Travelers with Special Considerations

International travel can involve many firsts – first flight, first passport or the first time navigating healthcare needs abroad.  

Planning ahead can reduce stress, help ensure a smoother and more successful experience and minimize the risk of unforeseen challenges. Please contact the Global Health and Safety team or a global education specialist early to help answer any questions and chart a path to success. 
 

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The Office of International Affairs strives to develop approved education abroad 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 approved program costs.  

The most important part about funding an education abroad experience is to ensure that  students have a full understanding of the program and travel costs and to plan early. It will take some research to fully understand  the options, students’ respective financial situations and   their goals for studying abroad. 
 
Students will be able to access their financial aid when they participate in an approved Ohio State education abroad program if they are registered for at least half time (for loans) or full time (for most scholarships and grants) during each term in which they study abroad.  

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 the FAFSA form. 

Please be advised that the awarding of financial aid does not always align with the timing of application and admittance to education abroad programs. Participants in an Ohio State education abroad programmay be eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through the university or outside resources.  
 

Gender roles and expectations vary widely around the world. In some countries, local customs may influence how women are perceived or what behaviors are considered appropriate. Women travelers may experience different norms related to dress, public interaction and transportation. In some cases, women travelers may be more vulnerable to unwanted attention and gender-based harassment. 
 

All Ohio State travelers are encouraged to review destination-specific guidance available through the Crisis24 Horizon app and the U.S. Department of State country advisories. It’s encouraged to research whether the visiting country has specific laws or cultural practices that impact women’s rights and freedoms, including restrictions on travel alone, curfews or gender-specific spaces.  
 

If there are specific concerns or questions, travelers may also reach out to Global Health and Safety. If traveling on an education abroad program, other resources include the global education specialist and the program’s resident director. 
 

Additional resources: 

International students or scholars at Ohio State should meet with an immigration specialist to discuss visa regulations and potential restrictions according to their status.  
 

Students’ admission into another country – including transit countries – will depend on their country of citizenship, as well as their specific destination. When researching  possible visa needs, it is important to factor in connecting flights. Some destinations may also have requirements about the length of validity of a U.S. visa. 
 

Ohio State immigration specialists can only advise on  statuses here in the United States and are unable provide any visa or other entry information about the country or countries students plan to visit. 
 

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Travelers may find that perceptions of race and ethnicity vary across cultures. Members of minority groups in the United States may find themselves part of a racial or ethnic majority group when they arrive at their destination. Others may find themselves part of a minority group for the first time abroad. In some countries, travelers may be perceived as an American first, regardless of what their ethnic or racial identities are. 
 

While many travelers report positive experiences, others may experience unfamiliar social dynamics such as curiosity, assumptions based on physical appearance or questions about their background. In some locations where there is more limited exposure to racial or ethnic differences, individuals may experience an elevated level of attention in public spaces. 

We encourage travelers to research local attitudes and norms in the countries they will visit and think critically about how these might impact their personal experiences. Understanding one's own racial or ethnic identity and how it may be perceived is a valuable part of  travel preparation. Attitudes and behaviors abroad can range from welcoming and inquisitive to discriminatory or insensitive, and reactions can be unexpected, unfamiliar and uncomfortable.  
 

Laws and cultural attitudes regarding sexual orientation and identity differ widely around the world. In some countries, there may be legal restrictions or social norms that could impact students’ experiences, overall safety and access to healthcare. In others, students may find that communities are more open or accepting than in some areas of the U.S. 
 

Before travel, research the destination carefully to understand local customs, laws and social norms around gender expression. Students should also read any travel advisories that may be relevant to their destination. Students should consider how openly theycan safely discuss their identities in various settings such as with peers, program staff or host families. In many countries, public conversations about sexuality or the display of affection may be uncommon or could put students at risk. Be mindful that local slang, terms or gestures may have different meanings or could be interpreted differently. Always prioritize personal safety and privacy in all interactions. 
 

If students are concerned about experiencing a bias incident abroad, reach out to the Global Health and Safety team or talk with local partners, onsite contacts, the Ohio State resident director or fellow student travelers. 
 

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