First Steps on the Path to Study Abroad

 
STEPS IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS

If you intend to apply to study abroad during either semester of the 2012-2013 academic year, you must follow these steps:


STEP 1    A.  Attend the mandatory Sophomore Information Session on Off-Campus Study on September 21, 2011 from 5-5:45 pm in Page Commons
        B.  Read the Off-Campus Study Handbook in your mailbox or online
  • Review OCS policies and procedures, recommendations, and options
  • Review the steps to the application process and timeline
  • Consult with your academic advisor. If you have not yet declared a major, think about doing so before the November 15 preliminary application deadline.

STEP 2    EXPLORE where you want to go and what you want to do.

  • Attend the Off-Campus Study Fair at Colby on October 4, 2011 from 10:30 am to 1 pm in the Parker-Reed room of the Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center building.
  • Research program information in the OCS handbook, the OCS library (Eustis 103), and on the OCS Opportunities list on Web site.
  • Consult with your academic advisor. If you have not yet declared a major, think about doing so before the November 15 preliminary application deadline.
  • Consult with the off-campus liaison in your department.
  • Talk to students who have recently returned from study abroad
  • Attend any relevant information sessions (in October-November).
  • Consult with Off-Campus Study by appointment - call (207) 859-4500

STEP 3    Departmental and/or OCS Advising

Consult with your academic advisor, Departmental OCS liaison and/or an OCS staff member to discuss your plans and options.

STEP 4    Submit PRELIMINARY APPLICATION (Online) - due by November 15
       Requires academic advisor approval.

STEP 5    Departmental and/or OCS Advising
The OCS office may contact you to set up an appointment to discuss your off-campus study plans if you have an issue that will require special attention or will need to petition. If your program has an early deadline or if you need extra help in the planning stage, contact the OCS office. You can make an appointment at any time by calling 859-4500 or stopping by Eustis 103.

STEP 6    PETITIONS - Due by March 1 (with online application)
    Requires a meeting with an OCS staff member by appointment - call (207) 859-4500

STEP 7    Submit COLBY APPLICATION(S) FOR APPROVAL (Online) – due by March 15
Requires:
•    Faculty approval
•    Course approvals
•    Student and parent signatures
STEP 8    OFF-CAMPUS PROGRAM/UNIVERSITY APPLICATION (deadlines vary) (except for Colby programs off-campus i.e., Salamanca, Dijon, St. Petersburg, or Bigelow)

In addition to the Colby application for approval, you are responsible for the application form appropriate for admission to your intended program. Application forms for most approved programs are available on-line at the program Web site.  Students alone are responsible for applying to the program approved by the OCS office within the provider's stated deadlines. Some providers have deadlines that are earlier than the Colby deadline and many have rolling admissions so we recommend not to wait until the deadline to apply or you risk not getting in. Please read your program provider's information carefully.  Incomplete and late applications are usually not considered by most providers.

This will usually include, among other items:
  • The program application itself,
  • Faculty letters of recommendations,
  • An official Colby transcript (requested from the Registrar’s website)
  • Application fee
  • Home school nomination/study abroad advisor approval form may be required and must be signed by OCS before the program will accept you.  Keep in mind that our office cannot sign this form for you until you have submitted a completed Colby application for permission to study abroad. Drop off, mail, fax, or email for to Juliette Monet.
Colby College Office of Off-Campus Study
4500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901  
Phone: (207) 859-4500
Fax: (207) 859-4502

 

 

 

APPLICATION TIMELINE

SEPTEMBER

  • Attend mandatory Sophomore Information Session (Wednesday, September 21, 2011 from 5-5:45pm in Page Commons)
  • Attend Study Abroad Fair (Tuesday, October 4, 2011 from 10:30am to 1 pm in the Parker Reed Room of Schair-Swenson-Watson Alumni Center building)

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER

  • Think about your off-campus study goals (see Choosing your program, Types of programs)
    Research available programs (Opportunities list, student evaluations, discussion with faculty, students, and OCS)
  • Attend departmental info sessions (to be scheduled) 
    Discuss plans with your Academic Advisor, your Dept’s OCS Liaison, and/or Off-Campus study staff (call OCS at 859-4500 for an appointment)
  • Submit Preliminary Application online before November 15

DECEMBER-MARCH

  • Continue to think about your off-campus study goals & research available programs. (see Choosing your program, Types of programs & Opportunities list, student evaluations, discussion with faculty, students, and OCS)
  • Gain approval for your plans with your Academic Advisor, your Dept’s OCS Liaison, and/or Off-Campus study staff (call OCS at 859-4500 for an appointment)
  • Prepare and submit petitions by March 1 if needed (Appointment with OCS required)
  • Prepare and submit Colby Applications for Approval by March 15
  • Prepare and submit program/university applications for early deadlines or fall/year programs (check deadlines, apply early)

APRIL- SUMMER

  • Attend pre-departure meeting for fall/year OCS (early May)
  • Pre-departure planning for fall/year away (physical exam, inoculations, passport & visa, etc..)
  • Submit Study Away Budget for Financial Aid if appropriate (for fall/year away)
  • Prepare and submit program/university applications for spring programs (check deadlines, apply early)

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER

  • Prepare and submit program/university applications for spring programs (check deadlines, apply early)

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

  • Pre-departure planning for spring away (physical exam, inoculations, passport & visa)
  • Submit Study Away Budget for Financial Aid if appropriate (for spring away)
  • Attend pre-departure meeting for spring away (early December)