A group of students in front of the Reichstag building in Berlin, Germany.

Education abroad

The Ohio State University Global Abroad program gives students the chance to travel to different parts of the world while earning course credit. You can take courses over spring and winter break or during the summer, or even spend an entire semester or academic year abroad.

Where will you go?

Ohio State Global Education classes are open to students from any campus. Some give priority to regional campus students! Many fulfill GE requirements. 

Scholarships

The Newark campus offers generous scholarships to help you become a global citizen. 

$132,370
in scholarships awarded in the 2022-23 academic year
29
students received scholarships
16
education abroad programs

Frequently asked questions

Question How do I find out about education abroad opportunities?

Answer

Contact education abroad director Virginia Cope at cope.38@osu.edu or search for programs at globaleducation.osu.edu and oia.osu.edu. This site will give information on programs based on all the Ohio State campuses, including Newark. The Office of International Affairs in Columbus hosts regular education abroad information sessions, listed on their site. You can use CarmenConnect to join the Columbus-based "Getting Started" sessions. Watch for information on the Newark campus for information sessions each semester as well.

Question Should I wait until I am a junior or senior to study

Answer

Ohio State Newark-sponsored programs are appropriate for students of any rank and we encourage freshmen to apply. Ohio State's Global May programs also are designed specifically to get first- and second-year students abroad early in their academic life. Many students who study abroad once go on to do another program later, so it’s a good idea to get started soon.

Question How does Ohio State Newark support education abroad?

Answer

Ohio State Newark sponsors some global courses and also offers scholarships. Newark campus students may apply to any education abroad program listed on the OIA site, so long as they can fulfill the requirements (for example, some classes may require taking a course beforehand in Columbus).

Question Will I earn course credit?

Answer

All Ohio State-sponsored global education travel courses provide credit, and many fulfill a GE or major requirement. The globaleducation.osu.edu site also provides information on Ohio State-approved programs provided by third parties that can provide credit.

Question How much do programs cost?

Answer

In addition to tuition, students pay a program fee to cover lodging, activities and other travel expenses. The program fee is due at the same time as tuition for the semester in which you will be traveling. Costs vary a great deal based on the destination and the length of stay. Read the program sheets carefully since covered costs vary. Some Ohio State University-sponsored programs, for example, do not include airfare costs in the program fee.

Question Can I get help paying for the courses?

Answer

You may use some forms of financial aid to pay for your expenses. Ohio State Newark offers scholarships, including the Jones Scholarship for students with financial need. Students who apply for the Jones Scholarship will also be considered the Newark Campus Education Abroad Scholarship (which does not require a demonstration of financial need). At the Office of International Affairs website, explore the grants and scholarships available and be sure to read this overview, which includes information on using financial aid. Note that many deadlines are early in the academic year, even for programs the following summer.

Keep an eye on this site for the Global Education Common Scholarship application windows in fall and spring.

Question What other education abroad courses should I consider?

Answer

Global May options are open to students of any major or rank and can take you to Paris, Brazil, China, Great Britian, Spain, Uganda or Hungary. Programs to the Bahamas and Cyprus give priority to regional campus students — which is very helpful for getting in to these popular programs.

Question Do I need to speak a foreign language?

Answer

You don't need to be a foreign language or international studies major to study abroad; Ohio State students can study a wide variety of subjects in another country. You can take classes in your minor, satisfy GE requirements or try something new. Experiences and skills that you learn while abroad can apply to almost any field.

Question How do I apply?

Answer

You apply through globaleducation.osu.edu. Log in on the program sheet page for the specific program that interests you. You will fill out an online application and upload your advising report, a short personal essay, and the name and email of a professor who has agreed to write a recommendation. (Contact professors at least a month before the deadline).

Question What are the requirements for being accepted into a program?

Answer

You do need to be academically ready to study in another country. Generally, a GPA of 2.0 or higher is required. Other requirements vary by program. All details are provided in the program sheets at globaleducation.osu.edu.