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Due to the preliminary injunction by a federal court on September 14, 2026, which paused a new federal immigration rule change affecting international students and visiting scholars in the United States, immigration information on this website is subject to change. Ohio State is monitoring these developments and will update this website as additional information becomes available.

Health and Safety Orientations and Workshops

To promote the safety and well-being of students who travel internationally, Ohio State requires that all program leaders and resident directors who travel with and oversee students abroad complete an annual training in essential health and safety procedures and practices. Our goal is to prepare program leaders and resident directors to provide effective support for students and to respond to a variety of incidents that may arise during their time abroad.
 

Throughout each semester, the Office of International Affairs’ global health and safety team hosts required health and safety orientations as well as optional workshops. These sessions are designed to equip leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to support students abroad. 
 

More information about upcoming sessions can be found below. 

Health and Safety Orientation

All resident directors and group program leaders must attend one health and safety orientation session annually. The foundational training provides an overview of protocols, processes and tools in place to support Ohio State travelers and to mitigate and manage health and safety concerns on international education, service and other group travel experiences. Topics include incidents and response, insurance and Crisis24 support, student physical and mental health needs and the use of key resources with a focus on using resources such as the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The session also reviews federal compliance related to education abroad including Clery Act and Title IX. 
 

Attending early in the semester prior to departure is recommended as the training supports the development of site-specific pre-departure health and safety orientations for program participants.
 

2026-2027 Health and Safety Orientations

  • Wednesday, September 23, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, October 22, 1-3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, November 10, 8 a.m.- 10 a.m.
  • Monday, November 30, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Friday, January 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Tuesday, February 2, 3-5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, February 24, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Friday, March 5, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, March 25, 2-4 p.m.

All sessions are held in 160 Enarson Classroom Building

Health and Safety Workshops 2026-2027

Tips and Tools: Using Crisis24 and Zurich Insurance 

The Global Health and Safety team provides an in-depth presentation on the many resources, tools and services available to Ohio State travelers through Crisis24 and the Zurich international accident and sickness insurance. This is an online workshop and is intended for resident directors and other program leaders.

  • Time commitment: 1 hour.
  • Delivery: Virtual 

Sessions:

  • Monday, September 28, 9 a.m.
  • Tuesday, November 17, 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, February 4, 12 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 24, 3 p.m.

Leading Inclusive Study Abroad Programs: Supporting Students with Autism and Other Neurodivergent Identities

Study abroad at Ohio State is proudly inclusive – but it is essential to recognize and support the unique needs of neurodivergent students navigating international travel and learning. This session explores practical strategies from pre-departure planning to in-country challenges to ensure that neurodivergent students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Join us to learn how to create more accessible and empowering global experiences for all students.
  • Time commitment: 1 hour.
  • Delivery: In-person, 160 Enarson Classroom Building

Session:

  • Wednesday, February 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Emergency Response Exercise

This table-top exercise aims to provide resident directors and other program leaders with an opportunity to test emergency and crisis management procedures in a safe environment before a real crisis occurs. Working with a hypothetical scenario, participants discuss and identify roles, responsibilities and responses and identify when to reach out to Crisis24 and the Global Health and Safety team for support.

  • Time commitment: 1.5 hours.
  • Delivery: In-person 

Sessions:

  • Autumn 2026 TBD
  • Spring 2027 TBD

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training

Mental Health First Aid training is an evidence-based program that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Gain practical skills, increase your confidence in supporting others, and earn a Mental Health First Aid certification upon successful completion. This training is limited to 25 participants. 

  • Time commitment: 2 hours online and 6 hours in person
  • Delivery: Hybrid; in-person meeting will take place in 160 Enarson Classroom Building

Session: 

  • In-person on Friday, Jan. 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Registration is required and priority is given to global education RDs. Check back in early October for registration information.