Reentering life at home and at Carleton after an OCS program can be both exciting and challenging. The Carleton community has many resources to support students through this transition. OCS encourages students to integrate OCS and on-campus learning by participating in internationally-themed workshops and events, signing up for classes that include reflective components, deepening their involvement in community and civic engagement, and considering additional international opportunities.
Academic Integration
- Cross-Cultural Studies courses focus on intercultural identity and transitions.
- Academic Civic Engagement courses encourage experiential learning in a community setting.
- Regional Studies courses provide depth and breadth of knowledge about particular countries and regions.
- Language courses deepen your knowledge of the country or region you studied in.
- Adding a minor can help you focus on an area of study inspired by your OCS program.
Campus Engagement
- The OCS Photo Contest accepts photos in six categories–people, places, stories, libraries, foods, Carls off-campus–with submissions due at the beginning of Spring Term.
- The Travel Writing Contest, sponsored by the Center for Global and Regional Studies, accepts submissions in Spring Term.
- The Hyme Loss Award for Global Engagement recognizes students’ commitment to language acquisition, cultural immersion, global perspective-taking, and cross-cultural learning.
- There are internationally-themed lectures, exhibits, cultural events, performances, and workshops throughout the year–check the Campus Events calendar and Arts@Carleton for more information.
- You can volunteer to represent your program at the OCS World’s Fair, held in January, and be a panelist for other OCS meetings and presentations. OCS will reach out prior to the events.
- You can propose your own presentation, event, or workshop, and OCS will work with you to make it happen. Email ocs@carleton.edu with your ideas.
Going Off-Campus Again
- Many students choose to participate in multiple OCS programs. Do your research and talk to an OCS adviser about options.
- The Office of Student Fellowships works with students to identify and apply for Carleton-funded and external fellowships. Review their website to learn about opportunities and how to prepare a strong application.
- Internships are an excellent way to explore career options and gain valuable work experience. The Career Center offers funded programs and advice on how to seek out your own opportunities.
- Post-graduation opportunities for international experience abound. The Career Center and the Office of Student Fellowships offer excellent resources and advice to help you find the right position.
- GoinGlobal is a subscription-based international employment guide that contains country-specific information on work abroad. You’ll need to login with your Carleton credentials.
- Transitions Abroad is a publication containing numerous resources on finding international employment, volunteering overseas, and travel.
Emotional Support
- Returning home after an intensive, sometimes life-changing, experience can be difficult. The University of Minnesota parent handbook describes some of the feelings recent returnees may experience.
- Student Health and Counseling counselors are trained to work with students through transitions related to international travel.
- The Chaplain’s Office is another source of emotional support and counseling.
Career Planning
- The Career Center offers comprehensive job-seeking and career-counseling resources with a specific focus on integrating OCS into one’s search process.
- The Student Guide to Study Abroad and Career Development provides a framework to understand the impact of and added value of study abroad in career development.
- This LinkedIn Learning video (Carleton ID required) on Giving an Elevator Pitch can help you distill your experience into a brief narrative that you can share with friends, family, employers, and others.
- This article explains how to communicate your experience on your LinkedIn profile.