Study Abroad programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students are a crucial dimension of Ohio State’s commitment to international education and institutional globalization. Ohio State is committed to making educationally significant study experiences in an international setting accessible to students of all curricula and backgrounds as a part of the university’s striving for eminence in higher education.

The Ohio State University Office of International Affairs (OIA) Study Abroad unit, in partnership with Ohio State academic units and colleges, facilitates, develops, and manages study abroad programs and other credit-bearing international opportunities (e.g. student exchanges, co-sponsor programs, service learning, internships, research abroad) for Ohio State students. Over 1800 Ohio State students, close to 20 percent of the graduating class of 2008, studied abroad during the 2007-08 academic year.

OIA Study Abroad currently manages over 60 Ohio State-Sponsored study abroad programs. Ohio State-Sponsored programs are led by Ohio State faculty and/or Graduate Teaching Assistants. Within the category of OSU-sponsored programs, there are two basic models: (a) self standing programs in which students earn a quarter’s worth of credit and (b) short term programs which are an extension of an on-campus course. OSU-sponsored programs range in length from a full quarter (ten weeks) to 10-12 days during quarter breaks.

Ohio State-sponsored study abroad programs share the following features:

• participants remain registered at Ohio State while studying abroad, thus enabling them to access university, state, and federal financial aid;
• participants earn graded Ohio State credit;
• OIA staff provide advising, pre-departure orientation, and other critical services to participants.

This guide is written for faculty and academic departments who wish to develop an Ohio State- sponsored program. It is intended as a practical outline of procedure for creating a Study Abroad program that fits into the strategic frame and educational parameters set for Study Abroad at Ohio State.

How to develop an OSU sponsored study abroad program 

Ohio State-Sponsored study abroad programs are generally initiated by faculty and academic departments. Proposals for new study abroad programs should thus carry the endorsement of appropriate departmental and college administrators. For effective program planning and development interested faculty are urged to consult early with the Director of Study Abroad, johnson.136@osu.edu to assess your ideas for a study abroad program. International Affairs will oversee the development process to assist faculty and units to achieve their goals consistent with institutional goals and policies.

Faculty and departments interested in proposing a new Ohio State-sponsored program will need to submit:

• Program Information Page (editable PDF)

• Narrative - 5 page maximum which addresses the nine issues in narrative instructions

• Letter of support from department chair indicating departmental commitment to long-range support of the program as an integral part of the unit’s educational plans

• Draft Program Information Sheet using the standard International Affairs format

• Completed Program Budget Questionnaire