Service-learning and volunteering is a dynamic way for Ohio State students to go abroad and engage local communities and develop leadership skills. Service-learning is a form of experiential education characterized by student participation in an organized service activity that is connected to specific learning outcomes; meets identified community needs; and provides structured time for student reflection and connection of the service experience to learning. Volunteering can also meet identified community needs, but may involve programming that is not tied to specific academic credit.
Ohio State approved service-learning or volunteer opportunities
The Office of International Affairs offers a number of Ohio State approved study abroad programs with a substantial service-learning component. Whether you select an Ohio State faculty-led or approved third party provider programs, most will allow you to gain academic credit and retain access to Ohio State grants and scholarships as well as federal financial aid. All students will be automatically enrolled in Ohio State's required supplemental travel insurance for international travel.
Ohio State managed service-learning or volunteer opportunities
Buck-I-SERVis a non-credit program planned through the Office of Student Life and supported in part by the Student Activity Fee, which provides students with an opportunity to lead and learn through direct service experiences. Buck-I-SERV also collaborates with the Adventure Recreation Center, Sorority and Fraternity Life and other units in Student Life to create additional service opportunities.
While Buck-I-SERV programs are not eligible for financial aid, participant costs are partially subsidized by the Student Activity Fee. In addition, all students participating in these programs will be automatically enrolled in Ohio State's required supplemental travel insurance for international travel.
For more information on service-learning, including a list of S-designated courses and local opportunities, please see theOffice of Service-Learning.
External service-learning or volunteer opportunities
There is no shortage of programs that offer service or volunteer activities for university students to travel abroad. Each semester several organizations not affiliated with Ohio State come to our campuses to recruit students for their programs. Simply because a program has promoted itself on an Ohio State campus does not mean that the program has been vetted, endorsed or sponsored by Ohio State.
Should you be interested in pursuing an option that is not offered by Ohio State, we encourage you to use the resources of theInternational Volunteer Programs Associationto determine if the program is the right fit for you. Review this guide to the types of questions to ask any organization seeking to recruit you and identifying a reliable program.
IVPA also has a membership directory of organizations that meet the principles and practices outlined in the links above. Organizations and programs listed in the IVPA directory are not considered Ohio State sponsored, managed or endorsed.
For non-credit service or volunteer programs there are generally no forms of Ohio State or federal financial aid generally that apply. The Office of International Affairs encourages you not to make immediate payment if an organization on campus asks for money to reserve a placement or secure a spot.
If the program is offering university credit for the experience, it is not guaranteed that the credit will transfer to Ohio State. If you are seeking transfer (K) credit, you will need to arrange to have the credit evaluated byDepartmental Transfer Credit Coordinatorfor the department in which you are seeking credit.
When applying, you may be required to submit:
- Official Ohio State transcript (you may order your transcript online via theOffice of the Registrar)
- Disciplinary Clearance Form (theOffice of Student Conductmust complete this form)
- Education Abroad Advisor Form (contactJenny Kraft in OIA to complete this form)
- Course Selection Form (If an advisor's signature is required, please see your academic advisor)
After acceptance, prepare for your responsibilities:
- All Ohio State students pursuing service-learning or volunteer experiences abroad that are related to their Ohio State academic or co-curricular objectives (regardless of its affiliation with the university) are required to adhere to the policies and guidelines set forth by the University’sInternational Travel Policy Committee.
- Be sure to check the status of your prospective host country with the list of Ohio StateRisk Designated Countries. If your host country is currently listed as a Risk Designate Country, you must submit apetitionto the International Travel Policy Committee.
- Students traveling to international locations for academic or co-curricular purposes are required to enroll in the university's supplemental travel insurance. Visitsupplemental travel insurancefor detailed steps on how to register for the supplemental insurance online.
- Be sure toreview and complete thepre-departure checklist.
FAQs
Here are some tips to help those on the lookout for international relations careers.
- Get a Masters in International Relations. ...
- Do some international relations career research. ...
- Find international relations internships. ...
- Gain international experience and learn a foreign language. ...
- Use your business networking skills.
How to Study Abroad
- Research locations and universities. ...
- Choose a program. ...
- Prepare your application. ...
- Apply for a visa. ...
- Secure housing and book your flight. ...
- Start packing and prepare to travel overseas. ...
- Enjoy your study abroad experience!
Education-based study abroad programs often require all participants to contribute to group projects and take part in lessons, but there are fewer academic expectations of non-matriculating travelers. Studying abroad post-graduation can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
What is the Department of International Affairs? ›
The Office of International Affairs (INT) facilitates, supports, and coordinates DOI's international engagement to advance DOI's mission and support complementary U.S. foreign relations objectives abroad.
Is international affairs major worth it? ›
Earning an international relations degree provides you with a flexible skill set that you can apply in a variety of ways. For example, you could use your degree to influence public policy, meet with leaders from other countries, work in a museum, help people with the immigration process and more.
What is the highest paying job in international relations? ›
Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in International Relations 2024 (Inc Salaries)
- Economist. ...
- Intelligence Analyst. ...
- Lobbyist. ...
- International development consultant. ...
- Consular officer. ...
- International Policy Analyst. ...
- Public Relations Specialist. ...
- Immigration Specialist.
The average semester abroad costs between $7,000 and $15,000 in total, while a one-month summer program runs from $3,500 to $6,000, according to the University of Louisville. The cost of your study abroad program could be higher or lower than that, depending on factors like location, length and program type.
Can you study abroad for free? ›
Countries such as Germany, Norway, Finland, and the Czech Republic offer tuition-free education to international students. Other countries like France and Sweden offer free education to students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. What are the eligibility requirements for free education abroad?
Which study is best for going abroad? ›
Popular Courses to Study Abroad
- Engineering. ...
- Computer Science. ...
- Information Technology. ...
- Business Administration. ...
- Medicine. ...
- Law. ...
- Social Sciences. ...
- Hospitality and Tourism.
You also aren't limited to just studying abroad while in college! You can study abroad whether you're currently in high school, college, or even in between! There are many different forms of studying abroad to consider, making it accessible to everyone.
Yes, you can study overseas as part of your degree if you meet the entry requirements. Most students study overseas full-time for one or two semesters. You may be able to study at the same host institution for two consecutive semesters or you can go at two different times in your degree to two different institutions.
How much is UCLA study abroad? ›
Cost varies by program. The average UCLA Travel Study program fee ranges from about $4,900 - $6,500* and includes registration, course fees, accommodations, academic excursions and insurance. Please see the UCLA Travel Study website for details on estimated expenses for each program.
What do you do in international affairs? ›
These include leaders who are willing and able to manage crises between nations, oversee foreign relations, address conflicts beyond borders, and collaborate on policy formation. With the right educational background and professional network, international affairs job options can be limitless.
Who handles international affairs? ›
The Executive Branch and the Congress have constitutional responsibilities for U.S. foreign policy. Within the Executive Branch, the Department of State is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, and the Secretary of State is the President's principal foreign policy adviser.
What does an international affairs specialist do? ›
advise on, administer, supervise, or perform professional work in the formulation and implementation of foreign policy of the United States in the conduct of the relations, primarily of a political or politico-economic nature, of the United States with other governments.
Is it hard to become a foreign affairs officer? ›
The Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) The Foreign Service Officer Test is a significant hurdle most applicants associate with becoming an Officer. This historical association is because upwards of 60% of applicants did not pass the test each round.
What major is international affairs? ›
International Affairs is an interdisciplinary program for students interested in varied aspects of the global community. The major requires classes in political science, economics, history, language, and culture.
How do you become an international diplomat? ›
Steps to become a diplomat include earning at least a bachelor's degree, obtaining political work experience and passing the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT). Diplomats can pick specialty titles ranging from ambassador and foreign service officer to consular officer.
Is international affairs a good major for law school? ›
International Relations
This understanding paired with the ability to think critically and analyze information can be a great foundation for law school.
