The OCS Office offers a series of workshops to prepare students for upcoming study abroad experiences. All meetings are presented by OCS staff and a panel of current students and include snacks. Students are encouraged to peruse the Teaching and Learning on OCS and Travel Planning sections of the OCS website as they prepare for travel.
How My Identities Translate Abroad
Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 5:00-6:30 pm, Leighton 236
What is my level of comfort with my identities? Are they likely to evolve in a new environment? How are my identities perceived in my host country? What kind of stereotypes are there? Do I need to prepare myself for an identity shift? In this meeting we will discuss these and other questions and develop strategies to construct supportive community/communities abroad. Returning Carleton students and OCS and GSC staff will co-lead the meeting and treats will be from Tin Tea.
Direct Enrollment
Monday, May 11, 2026, 5:15-6:30 pm, Leighton 236
Presentation to prepare you for your direct enrollment program – one that includes direct enrollment in courses offered by universities abroad. Housing, course selection tips, teaching styles and grading, as well as engaging in extra-curricular activities and planning an active social life will be discussed by returning students and OCS staff.
Field and Independent Research
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 5-6 pm, Leighton 236
Designed for students participating in programs with an independent or field research component, this meeting will get you thinking about your proposed projects and how you’ll carry them out. You will leave with tips on connecting your field experience to future research opportunities at Carleton and beyond.
Travel 101
Thursday, May 28, 2026, 5-6, Leighton 236
Traveling abroad for the first time or the first time in a while? Spend an hour learning about travel nuts and bolts, from basics like purchasing plane tickets and avoiding fraud, to more advanced topics like traveling with sustainability in mind and cultivating a mindset that leads to cultural engagement and personal growth.
RSVP--Travel 101
RSVP for 2026 Travel 101 Pre-Departure Meeting
Additional Opportunities
We encourage you to attend one or more campus events related to your OCS destination or field of study. See event listings on the Carleton Arts Calendar, the Center for Global and Regional Studies Calendar, the Humanities Center Calendar, and the weekly Convocation Series.
The Researching your Destination page suggests activities you can do on your own time.