• I want to study somewhere off-campus. What do I do first?

• I know which program I want to apply for. What do I do next?

• I'm ready to submit my program application. How do I do that?

• I've been accepted into a program and am getting ready to go. What do I need to do?

• I'm off-campus now, far away from Carleton. What do I do that is Carleton-related?

• I'm returning to Carleton after my off-campus study program. What do I do?

I want to study somewhere off-campus. What do I do first?

2-3 terms prior to term off-campus:

• Visit the OCS Office and talk to the OCS Adviser.
• Attend information meetings about off-campus studies.
• Attend specific program information meetings.
• Talk to faculty and students about programs.
• Browse programs using online databases

I know which program I want to apply for. What do I do next?

2-3 terms prior to term off-campus:

• Get the application for the program.
• Carleton seminars require only the program application.
• Non-Carleton programs require program application and the Carleton OCS Petition which includes a student review and may include a program review.
• Read carefully information about application and OCS Petition deadlines. Inquire about scholarships, travel grants, and financial aid.

I'm ready to submit my program application. How do I do that?

1-2 terms prior to term off-campus:

• Carleton seminars applicants: complete and submit application to department; interviews may follow. You will receive an acceptance/refusal letter from OCS, with information about confirmation, withdrawal, deposits, and departure meetings.
• Non-Carleton program applicants: complete and submit program application according to instructions. At the same time, complete the Carleton OCS Petition and submit to the OCS Office by the published deadline. The deadline is typically the third Thursday of the term prior to your off-campus program.
• Non-Carleton program: You will receive an acceptance/refusal letter from the program itself. You will receive your petition approval/denial letter from OCS with information about confirmation and departure meetings.
• Confirm participation in program.

I've been accepted into a program and am getting ready to leave. What do I need to do?

1 terms prior to term off-campus:

• Attend pre-departure meetings, read pre-departure information and talk to student alumni of program.
• Complete all Necessary Check Out Steps with the applicable offices.
• Double-check that you have 1) been accepted by the program and confirmed your participation, and 2) received a letter of approval for off-campus studies from the Carleton Off-Campus Studies office.
• If you receive financial aid, notify the Office of Student Financial Services and provide the Business Office with billing schedules and addresses for non-Carleton programs.
• Register your proxy for housing with ResLife.
• Pay all your phone bills and library fees. Have your proxy pick up a zoo-book and a yearbook, if wanted.
• Get the International Student ID card at the OCS office, if needed.
• Discontinue CD/Book/Coffee/whatever-of-the-Month Club during your absence.
• Store your belongings.
• Update your passport and get a visa and a Eurail pass before you leave, if necessary. Be sure that one of your parents or guardians has a valid passport.
• Get your immunizations, and have a routine physical and a dental examination.
• Get extra glasses or contacts, solution, etc., and prescription medications (with documentation, if necessary).
• Find out about your health insurance coverage and buy travel insurance, if necessary (the student ID card provides some travel insurance).
• Amass your fortune in travelers checks, credit cards or ATM cards based on a checking (not savings) account.
• Research your destination
• Pack your bags
• Check that your camera works (or learn how to use it) and stock up on film and batteries.
• Start your off-campus study journal now, before you leave.
• Make arrangements so that your mail is forwarded to an appropriate address. For questions regarding student mail for students involved in an OCS program, please refer to the Post Office website.

I'm off-campus now, far away from Carleton. What do I do that is Carleton-related?

During term off-campus:

• Check registration information on the Web and e-mail your proxy about your registration preferences.
• Watch for the OCS Newsletter. Look for The Carletonian on the Web. Send picture postcards.

I'm returning to Carleton after my off-campus study program. What do I do?

When you return to Carleton:

• Complete a program evaluation and submit to the OCS office.
• Attend returning student events and share your off-campus studies experiences with students, faculty, and the OCS office.
• Explore ways to build on your OCS experience through the Career Center, ACT Office, additional OCS programs, or independent research.
• Work to integrate your off-campus studies with your on-campus studies in meaningful ways.