Application Process - Colorado College

Who should submit the CC study abroad application?

Students who plan to study abroad for a semester or longer during the regular academic year must submit an application. In addition, students studying off-campus in the U.S. on ACM programs (Chicago Arts, Business & Entrepreneurship, Oak Ridge, Newberry Seminar in the Humanities and Urban Studies), as well as the Washington Semester and the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory Semester in Science, must also complete this application. The application is not required for students participating in summer programs, although there is a separate credit petition process if students wish to receive credit for international non-CC summer programs.

Who will review my application?

Representatives from our office, the Registrar's office, Student Life and the International Studies Committee, will review applications. You will receive written notification of the committee's decision no later than March 1 for programs that begin in the fall and by November 1 for programs that begin in the spring. In the unusual instance that you must be informed of the committee's decision before the above dates, earlier notification may be possible. Please contact our office to discuss your situation.

Is the application process competitive?

If you submit your application in full by the deadline, and take time to outline your reasons for wishing to study off-campus, and are in good academic and disciplinary standing at CC, chances are good your application will be approved. However, students are encouraged to investigate off-campus study options in both fall and spring, and be prepared for the possibility that they will not receive their first choice of semester or program. Please see the tips section for additional information.

Do I need to submit a leave of absence in addition to the study abroad application?

No. The CC internal application for approval to study off-campus is considered a formal academic leave of absence.

What if I'm interested in a program that is not approved?

Students are strongly encouraged to select an off-campus study program from the existing CC-affiliated and approved list of options. Approval to study on an alternate program is granted only in exceptional cases. Please consult our office for additional information on the approval process.

Should I apply to more than one program?

Most Colorado College students don't have any problems getting into their preferred off-campus study program, as long as they meet the program requirements, give the application process their full attention, are in good academic and disciplinary standing at CC, and meet any application prerequisites. In our experience, the students who do encounter difficulties almost always applied too late and their program was full. We recommend that you apply to your preferred program and one alternate, and that you APPLY EARLY.

What if I decide to do a different program or defer my plans for a semester?

You will only be approved to study on the program(s) specified in your application. If you change your mind and decide to participate in a different program or to go abroad during a different semester, you must make an appointment to meet with the Coordinator of Off-Campus Study to complete an application Revision Form.

Is it possible to study on two different programs in two different semesters?

Yes. Just indicate this clearly on your internal CC application form.