In addition to the published eligibility criteria of both Oxy and each program, the three-part statement of purpose is an essential part of the application. It is reviewed by IPO and a faculty committee, as needed, for clearly articulated:

• academic and/or intellectual goals;

• informed interest in the culture, the educational system, and/or people of the specific program site;

• preparation to face the cultural challenges in the classroom and community;

• maturity, motivation, and flexibility.

Essay Prompts

1. Country and Culture

Write a persuasive essay in which you document your preparation for and informed interest in the country proposed. 3 to 4 mandatory citations. 

300-400 words, not including footnotes.

2. Program

Write a persuasive essay in which you demonstrate your knowledge of the particular structures, opportunities (such as the specific content of intended courses, internship and/or research options) and challenges inherent in your program choice and how these will build upon your previous experiences, knowledge or coursework to advance your goals. 

Citations must include reference to correspondence/conversation with a returnee (see linked list) and must go beyond the program website/course titles to current citations relevant to the actual subject matter.

300-400 words, not including footnotes.

3. Growth and Development

Write a persuasive essay in which you detail the benefit or development you expect to derive from this experience (career, scholarly, cultural, otherwise, etc.). 

Mandatory citations must back up any claims you make such as competitive career advantage, psychological or skill benefits, philosophical relevance, etc. Citations include academic sources specifically relevant to intended learning.

300-400 words, not including footnotes.

Citation Requirements 

Cite 3-5 different sources per essay, including:

1. Readings, concepts, theories, or case studies encountered in your Occidental coursework which inform your scholarly approach to understanding the country, culture, people, society, etc.

2. Current research including academic sources related to your major or minor, specifically applicable to the relevant issues in your particular location.

3. Conversation with a Returnee: Talk to a returnee who went on the same/similar program/country & incorporate your conversation into your essay: See here for the Returnees' Contacts. If an Oxy student is not available, contact your program for another student returnee.

Proposal Advice

Note: Copy/paste your essay responses from a Word/Google document to prevent loss of work (system time out).

7 characteristics of a strong statement: 

1. Draws from theories, concepts, case studies, ideas or themes from your Oxy classes and applies them to the new setting. Make the connections! 

2. Demonstrates how previous experiences or courses (FYS, Core, electives, major, minor) piqued your interest and prepare you to understand the host society. 

3. References knowledge gained from previous participants on the program.

4. Includes legitimate citations that inform both YOU and the reader that you are preparing yourself to maximize your learning. NY Times? Wall Street Journal? News sources from your destination on topics related to your goals? See also #1 and #3 in the above. 

5. For language majors/minors, it goes deeper than linguistic functionality to the ideas and perspectives you expect to encounter.

6. Analysis. Go beyond description. 

7. Meaning. Heart. Not painfully exaggerated passion. 

6 ways to sabotage your success:

1. References to weather or food. 

2. Lists of previous travel experiences unless you can demonstrate what you actually learned and how it will relate to your study abroad. 

3. Useless facts about the host country that do not relate in any way to your specific goals. 

4. Relying on only the program website, Wikipedia or “travel” websites for references. Read an article that prepares you to actually engage with the people and understand the society!!! 

5. Citing your ignorance (“because I’ve never been there” or “I don’t really know anything about …..”) as a motivation. Dozens of countries would fit those statements. You won’t get approved if you don’t do the research.

6. Using the host country as a launching-pad for travels. Sorry, but IPO is not a travel agent. Keep that private and tell us about the host country itself.