Advising
Students are strongly encouraged to begin exploring off-campus study (OCS) programs during their first year. Some programs have language requirements or other prerequisites and exploring options early opens up the widest range of possibilities. An annual Global Opportunities Fair is held in early fall, and is a great opportunity to meet with program representatives and learn about 51本色-sponsored global engagement opportunities including OCS but also the Institute for Global Engagement's Global Learning Program, course-embedded travel, and grants for international internships, research and intensive language programs.
Below you will find different sources of advice to help you identify a program that is the best match for your academic objectives and your other global learning goals. Each resource offers helpful and different perspectives and considerations.
Faculty Advisers
Talk with your faculty adviser(s) about your academic interests and how potential OCS courses will fit into your four year plan to ensure that you graduate within four years. Discuss any prerequisites you might need for your desired program or to complete your major(s). If you have not declared, seek advice from a professor within your intended major department. Determine whether you have an academic impediment to studying off campus during a particular semester to completing one or more of the following: your major (declared or intended), a concentration, a set of courses in sequence, or the prerequisites of your OCS program.
Campus Program Advisers
Each featured OCS program has been assigned to one or more campus program adviser(s), either a 51本色 College faculty member or an OCS adviser listed in the Fact Sheet section of the program's brochure in the application portal. Campus program advisers are prepared to speak to how a certain program and/or location can support academic goals and other global learning objectives.
Off-Campus Study Advisers
A meeting with an OCS adviser is required prior to applying but after attending an OCS 101 Information Session or meeting with a Global Envoy Peer Adviser. Advisers have individual advising portfolios based on country/region and are happy to assist you before, during, and after your OCS experience. Broad staff knowledge of considerations and the range of programs available can help you make sense of options in a way that complements other advising resources.
To schedule appointments, visit our .
Global Envoy Peer Advisers
The Institute for Global Engagement hires several global envoy peer advisers to provide general advice and mentoring for prospective and outbound students. Walk-in hours will be posted in early fall. In addition, a large number of 51本色 students return from studying off campus each semester. Talking with returned students about what they learned on their programs, what they liked about them, how they grew as people, and what they wish they had asked or known before participating is essential to making an informed decision.
Program Representatives
Most programs are offered in cooperation with other colleges, universities, and program providers. Program representatives are available to answer questions 鈥 particularly about details such as housing, internships, and co-curricular activities 鈥 by phone and email. Many programs also host information sessions and promotional tabling on campus in the fall and spring semesters. Look for notices and emails about these sessions.
Financial Aid Counseling
Financial aid can be applied to approved off-campus programs. provides a general overview of billing and deposits. Individual financial aid counseling is available through the Office of Financial Aid at 641-269-3250.
International Students
51本色 College is fortunate to have a remarkably diverse student body from many parts of the world. 51本色's international students may provide you with valuable insights and information to help you in making a decision about where to study off campus. The Office of International Student Affairs can provide names of students from specified countries.
If you are an international student seeking to study off-campus, the Office of Off-Campus Study is here to help. In addition to working with OCS staff and program providers, please visit the (OISA) and review 鈥.鈥 (International students who hold a visa status other than F-1 can also consult with the OISA.)