Ohio University’s Office of Education Abroad may be a student’s best travel guide.
Ohio University’s Office of Education Abroad may be a student’s best travel guide.
One of those guides is Peer Advisor Alexis Chambers, a senior studying political science and African American studies, who traveled to Meknes, Morocco during the summer of 2013.
“I am so active in getting students to study abroad because I loved it,” Chambers said. “Before I studied abroad, I had never been out the country, never been on a plane before, and I never even dreamed that I would have this opportunity. It literally changed my life.”
Advisors from a variety of backgrounds are available through the office to prepare students for their study abroad experiences. On Monday, students can learn more about studying abroad at the annual Study Abroad Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Baker University Center ballroom.
But, The Office of Education Abroad, located in the Walter International Education Center, offers students walk-in advising sessions — no appointment necessary. Walk-in advising is available Monday through Friday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
“Approximately 750 Ohio students traveled abroad last academic year,” said Keely Davin, program coordinator at the Office of Education Abroad, in an email.
Davin said everyone has the opportunity to study abroad through OU. Davin added that the Office of Education Abroad is working on creating web pages detailing study abroad opportunities for each major, so students can more easily locate opportunities that relate to a specific course of study.
There are also options for personalized trips overseas, which can range in duration from ten days to a full academic year, Davin said, through partner programs like the International Education Programs.
“Students study abroad for different reasons,” said Seaira Christian-Daniels, marketing and outreach coordinator for IEP. “Some want a cultural experience and others simply want to take their major classes in another country.”
Davin explained that a major misconception about study abroad is that it could delay a student’s graduation.
“Students can earn credits for a semester abroad,” she said. “With a little bit of planning and research, all of those credits could work toward a student’s graduation requirements. For students interested in off campus programs during the summer, those credits can actually help a student get ahead in his or her program of study.”
Funding is available for students interested in going abroad.
The Office of Nationally Competitive Awards has numerous scholarships available to students with financial need. Some of the scholarships available include the Gilman International Scholarship, available for students with Federal Pell Grants, and the Boren Scholarship, which funds trips for both undergraduate and graduate students.
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