Choosing a Program
Choosing a Program
Martha Dowell ‘08, Nieu Bethesda, South Africa
So you want to study off-campus. What are your next steps?
Talk to your advisor
As early as possible…Talk with your academic advisor (or another faculty member in the department of your major or intended major) about the best program for you and how off-campus study fits into your academic plans at Wooster. Your major or minor requirements might determine where, when or for how long you are able to study off-campus.
Make an appointment with OCS
During the fall semester of your sophomore year, at the latest, make an appointment with the OCS director to discuss the College’s Policies and Procedures for Off-Campus Study and to discuss program options.
Learn more about policies, deadlines, events and program choices (by location).
Define your goals
Think about your goals for your off-campus study experience. Do you want to learn a new language? Do you have your heart set on a specific location? Do you want to meet new people in a homestay or by living in the residence halls? Are you looking to take a specific course or complete an internship within your field of study?
Read over past Program Evaluations (COW password protected) to find out what Wooster students have thought of the programs you’re considering. If you are a student with specific concerns, such as GLBT, multiculturalism, women's issues, or accessibility, please don’t hesitate to discuss these concerns with the OCS Director or with the contact person in the program you select.
Complete an application
Complete the OCS Application by March 1 of the year prior to your off-campus study. (Note: Summer study abroad students need only apply through OCS if they would like one of their eight semesters of financial aid to transfer. We are happy to advise you on summer study, however; or you can use one of the searchable databases. You can also take advantage of Wooster-run summer programs like Wooster Summer in Siena, Wooster Summer in Xian, summer research opportunities or Copeland Funding.)
Talk to returnees
Attend OCS and other global events on campus to meet other returnees or students interested in off-campus study and to learn about programs, destinations and off-campus study in general.
Research
Research your program and your destination of study. Visit the OCS office; look online; talk to professors, international students, or returnees; keep in contact with your program and OCS!