Skip to content

First-Year Students

Are you a First-Year Student who already knows you want to study off campus? Or a student who is planning to apply next fall for OCS in the following cycle? 


Most of Denison's students who choose to study away will do so during their junior year. In this case, students begin the OCS application process during fall semester of sophomore year.

Are you ready now to start preparing to go away? See the checklist below for things you can begin working on now. 
 
  • EXPLORE Global Tools to learn about the hundreds of programs approved by Denison. Interested in Summer or January-Term options? Check out this page for more information. 
  • ATTEND our OCS Fall Fair (2024 date: October 1st, 11:00 - 2:45) and meet our center staff along with representatives from most of our OCS provider partners. You can speak directly to them and learn more about the programs they offer. There will also be campus offices/departments present to answer your questions.
  • DISCUSS with your academic advisor and/or major department how off-campus study fits into your academic plan.
  • SEEK OUT students who have already gone off campus - Listen, ask questions, and learn about their experiences.
  • CONNECT with us on Instagram.
  • READ our blog, Bridging Borders, to hear student stories and learn more about global events on Denison's campus 
  • BUDGET for going off campus by making an appointment with the Office of Financial Wellness or attending one of their events - it is never too early to begin saving for your time away!
  • SIGN UP to be notified as soon as we open the application cycle in the fall by filling out this form. Opening and completing an Advising & Program Selection form is the first mandatory step in the application process.
  • RESEARCH how our process works by reading about the Advising & Program Selection and the rest of the application process here. 
  • SHARE your plans with your family! We have several resources on our site that might help answer some of their questions: our Parents' Guide to OCS, the OCS Handbook, and our full financial policy (i.e., how do I pay for OCS?).
  • APPLY for a passport now or RENEW your passport if it will not be valid at least six months beyond your projected return date from off-campus study.