International Students

Pre-Departure Orientations

The Ohio State University offers a Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) for new international students from China, India and Brazil—where the university's Global Gateways are located—who have been accepted and have paid their acceptance fee. PDO allows future students, and their families, to learn more about college life, meet other Ohio State students and university staff and learn important information before traveling to the United States.


When in-person, PDO is a one-day program offered in Shanghai and Beijing. Students can choose one of the four sessions available, and each student can register themselves and two guests. Attending the orientation with family is a great way to build a foundation for success at Ohio State.

PDO will take place virtually through Zoom this year on June 17, 2023. Students will hear from speakers representing the offices of Student Academic Excellence, Student Life and International Affairs.

Once you have paid your acceptance fee and enrolled as an Ohio State student, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for your Pre-Departure Orientation.

Topics covered


  • Campus involvement
  • Immigration information
  • Health services
  • Housing
  • Dining
  • And more! 

Activating your Ohio State username


It is very important that you activate your Ohio State email account as soon as possible and prior to your arrival. There are currently two possible paths to activating your Ohio State username and password. For further instructions, please read the instructions for activating your email.

Required placement testing


A key component to your academic success at Ohio State is placing you into an academic course load that best fits your needs and skill level. Incoming students at Ohio State are asked to take placement assessments in mathematics and English. These assessments aim to determine which classes in math and English are best for you. View Math and English Placement Testing information.

Students are encouraged to complete their placement testing before or immediately following their Pre-Departure Orientation.

Questions? We're here to help.


China Gateway
美国俄亥俄州立大学中国代表处
china.gateway@osu.edu
(86) 21-6225 0757


PDO will take place virtually through Zoom this year on June 9, 2023. Students will hear from speakers representing the offices of Student Academic Excellence, Student Life and International Affairs during a virtual session through Zoom.

Once you have paid your acceptance fee and enrolled as an Ohio State student, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for your Pre-Departure Orientation.

Topics covered


  • Campus involvement
  • Immigration information
  • Health services
  • Housing
  • Dining
  • And more! 

Activating your Ohio State username


It is very important that you activate your Ohio State email account as soon as possible and prior to your arrival. There are currently two possible paths to activating your Ohio State username and password. For further instructions, please read the instructions for activating your email.

Required placement testing


A key component to your academic success at Ohio State is placing you into an academic course load that best fits your needs and skill level. Incoming students at Ohio State are asked to take placement assessments in mathematics and English. These assessments aim to determine which classes in math and English are best for you. View Math and English Placement Testing information.

Students are encouraged to complete their placement testing before or immediately following their Pre-Departure Orientation.

Questions? We're here to help.


India Gateway
indiagateway@osu.edu
+91 22 2202 0631


PDO will take place virtually through Zoom this year on June 14, 2023. Students will hear from speakers representing the offices of Student Academic Excellence, Student Life and International Affairs.

Once you have paid your acceptance fee and enrolled as an Ohio State student, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for your Pre-Departure Orientation.

Topics covered


  • Campus involvement
  • Immigration information
  • Health services
  • Housing
  • Dining
  • And more! 

Activating your Ohio State username


It is very important that you activate your Ohio State email account as soon as possible and prior to your arrival. There are currently two possible paths to activating your Ohio State username and password. For further instructions, please read the instructions for activating your email.

Required placement testing


A key component to your academic success at Ohio State is placing you into an academic course load that best fits your needs and skill level. Incoming students at Ohio State are asked to take placement assessments in mathematics and English. These assessments aim to determine which classes in math and English are best for you. View Math and English Placement Testing information.

Students are encouraged to complete their placement testing before or immediately following their Pre-Departure Orientation.

Questions? We're here to help.


Brazil Gateway
brazilgateway@osu.edu
+55 11-97466-1123