Education abroad is a critical component of what it means to be a globally competent citizen. In today’s economic marketplace, it is essential to gain international experience in order to actively participate and make a difference in our increasingly global society. At Ohio State, we want every student to know that they have the opportunity to study abroad with other Ohio State students and professors, take classes through a foreign university or an exchange program, complete an independent study or service learning project, conduct research or participate in an internship program.
For many students, studying abroad will be their first time in another country and an extraordinary opportunity to learn about another part of the world from firsthand experience. It is critical to research how the different aspects of your identity will be perceived in the country where you will be studying abroad. The more research you do about the host country’s political system, culture, customs and language, the better prepared you will be for living in and understanding the host society.
A good resource on identity and inclusion topics is the Diversity Guide to Study Abroad. The guide includes many site-specific destination guides to assist as you get ready to depart.
First generation college students
As the first person in your family to study abroad while in college, you will likely have many questions. The education abroad specialists in the Office of International Affairs are there to provide guidance to students every step of the way. There are a myriad of ways to study or travel abroad as a student at Ohio State, and understanding your different options will help you choose the one that best meets your needs. View the FAQ for answers to basic questions about education abroad. You can also read about the various ways you can go abroad so you can easily navigate the opportunities Ohio State has to offer.
When you’re ready to explore the basics of education abroad, you can attend a Getting Started Session for information on how to select the program that’s right for you, how to finance your education abroad, how to navigate the application process and more. You can also meet one-on-one with an education abroad specialist each Wednesday from 1 - 4 p.m. in 140 Enarson Classroom Building as part of drop-in advising hours. If you are unable to make it to the office hours, you can contact the specialist directly to set up an appointment. Our experts are there to help you every step of the way, so you should never feel alone in planning your education abroad experience.
International students
Can I study abroad as an international student?
Yes — we encourage all students to take advantage of international academic experiences. As an international student studying abroad, you will work with both an immigration coordinator, for questions regarding your status here in the U.S., and education abroad specialists, who will assist you with program-specific questions about visas and entry requirements for the destination you wish to visit.
When, where and for how long can I study abroad?
You must be a currently enrolled, degree-seeking student, and you may study abroad anytime in your academic career except for the last semester prior to your graduation. Please meet with an immigration coordinator to discuss visa regulations and restrictions according to your status here at The Ohio State University. Remember that immigration coordinators can only advise on your status here in the U.S., and cannot provide any visa or other entry information about the country you wish to visit for your study abroad program.
Do I need a visa to get into my study abroad destination country/transit country(ies)?
Your admission into another country – including transit countries – will depend on your country of citizenship, as well as your specific country of destination. When researching your possible visa needs, don't forget to factor in connecting flights. Some destinations may also have requirements about the length of validity of your U.S. visa.
Visa service providers, like Travisa, may be able to assist in visa requirements and processing to your study abroad destination. If you are traveling as part of a group (U.S. and international students) who will all require visas for entry to your destination, regardless of nationality, the Office of International Affairs will assist you in applying for your travel visa. If you are applying for entry to a country where U.S. citizens do not require a visa for the duration of the program, you will need to research and apply for the appropriate visa independently.
To find out if you will need a visa for the country you wish to enter, please visit Travisa and/or the appropriate consulate or embassy website for that particular country.
Do I need a valid F-1/J-1 visa to return to the United States?
You will need a valid F-1/J-1 visa in order to return to the United States. Meet with an immigration coordinator to discuss visa requirements and additional travel information. For information regarding visa renewal, please visit the U.S. Embassy for a list of embassies around the globe. Valid travel signatures will be required upon returning to the United States. It is your responsibility to obtain a travel signature on your Form I-20/DS-2019 prior to departing the United States for your study abroad.
Can I take a different flight from the group flight?
Group flights are required for most short-term programs and their itineraries may not be altered. Some Ohio State study abroad programs, however, require that you make your own travel arrangements. The program information sheet on the study abroad website will note if a group flight is required for your program.
What are my payment responsibilities?
Program fees may be paid differently for various types of programs. If you are participating in non-Ohio State sponsored program, you may pay some fees directly to host institutions or third party providers. All programs have some fees paid directly to Ohio State, which will be posted on your Ohio State Statement of Account. Please meet with your education abroad specialist to discuss how fees are paid. What you pay directly to Ohio State is due on the same date as your tuition and fees are due for registration for the semester in which you will study abroad. Any financial aid awarded to you will be deducted from the total charges.
Program costs vary. Please see the program information, the university's student tuition and fee tables or your education abroad specialist for more information.
Importantly, if you wish to withdraw from your program or are unable to obtain a travel visa for your program destination, you should be aware that the Office of International Affairs cancellation policy will apply.
What do I need to do before I leave and what do I need to carry with me?
Be sure to consult an immigration coordinator in the Office of International Affairs to have your immigration documents reviewed and signed before you leave the U.S. Walk-in advising hours are held Monday through Thursday, 1-4p.m., and by appointment on Fridays.
Do I need insurance?
You are required to carry GeoBlue international medical insurance through Ohio State while participating in an Ohio State study abroad program. The Office of International Affairs will process your enrollment in this insurance if you are studying on an Ohio State faculty-led program, in which case the fee is included in the study abroad program fee.
Racial and ethnic diversity
Cultural and racial diversity are often significant factors for students in choosing an education abroad program. You should research attitudes regarding race and ethnicity in the countries you are interested in studying abroad and do a self-examination of your understanding of your own racial and ethnic identity. Attitudes toward race differ widely around the world, and reactions to racial differences may include curiosity and questions about your background or generalizations or assumptions about you based on your physical appearance. If you choose to study abroad in an area where people have had very little to no contact with others from your background, you may experience an elevated amount of attention in public places.
Some students of color abroad may be surprised to find they are sometimes identified first by their nationality rather than their race or ethnicity.
Consider ahead of time what mental and emotional preparedness looks like to you, if you experience prejudice, discrimination or harassment abroad. Put your safety first. If you are concerned about experiencing a racially motivated incident abroad, talk with your resident director, in-country contacts and/or other students in your group. Build a support community of other people before you depart or while in country.
Resources
Students with disabilities
Just as cultures differ from country to country, so do perceptions of disability and accommodations. Some countries may have a wide range of services for students with disabilities, some may rely on peer or family support and others may have limited disability accommodations available. If you are a student who requires academic accommodations through the Office of Disability Services, you must communicate this to the Office of International Affairs and your resident director or host institution as soon as possible, so that we have an opportunity to consider alternative ways to meet those needs. Your education abroad coordinator and an Office for Disability Services counselor can assist you in determining the type of accommodations possible for your program and what other considerations you should think about before studying abroad.
Visit Accommodations and Disabilities for more information.
Resources
Sexual orientation and gender identity
Studying abroad can be a great time for self-exploration and individual growth. If you are LGBTQIA+, it is important to research your host country’s attitudes, laws and related crime rates prior to your departure.
Some students struggle with the concept of being out abroad or being true to who they are. Other students find it easier to be out abroad than at home if they are in a location that is affirming of who they are and/or able to build a community. When determining whether to confide in others or express your sexual identity abroad, your safety always comes first. You may be able to confide in other students in your education abroad group. There may be spaces abroad, such as cafes, bookstores or other local places that can be resources in providing a sense of community. The cultural norms regarding openly discussing sexuality may be different from what you are used to at home, as well as terms and slang used in your host country to talk about dating and sexuality.
If you are concerned about experiencing a bias incident abroad, talk with your resident director, in-country contacts and/or students in your group. Build a support community of other people you trust before you depart or while in country.
Housing (faculty-led)
When participating on an Ohio State faculty-led program, in most cases, students will be given the opportunity to complete a housing preference form and request their own roommate from amongst the program’s participants. Mutual requests will be honored whenever possible. Depending upon available housing arrangements, however, gender-inclusive housing options and/or single rooms or other arrangements may not be available or may be limited.
Unless a specific request is received, room assignments are allocated according to shared gender as identified on a student’s passport. Students whose passport’s sex/gender does not reflect their gender identity should speak with their global education specialist to discuss their housing options and may wish to review U.S. DOS information on selecting a gender marker on the U.S. passport.
In instances where alternate housing arrangements incur a supplemental fee (e.g., a single room), the individual student would assume the additional cost.
Students wishing to explore housing options in advance of applying to a program are encouraged to contact the Ohio State program contact listed on the respective program brochure or contact us.
Preferred Name
In accordance with the university’s preferred name policy, students and staff participating in Ohio State education abroad programs may use their registered preferred first name in application and enrollment forms. Internal documents including Ohio State specific waivers and agreements may also be electronically signed using the preferred name. However certain external forms and processes, including visa applications, reservations for flight and accommodations, and medical authorization and insurance forms require use of an individual’s legal name. While abroad, use of a legal name will often be obligatory for immigration, banking and medical care.
Resources
- Ohio State University Registrar – Sexual orientation and gender identity: disclosing your personal information
- Office of Student Life Multicultural Center
- LGBTQ at Ohio State
- The Point Foundation (scholarships for LGBTQ students of merit)
- IGLA Europe
- International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (sexual orientation laws in the world)
- U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory
- Outright Action International
- Utopia Asia
- Out Traveler
- NAFSA Rainbow SIG
- TSA (practical travel tips for transgender people)
- Pink Pangea
- Diversity Abroad (a general guide for women travelers)
- Diversity Abroad (LGBTQ+ Students Abroad)
- LGBT Rights by Country or Territory
- "9 Major Life Lessons I learned Studying Abroad as an LGBT"
- "Why aren't more men studying abroad?"
- "Know an LGBTQ Student Itching to Study Abroad? Here Are Some Things to Think About"
STEM students
Every student at Ohio State – no matter their major – can study abroad. While traditionally students in science, technology, engineering and math majors haven’t gone abroad in large numbers, the need for engineers to design and solve problems in an internationalized marketplace is higher than ever. Ohio State has many programs designed with STEM students in mind. Explore the STEM programs at Ohio State by searching by subject in our global education search.
Students with high financial need
The Office of International Affairs strives to develop programs that are as affordable as possible. All Ohio State students may apply for grants and scholarships and can apply most of their financial aid to program costs. The most important part about funding your education abroad experience is to plan early. It will take some research to fully understand your options and you will have to examine your financial situation along with your goals for studying abroad.
You will be able to access your financial aid when you participate in an Ohio State global education program as long as you are registered for at least half time (for loans) or full time (for most scholarships and grants) during each semester in which you study abroad. In order to access federal aid for any given year, new and renewing financial aid applicants are strongly encouraged to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically by the January 1 Ohio State priority deadline for the upcoming academic year. Indicate code #003090 in Section H on the FAFSA to ensure that Ohio State receives your FAFSA form.
Please be advised that the awarding of financial aid does not always align with the timing of application and admittance to study abroad. As a participant in an Ohio State global education program, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through the university or outside resources.
Resources
Student athletes
Student-athletes can and do study abroad at Ohio State. Education abroad provides you the opportunity to participate in and contribute to university initiatives beyond the playing field. The Student-Athlete Support Services Office (SASSO) located on the third floor of the Younkin Success Center, serves over 1000 student-athletes on 37 NCAA teams. SASSO provides Ohio State student-athletes with assistance in academic, athletic, personal and professional development, including education abroad. Scholarships are offered through SASSO and student-athletes should contact their SASSO counselor to learn more.