If you decide to cancel your participation in your study abroad program, you must immediately inform both your study abroad coordinator and third party provider coordinator (if applicable) via email. The decision not to participate will have financial consequences as outlined below. In addition, if you cease to meet the conditions for participation in an Ohio State study abroad program after you have been notified of your acceptance, you may not be permitted to participate in your program, and will face the same financial consequences as outlined in the cancellation policy below.

Cancellation Policy for Ohio State sponsored programs

The Office of International Affairs works closely with overseas institutions, travel agencies and suppliers to provide a full array of services. These services frequently require OIA to make deposits and other non-refundable financial commitments. Remember that your application fee will be refunded only if you are not accepted to your study abroad program or submit a written request to withdraw prior to the application deadline.

If you decide to cancel your participation after the date of your notification of acceptance, you will be subject to the OIA cancellation policy. This policy applies to all cancellations, regardless of the reason.

• If you withdraw within 10 days from the date of your notification of acceptance, you will not be charged any cancellation fee. For example, if your acceptance notification was postmarked electronically on March 29, you will have until 11:59 p.m. on April 8 for your withdrawal notification to be submitted.
• If you withdraw any time 11 days after your acceptance notification and more than 95 days prior to the start date of your program, you will be liable for a $200 cancellation fee. For example, if your acceptance notification was postmarked electronically on March 29, your program start date is October 1, and you withdraw on June 27 or earlier, you will be responsible for a $200 cancellation fee.
• If you withdraw 60 - 95 days prior to the start date of your study abroad program, you are liable for 25% of your study abroad program fee.
• If you withdraw 45 - 59 days prior to the start date of your study abroad program, you are liable for 50% of your study abroad program fee.
• If you withdraw 30 - 44 days prior to the start date of your study abroad program, you are liable for 75% of your study abroad program fee.
• If you withdraw less than 30 days prior to the start date of your study abroad program, you are liable for 100% of your study abroad program fee.

If you withdraw any time after the electronic notification of acceptance to a study abroad program, you will be subject to the cancellation schedule below.

Cancellation Policy for third party provider, direct enroll, individualized study abroad or international exchange programs

Remember that your application fee will be refunded only if you are not accepted to your study abroad program or submit a written request to withdraw prior to the application deadline. If you withdraw 11 days after your acceptance/nomination notification, you will be liable for a $200 cancellation fee.

Cancellation Fee Appeal

If you wish to appeal the cancellation fee, please complete the Study Abroad Cancellation Fee Appeal form.

Appeals are reviewed by the Study Abroad Appeal Committee and determinations are made based on reason for appeal and supporting documentation. Appeals decisions are rendered within 10 business days of appeal submission, and notification of committee decision will be sent to the student via email to his or her Ohio State email account. Appeals for the following reasons are considered, with appropriate documentation:

• Medical reasons (required documentation: a statement from a physician or hospital documenting debilitating medical reasons which would not allow student to participate in the program)
• Death of parent, spouse or dependent (required documentation: an obituary for the deceased)
• Military duty (required documentation: copy of military orders

If none of the above circumstances apply to you, or you are unable to provide acceptable documentation, you may still appeal, but the Office of International Affairs reserves the right to deny your appeal.

Withdrawal after departure

If you withdraw after your program begins, your OIA Study Abroad Program Fee will not be refunded, and you may be responsible for non-recoverable costs. If you withdraw from your third party, direct enroll or international exchange program, there may also be financial consequences administered by your program provider. Please make sure you understand the withdrawal policies set forth by your program provider.

Refund of tuition

Refund of your tuition will be handled via normal student refund processes. For more information regarding student refunds, please visit the Office of Financial Services.

Student financial aid

If you withdraw from a study abroad program at any time prior to departure or after the program commences, you should inform the Student Service Center of your withdrawal, so that your financial aid can be reviewed, if necessary, and will continue uninterrupted.

Academic consequences

If you withdraw from a study abroad program after the program commences, your decision may have academic and financial consequences. Depending on the date of your withdrawal, you may receive a “W” on your Ohio State academic record and may forfeit partial or full Ohio State tuition. You are also encouraged to contact your academic advisor to help ensure minimal interruption of your academic progress. For details on add/drop deadlines for tuition refunds, please visit the Office of the University Registrar.