During 2026 spring break, over 240 students participated in study abroad programs to 12 countries. Whether it was treating water in Guatemala or delving into the aviation industry in Germany, the Office of International Affairs provided unforgettable, long lasting experiences for all students.
Arts and Sciences Scholars Abroad
"I think it is extremely important for people to have more empathy and understanding for each other, and it is much easier to achieve that when you see and get involved with their lifestyles and traditions," said Kate Slazinik, an English major.
"The skills I practiced during my time abroad, whether they are linguistic, interpersonal or communicative, will certainly be valuable down the line. As a student focusing on the study of languages and cultures, this experience will also reinforce my resume and open more doors for me in the future," reflected Anthony Sainato, a romance studies major.
Buckeyes Network Abroad
"I have never been out of the Americas, and I knew an opportunity like this wouldn't come again, so I had to go abroad. As someone who loves studying history, London was a must see! Being able to see so much history and government while also benefiting from the alumni network in London was such an incredible experience," said Rachel Gortney, a public management, leadership & policy major.
"In the future, I hope to live and work abroad, so getting to connect with alumni, visit their workplaces, and experience a new culture through my program was a great opportunity to try just that," said Stephanie Baumgardt, an international studies and political science major.
England: Evolution in Darwin's World and Ours
"This experience helped me better understand how interconnected different areas of science are, especially in relation to evolution, history, and research. As an entomology student, it was really impactful to see how past discoveries continue to influence modern science," said Sam Bader, an entomology major.
"From this experience, I have learned that I am more independent than I thought. This was my first trip without my family, and the fact that I was still part of a group while exploring a new country contributed to my confidence," said Courtney Wilcox, a chemistry major.
European Equestrian Studies
"As someone who came from a small, rural community, I have found countless opportunities here at Ohio State to expand my cultural understanding of the world. But no experience has been greater than my time in Ireland," said Lilly Marsh, an animal science major.
“Being able to go study abroad means a lot to me. Not only am I able to travel, but I am able to learn about the places I travel to and how my interests are represented over there! I feel that I have gained so much valuable knowledge on equines in Europe, and know that it will greatly help preparing me for the Facilitated Early Entrance Program for Animal Science Students (FEEPASS) program, which I plan to apply for,” said Charlotte Villao, an animal sciences major.
Exploring the Natural History of the Bahamas
"As an earth science major, fieldwork will be a major part of my career. Gaining practical, applicable skills during this program has been incredibly valuable and will better prepare me for future professional opportunities," said Claire Loeffler, an earth science major.
"Doing field work both in the rocks of the island and within the coral reefs has taught me many lessons. I have really increased my snorkeling skills and made great relationships with classmates and teachers on this program," said Kaitlyn Lauber, a chemistry major.
Fisher College of Business Global Marketing: United Kingdom
“This experience has strengthened my interest in pursuing opportunities with an international focus. Visiting different companies helped me better understand global business practices, and my time at Oriel College sparked my interest in possibly pursuing a master’s degree abroad. Overall, it gave me a broader perspective that I know will be valuable in my future career,” said Sydney Savas, a marketing major.
Fisher College of Business Sustainable Business Global Lab
"From this experience, I learned how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. I never expected myself to zipline or try new foods, but I found joy in stepping out of my comfort zone. The culture of "pura vida" in Costa Rica encouraged me to slow down and enjoy life rather than live in stress or fear," said Ally Bissman, a marketing major.
Guatemala Engineering Service-Learning
"I am immensely grateful to have experienced this trip abroad because it allowed me to fully dive into real-world problem-solving and community-based work in a way that a classroom cannot replicate. Being present in the communities we were serving made the work feel purposeful," said Lauren Yee, a mechanical engineering major.
"This experience showed me how much I value connecting with people, not just to learn new skills, but also to better understand their perspectives, daily life and cultures. I found it incredibly meaningful to build relationships while working on real-world problems," said Anna Mickol, a biomedical engineering major.
International Perspectives on Aviation
"Prior to this program I was feeling indifferent about completing my Aviation minor, but through the friends I have made and the sights I have seen on this trip, I realized that I want to continue pursuing aviation planning opportunities. I also realized my ambition to live, work, and study abroad in Germany for higher education," said Andrew Lohman, a city and regional planning major.
"I learned that I have a deep appreciation for German culture beyond just its engineering and aerospace achievements. Taking the time to visit museums and try the local food sparked a genuine, personal interest in the country's history and daily life. It also reinforced my adaptability and showed me how much I thrive in new, international environments," said Caue De Morais Faria, an aerospace engineering major.
Landscapes and Architecture of Mexico: Mexico City Study Tour
"Being there in person allowed me to fully take in those differences visually and spatially. Experiencing the city firsthand helped me observe how people interact with spaces and how design responds to its surroundings," said Sabrina Li, an architecture major.
"My experience in Mexico City allowed me to understand more historical and indigenous practices of maintaining sustainable places, which I can now apply within my own designs. Learning to understand various communities is incredibly valuable to my field of landscape architecture, and this was a step towards doing so," said Claire Baltimore, a landscape architecture major.
Mosaic Brazil: Career Development and Community Impact
"I learned that I am highly adaptable and able to connect with people from very different backgrounds. Even in unfamiliar environments, I was able to communicate, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully," said Aloniyas Goitom, a business major.
"In Rio de Janeiro, we got a deeper, more immersive travel experience than would have been possible traveling outside of the program. It is really important to open your eyes to the history and context of the places you travel, and this trip did that and so much more," said Natalie Raabe, a public management, leadership & policy major.
Multicultural Histories and Legacies of Spain
"By immersing myself in a new culture, practicing my Spanish language skills, and learning about the history and customs of Spain, I was able to develop a skillset for respectfully and effectively interacting with people from different cultures," said Paige Galperin, a communications major.
"Studying abroad has long been a personal aspiration of mine, so having the opportunity to travel to Spain was an unforgettable experience. It meant more to me than just visiting a new place; it was the chance to experience history in a real and meaningful way," said Cassandra Stroud, a history education major.
Nursing Experience in Costa Rica
"I have learned that understanding other cultures and the way other countries do things can broaden my perspective and bring fresh ideas into my work. It also reinforced that humans are humans; treating people with kindness and seeing the good in them, no matter the circumstances or if you speak the same language, makes a difference," said Wendy Hager, a nursing graduate student.
Scientific Roots in Europe
"I think, further down the line, I will look back on this experience as unique and relationship-building. I got to know my classmates, adjusted to life in foreign countries, and stayed focused on our itinerary and my studies. I’ve learned more about global perspectives while navigating a new experience with new faces," said Nash Trattner, a city and regional planning major.