Planning Timeline

Off-campus study takes careful planning. Nearly all Whitman students studying off-campus go during one or both semesters of their third year. As a guideline, we recommend that students begin planning for their off-campus studies as follows:

Second-Year Students

Fall Semester

• Attend an Off-Campus Studies (OCS) "First Step" Informational Meeting
  A First Step meeting is an introduction of Off-Campus Studies at Whitman College. There are typically 4 to 6 meetings per semester planned at various times so that a sophomore can choose a meeting that best fits their schedule.  The off-campus studies process is definitely a team effort between the student and the OCS staff.  Important information shared at a First Step meeting helps identify the student's options and next steps.
• Stop by Whitman's Annual Off-Campus Studies (OCS) Fair on October 30, 2012
  The Annual Off-Campus Studies (OCS) Fair is an opportunity to speak directly with program representatives, Whitman OCS alums and the OCS staff - all in one location - the Reid Ballroom.  This is a great time to explore your OCS options. You can pick up program brochures, talk with individuals about their programs and experiences, and find answers to our study abroad questions.
• Discuss your off-campus study plans with your Major Adviser
• Schedule a meeting with a Whitman Off-Campus Studies (OCS) Adviser
• Look over the OCS Advising Sheets by Major

Spring Semester

• Declare your major
• Submit Whitman Off-Campus Study (OCS) Application and Program Application(s) by February 5, 2013 for Fall and Academic Year off-campus study. If you are applying to a program that has a rolling deadline or is highly competitive, you may want to complete applications for Spring 2014 study abroad during May 2013, prior to leaving campus for the summer.

First-Year Students

Fall Semester

• Attend the Off-Campus Studies (OCS) New Student Information Meeting on August 30, 2012
• Whitman's Annual Off-Campus Studies (OCS) Fair on October 30, 2012
  The Annual Off-Campus Studies (OCS) Fair is an opportunity to speak directly with program representatives, Whitman OCS alums and the OCS staff - all in one location - the Reid Ballroom.  This is a great time to explore your OCS options. You can pick up program brochures, talk with individuals about their programs and experiences, and find answers to our study abroad questions.
• Read through Planning Tips for Off-Campus Studies Course Prerequisites
• Look over the OCS Advising Sheets by Major 

Spring Semester

• Attend an Off-Campus Studies (OCS) "First Step" Information Meeting (optional for first-year students)