From examining sustainability practices in Australia to medical field work in Peru, over 1,200 Ohio State students studied abroad in summer 2025 across 45 countries and 126 programs. Students gained life skills, new perspectives and tools to guide their career after graduation.
World Federation of United Nations Associations – Switzerland
“This experience was deeply impactful; I learned a lot about potential career opportunities in my major.”
“This program provided a great opportunity to learn about the importance of multilateralism and the United Nations,” reflected Caleb Ferronniere, an international studies major in the College of Arts and Sciences. “We had the opportunity to learn from experts from multiple U.N. agencies and international organizations.”
“Going in, I expected to learn about international diplomacy, but what I didn’t expect was how much I learned about myself,” said Arni Patel, a psychology major on the pre-law track.
Spain: Urbanism and Architecture
“Being able to see each and every detail with my own eyes and feel the scale and proportion of the space helped me understand just how exactly we all interact with architectural environments.”
“As an architecture major, being able to immerse myself in different cultures was essential. Traveling to Spain allowed me to see firsthand how architecture reflects the values and history of a place, and experiencing the buildings we studied in class in person was an incredible way to deepen my understanding,” stated Ella Price, an architecture major in the Knowlton School of Architecture.
“Receiving direct exposure to these architectural marvels that we have studied and researched has expanded my feeling towards the buildings,” said architecture major Calvin Hurt. "This experience pushes me to create more designs focusing on the human experience with buildings while also exploring the ideas of urban density and preserving the cultural heritage of a space."
Global May Germany
“I have learned that I am much more capable and stronger than I once believed.”
“It was important for me to go abroad because I study foreign languages at Ohio State and plan to dedicate my future career to them,” reflected psychology major Lily Myers. “However, I believe it is important for everyone, regardless of their major, to experience the world firsthand.”
“This experience has strengthened my communication, problem-solving and cultural competency skills which are essential in today’s globalized workforce,” said Ethan Campbell, a philosophy, politics and economics major. “I also plan to continue studying German throughout college and being surrounded by the language daily helped me improve my listening and speaking skills.”
Abroad in Cyprus: Gen Ed Themes Sustainability and Health and Well-Being
“I’ve seen how different cultures and important historical figures have shaped this island over time.”
“Learning about the past has made me think about the present in a new way. I feel like I’m understanding myself and the world better now," reflected Sophia Sdregas, a junior philosophy major.
"One thing that stood out to me specifically was how conscious the community is about preserving water and energy,” noted Maddie Myers, an exercise science major in the College of Education and Human Ecology. “Living in this type of environment has made me more aware of my own habits and how important sustainability is across the globe.”
Freeman Foundation Internship Scholarship Recipients - Japan
“Studying abroad is the perfect way to experience a country.”
“As an intern, I experience Japan as an everyday person instead of a tourist,” reflected Katie Maier, a history major and recipient of a Freeman Foundation Internship Scholarship. “Studying or working in another country challenges me to work with diverse people in different cultures and languages.”
“This program adds a meaningful experience to my resume that helps me stand out among other candidates,” stated Owen Blevins, an operations management major in the Fisher College of Business. “This experience has given me real examples of challenges I have faced in a new culture, how I worked through them, and how I grew from those moments.”
Australia: Human Impacts on the Natural Environment
“I learned that I thrive learning outside of a classroom because I gain a better understanding and higher retention of information.”
“It was important for me to go abroad because I wanted to learn about environmental problems from other countries’ perspectives and compare their approach to the United States,” reflected Emily Dempsey, a food, agricultural and biological engineering major in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. “I also wanted to experience new cultures, histories and cuisines. One of the most impactful parts was learning about the history of Aboriginal people in Australia, which isn’t widely known or taught in the U.S.”
“I have never left the country before, but I knew I always wanted to travel abroad. With financial support through Ohio State’s STEP program and advice from faculty and other students, I was able to make that dream come true,” Brooke Miller, a civil engineering student in the College of Engineering. “I think studying abroad provides a very important aspect of learning about other cultures while gaining insight into your own country and lifestyle.”
Between France and Morocco: Diversity of the Francophone World
“BFAM has helped me grow not just personally, but also in how I think about my career.”
“Being in France and Morocco gave me the chance to understand things like systemic racism, sociological identity and Islamic religion in a deeper, more personal way. It really opened my eyes to how minorities are treated globally,” reflected sociology major Mikiah Fant. “I used to think that a lot of the issues we face in America were unique to us, but being abroad helped me see that places like France and Morocco are going through a lot of the same struggles—we just don’t talk about it enough.”
“This experience changed how people see me, and how I see myself. I’ve had classmates, coworkers and even professors tell me how proud they are, how inspired they were to see someone in a health field take this leap,” said Ilyas Nur, a radiological sciences and therapy major in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences within the College of Medicine. “That positive perception fuels me. It’s helped me build confidence and a sense of leadership I didn’t expect. Professionally, I’ll carry this with me into patient care, bringing a more global and human perspective to every interaction.”
Fisher Global Consulting: Non-Profit, Thailand
"My experience abroad was truly unforgettable due to the genuine kindness of the Thai people, especially those of the Huay Pakkoot village."
“It was important for me to go abroad because firsthand cultural immersion is one of the most powerful tools for building perspective. The world is filled with rich traditions, diverse customs, and ways of life that can’t be fully appreciated from a classroom alone. Experiencing the Thai culture in Huay Pakkoot expanded my worldview, allowing me to bring back ideas that can positively impact my community,” reflected Connor Pletikapich, an information systems major in the Fisher College of Business.
“As my future career lies in technology consulting, this non-profit consulting experience reminded me why I’m doing what I am doing: to help others. Collaborating with sustainability efforts in Huay Pakkoot illustrated the true significance of making a direct impact on a community. And seeing this impact firsthand by presenting to the local Huay Pakkoot students and teachers truly filled my heart.”