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Explore Study Abroad in 2009-10 As we approach the coming year, we want to thank you for your continuing support of study abroad opportunities at Ohio State and to let you know about the many exciting changes that we will be implementing Autumn Quarter. We hope that these new initiatives will help educate more students about the many different ways they can study abroad whether it's through traditional programs, internships, research or service-learning, and also help them feel safe and secure while studying and traveling in another country. Learning about Study Abroad Opportunities Getting Started sessions - We will offer one-hour Getting Started sessions four times a week to provide basic information about studying abroad including, how to select a program that is the best fit, along with other practical information about finances, the application process, and other resources that are available to students. These sessions will replace our walk-in advising hours. We encourage you to promote these Getting Started sessions for every student considering a study abroad experience. Getting Started schedule for Autumn 2009 - 122 Oxley Hall Mondays and Tuesdays: 12 - 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays: 4 - 5 p.m. Program Exploration walk-in hours - Walk-in hours will be available to students who have already attended a Getting Started session and have begun to research their options, but are still unsure of which program to select. Program Exploration walk-in hours schedule - 100 Oxley Hall Fridays: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4 p.m. Study abroad coordinator office hours - Each study abroad program is managed by a study abroad coordinator in the Office of International Affairs (listed under "Contact Information" on Program Information Sheets that are online). Once a student has specific questions about a particular program, or has already been accepted to a program, they should speak directly with the appropriate study abroad coordinator. All coordinators are available at (614) 292-6101 and via e-mail during business hours, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Additionally, all coordinators have individual office hours and take appointments. Study Abroad Week, October 5-9 - We plan to dedicate an entire week to promote study abroad opportunities. We will present Getting Started sessions in different locations around campus; and host a Program Exploration Day (Friday, October 9, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in Page Hall lobby), where students can meet one-on-one with the experts to learn more about study abroad programs managed by other institutions. A few of our study abroad coordinators also will be on hand to answer questions about Ohio State study abroad programs. Study Abroad Week and Program Exploration Day take the place of the traditional Study Abroad Fair. Visit oia.osu.edu for a complete schedule of events. Scholarships - We have organized a section on our web site dedicated to study abroad scholarships so that they are more visible and easily accessible to students. We hope you will keep us informed of Ohio State scholarships available for study abroad and we will include them in our online listing. Carmen - Effective Autumn Quarter 2009, all Ohio State study abroad programs will have their own Carmen shell to ease the distribution and collection of information to/from study abroad participants. Carmen also will be used to quiz the students on orientation materials. Health and Safety Supplemental study abroad health insurance - Ohio State students traveling to international locations for the purpose of undergraduate or graduate/dissertation research, internships, or independent study which is part of their academic program, are required to enroll in the University's supplemental study abroad health insurance which is provided through HTH Worldwide. The supplemental insurance includes coverage for emergency assistance, evacuation, and repatriation. The coverage is available through the Office of International Affairs. Resident director health and safety orientation - All Resident Directors leading study abroad programs are required to attend this orientation. Three sessions will be offered during Autumn Quarter. This training is required of all faculty and staff taking groups abroad, whether the groups are affiliated with the Office of International Affairs or not. For more information, please contact Jeannie Simmons. Faculty advising students traveling independently - If you are advising students who will be traveling abroad independently, you are required to refer students to the Office of International Affairs at least one quarter in advance of their travel plans, so they can be advised of the supplemental health insurance program, U.S. embassy registration procedures, and any restrictions that may apply if a travel warning has been issued by the Department of State. Student Perspective Additionally, we will be forming a Student Advisory Committee, which will provide us with student perspectives about study abroad and help increase visibility and access of international academic opportunities at Ohio State. We appreciate your assistance in promoting study abroad and our new initiatives. If you have any questions about our programs, resources, health and safety requirements, or new program development please contact me at (614) 292-6101 or johnson.136@osu.edu. We look forward to working with you in the coming year. Sincerely,  Grace Johnson Director, Study Abroad Office of International Affairs |
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