Explore Programs

All Colby-approved study programs abroad must meet the following standards: 

• They must provide an educational experience which is consistent in quality with the educational experience at Colby, and reinforce, complement, and broaden a student’s educational program at aColby
• They must contain a substantial academic component of high quality
• Cultural experiences should be immersive, and with the exception of a few thematic, multi-national programs, they should take place in one site. Youring and shipboard programs are not approved for credit
• Study abroad programs must provide a cultural experience and, when appropriate, a linguistic experience that is consistent with the goals stated above. To promote cultural integration, at least a full semester must normally be spent in a single location/country 

Petitioning a non-approved program: 

Students wishing to pursue a program not currently on the approved list must have strong academic reasons as to why they want to petition and must demonstrate why approved programs do not meet their academic needs. Only one program petition is allowed. 

Required steps: 

• Meeting with an OCS advisor (at least two weeks in advance of the Feb. 20 petition deadline). Come prepared to state why this particular program meets academic needs that cannot be met by one of the already approved programs. If there is a Colby-approved program in the same location as the program being petitioned for, it is unlikely your petition will be approved unless you have compelling academic reasons. 
• Submitting a petition. If a petition is encouraged at your advising meeting you will then be provided with the form and instructions for submission. 
• Academic advisor support. Your academic advisor will be asked to write an endorsement for you. 

After your petition is received via email, it will be reviewed by Off-Campus Study and the OCS Advisory Committee. You will be notified by email about the decision. Please note that you MUST apply to one program on the approved list as a back-up option in the event that your petition is denied. This is required for your own protection to insure that you have a back-up plan.

Language and GPA Petitions

If you do not meet the language requirement or GPA requirement for off-campus study, you can submit a petition that will be reviewed by the OCS Advisory Board. You will need to contact OCS in advance of the deadline to receive the petition instructions.