In a world becoming increasingly interdependent and globally focused, having a global awareness and perspective can serve students well.

The Internet, cell phones and easy travel are increasing international contact, mobility and business. Many employers look for people with international experience to add to their workforce: people who speak more than one language and/or have lived in another country have a competitive advantage. Study abroad opportunities at Ohio State provide the chance to gain or build upon your global experiences and learn about yourself while increasing your marketability. You can choose from among more than 100 study-abroad opportunities in 40 different countries to fit your interests, desired coursework, and budget. You can visit the Office of International Education for help in choosing the best program for you. We will guide you in the process of selecting a program, applying and preparing for your time abroad.

When preparing for studying abroad, students should consider a number of factors. Of course there are logistical considerations: getting your passport, arranging for a visa, booking a flight, and attending mandatory orientations at the Office of International Education are some of them. You also should consider preparing yourself in other, less tangible ways. You might read the newspaper of the country you are visiting to be informed about current affairs there. Purchase a guidebook and read about the cultural expectations, food and transportation of your future short-term home. Make a list of goals you have for the abroad experience and the ways you will accomplish them. Most important, get excited about the experience!

Be prepared to approach time abroad with an open mind and flexibility. These two qualities will ensure that you get the most out of your time abroad. You should face the inevitable differences and challenges of international study with flexibility and understanding. While abroad, benefiting from the experience in a respectful manner should be of utmost importance. Talk to host nationals and learn about their lives, eat food you have never tried before, push your comfort zone and try new things, speak the language as often as possible, and listen and observe the world around you. Learn as much as you can from your coursework while taking in your new environment and the world around you. Many students who study abroad say that they learned more about themselves from the experience. One of the best ways to learn about yourself is to reflect upon your life and the similarities and differences between your host culture and the United States. Don’t be afraid to delve into the cultural aspects of your abroad experience as they are certain to be rich and enlightening.

Living abroad and immersing yourself into another culture will prepare you well to face the professional world. Gaining experience working with diverse people increases your capacity to appreciate difference and understand the unique perspectives that every person brings to the table. In this increasingly connected world, a study abroad experience isn’t solely an opportunity anymore, it’s an imperative.

In the words of Jason Johnson, who participated in the Spanish Language Program in Cuernavaca, Mexico: “I lived with a host family, so I got to practice Spanish all the time. But it was more than learning Spanish. Being there on my own taught me a lot about myself.”