Support Students Studying Abroad

At Ohio University, we recognize the transformative power of study abroad experiences. These experiential opportunities foster global awareness, cultural sensitivity, personal growth, and academic excellence. This summer, Bobcats are studying animation and culture in Tokyo; learning about urban ecologies, conservation, and environmental justice in South Africa; consulting with organizations in Europe, Asia, and Oceania; and gaining fluency in Japanese at our partner Chubu University in Japan, just to name a few of their activities.

This academic year, we’re on track to have over 800 Bobcats studying away, nearly returning to our pre-COVID numbers. I am thrilled to see so many students taking part in these experiences, but many more express interest but are unable to participate due to financial barriers.

According to the 2020 National Survey of Student Engagement, 43.4% of first-year Bobcats planned to study abroad during their college career. However, when resurveyed in 2023, only 13.4% of senior Bobcats had actually studied abroad. Financial constraints are the top barrier we hear about.

Your support for study abroad scholarships is crucial. By contributing, you help narrow the gap between those who wanted to study abroad and those who could study abroad.

"I would not have found my passion without studying in Spain. It truly changed the entire trajectory of my life, and I'm so grateful. It will push you out of your comfort zone in the best way. I studied abroad in Seville and Barcelona through Ohio University’s Spain: Screenwriting and Documentary Storytelling program and an AIFS affiliate program. And I will be going to Stellenbosch, South Africa, on a GCP." — Hali Bridges, Classics and Religious Studies and African American Studies, Visible Voice Scholar