Dear OSU Study Abroad Resident Director:

Welcome to OSU Study Abroad! Study Abroad at Ohio State has grown tremendously over the past 15 years. Approximately 1700 Ohio State students study abroad each academic year. Over 1000 of these students are participating on OSU sponsored programs led by OSU Resident Directors. This growth in Ohio State study abroad is directly attributable to you and many other faculty and staff who believe in the importance of an international academic experience for Ohio State undergraduates. From all of us at the Office of International Affairs (OIA), thank you for your involvement in and enthusiasm for Ohio State study abroad.

OSU students who study abroad are a diverse group. Some have never traveled outside of Ohio, while others are experienced travelers. Generally, however, the majority are traveling outside the United States for the very first time. They may be the first person in their extended or immediate family to travel abroad. They are often participating in study abroad at great personal and financial expense to themselves and their families. They each have their personal motivations for studying abroad and goals they wish to attain. Just as their experiences will vary, so will their levels of confidence and independence.

Despite the many differences amongst your students, studying abroad will be a life-changing experience for all of them. As Resident Director, you will be part of what many students will remember as one of the most significant experiences of their academic career.

This Resident Director Handbook (PDF) is designed to provide you with information about your roles and responsibilities throughout every phase of the study abroad experience. Thank you again and best wishes for a wonderful study abroad experience.

Grace Johnson

Director of Study Abroad