General
Q: What is the current status of education abroad programs at Ohio State?
A: Education abroad programming at Ohio State is currently suspended. All autumn semester 2020, winter break 2020, spring 2021 and spring break 2021 programs have been cancelled or postponed and impacted students have been contacted.
Ohio State has suspended all non-essential university-sponsored international and domestic travel. Those restrictions are effective immediately and until December 31, 2020. This includes participation in programs administered by organizations outside of Ohio State.
Q: Will my summer 2021 program still run?
A: The Office of International Affairs (OIA) recognizes the continuing uncertainty of international travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. OIA is monitoring professional health and safety resources to assess the viability of all programs and destinations.
Decisions regarding summer 2021 programs, including student application deadlines and program viability decision dates, are as follows:
*Should it be determined that a program is not viable, it may be decided not to run earlier than these decision dates.
Students should refer to the Program Search tool and each program’s respective brochure for program dates once confirmed.
OIA will post general updates about travel and will directly communicate updates pertinent to specific programs with impacted students.
Q: If my program was cancelled due to COVID-19, will I receive priority admission for a program next year?
A: While we cannot guarantee admission into an education abroad program, students enrolled in programs that were cancelled due to COVID-19 will receive priority preference for education abroad programs during a future term.
Q: How can I contact my education abroad specialist?
A: All advising appointments will be held over phone, email and/or Zoom until further notice. If you already have a program in mind, please reach out directly to that program’s education abroad specialist. Contact information can be found at educationabroad.osu.edu. If would like to schedule an appointment, but are unsure of your options, please email abroadadvisor@osu.edu and provide your year, major and potential program interests.
There are many ways to explore your options and learn more including browsing the education abroad program search tool, watching a tutorial, attending a Getting Started Session, listening to a Buckeyes Abroadcast and participating in a Buckeye Bridge Series event. For these events and more, visit the Office of International Affairs calendar.
Health and Safety
Q: Are there university resources for mental health and coping during these difficult circumstances?
A: We recognize that this is a very stressful time for students. Resources for emotional support and managing your mental health are available through Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service.
Q: What if I have a concern not addressed in this update?
A: We are facing an unprecedented global event that has impacted our university community and their families in all areas of life including academics, physical and mental health and finances, among others. If you have questions not addressed in this update or need any support regarding your individual situation related to your education abroad program, please do not hesitate to reach out to your education abroad specialist.
Finances
Q: I was awarded a scholarship for my education abroad program. What will happen to it?
A: OIA is allowing scholarship recipients to retain any OIA-awarded scholarships for future use. Please work with your financial aid contact for the appropriate treatment of any scholarships that may have been awarded and may need to be deferred. If you were planning on using STEP funds, STEP will be in contact regarding how those funds can be used in the future.
Q: What if I have a concern not addressed in this update?
A: We are facing an unprecedented global event that has impacted our university community and their families in all areas of life including academics, physical and mental health and finances, among others. If you have questions not addressed in this update or need any support regarding your individual situation related to your education abroad program, please do not hesitate to reach out to your education abroad specialist.