or region?

Professional goals: What career skills do you want to develop? What competencies, such as adaptability and intercultural communication, do you want to strengthen? Are you interested in an internship or volunteering? How could a program prepare you to succeed after Kenyon?

Personal goals: How flexible or adaptable are you? Do you want a program with more structure, or do you enjoy dealing with details on your own? Are you a self-motivated, independent learner? Will this be your first time out of the country or living in an apartment? Do you want to experience life in a big city, or find somewhere off the beaten path?

StudioAbroad Platform

Use StudioAbroad to browse over 200 approved programs across 50 countries. You can filter by location, academic discipline, language, and more.

Kenyon-Managed Programs

Kenyon‑Exeter offers structured Kenyon faculty support and familiar credit integration. While a majority of courses will be taken in the English department, students from a variety of disciplines, such as Anthropology, Film, and History, have successfully participated.

Major-Specific Guidance

If you’re in a language or area studies major (e.g., international studies, modern languages and literatures), consult your department’s recommended program lists and meet with faculty to identify top fits.

For each program of interest, research and compare the following:

Prerequisites: Do you meet any GPA, previous coursework, or language requirements? 

Academic structure: Are courses taught at a host institution or at a program center for American students? Are any courses required? Could courses satisfy major or distribution requirements?

Housing and living arrangements: Will you live in a dormitory, homestay, or apartment? Will you live with local students, American students, or a host family? For personal expenses, am I comfortable with the cost of living?

Academic calendar: What dates does the program run? Sometimes academic calendars can be quite different than our own! 

Program components: Is any travel embedded in the program? Is any research, internship, or service-learning opportunity available? What makes the program unique and exciting?

Meet with an OCS advisor to discuss options, review your program shortlist, and confirm eligibility requirements.

Talk with your major advisor or department faculty about programs you are considering and how specific courses will count toward your degree requirements. The program you choose will have to be approved by your advisor.

Connect with returned OCS students for firsthand feedback — attend OCS panels and use the list provided in your StudioAbroad portal. 

After clarifying the kind of OCS experience you want and need, discussing with your advisors, and completing thorough research, you should be prepared to articulate how your first-choice (and alternate) program will fit into and complement your Kenyon education. For more information on the application process, see our How to Apply page.

You must complete your interview and full application by advertised deadlines. These deadlines are firm with no exceptions.