For Students: Becoming a Global Citizen

We believe it is imperative that our students are equipped with the knowledge and experience to be global citizens, whether at home or abroad. Our Office of Global Innovations prepares students by teaching cultural competency and wellness. Students are transformed through an innovative education combined with practical, evidence and research-based clinical experience.

Global Experiences

Education Abroad

Costa Rica

Term: Spring Break
Eligibility: Undergraduate (Senior)
Course number(s): N4240s + N2798
Total credit hours: 4
Clinical hours: Up to 55 hours

Program status: March 2025

This education abroad program to San Jose, Costa Rica will expose students to concepts of international health care and community health care. As a result of completing the coursework and the education abroad program, students will gain exposure to a healthcare system different to that of the United States; learn the healthcare needs of people in a foreign country; learn about key public health and nursing challenges in Costa Rica; and strengthen their ability to communicate and care for patients from a different culture. Students will also participate in clinical and simulation activities involving medically underserved populations.

Learn more

Cyprus

Term: Summer Term
Eligibility: Undergraduate (Freshman, Sophomore or Junior)
Course number(s): N3798 / GEOGRAPHY 3755
Total credit hours: 4
Clinical hours: None

Program status: May 2025

We are proud to announce a first-of-its-kind global education partnership at Ohio State between the College of Nursing and the Department of Geography. The aim is to provide educational options that can meet curriculum needs for many undergraduates – all in beautiful Cyprus! This global learning experience allows students the opportunity to spend May 2023 in the beautiful Mediterranean and complete a four-credit general education health and wellness thematic course. We have approval to meet the theme options of sustainability and health and well-being under the new general education program structure.

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Honduras

Term: Spring Break
Eligibility: Undergraduate (Senior) or Graduate
Course number(s): N2798/N5798
Total credit hours: 3
Clinical hours: Graduate only - 60 hours

Program status: On hold

During spring break, graduate students can receive 60 clinical credit hours at a site in Choluteca, Honduras. Students will work under faculty supervision, providing healthcare and health education in rural villages, public health departments, hospitals and schools. The team also provides education to community healthcare workers and high school students, as well as screenings and medical treatment to patients.

Read about student experiences on the Ohio State Global Transformations On-Location: Honduras Blog.

Norway

Term: Summer Term (May)
Eligibility: Graduate Entry only
Course number(s): N6240S and N5798
Total credit hours: 4.5
Clinical hours: 60

Program status: Start date for Summer 2025 TBA

Beautiful and welcoming Oslo, the capital of Norway. This year, our college will offer global opportunities for graduate entry students enrolled in NURSING 6240S Concepts in Community Health Nursing. We will offer the full clinical required experience in a partnership with Lovisenberg Diaconal University College (LDUC), the first school in Norway to offer a nursing degree in 1868. We will have an extraordinary experience partnering with Norweigan nursing students who are also completing their community health clinical. In addition, students will have opportunities to participate in cultural and educational events in this faculty-led opportunity including a project "Oslo by Night," which addresses population-focused care of individuals, families and communities who are disadvantaged or disenfranchised. From the fjords, fishing, skiing, Vikings and healthy lifestyles, we will welcome students to the land of the midnight sun.

Read about student experiences on the Ohio State Global Transformations On-Location: Norway Blog.

Learn more

Learn more about these programs on the Office of International Affairs website.

Risk Assessments

Risk Designated Tiers

The College of Nursing is committed to providing diverse learning experiences that build the future leaders of tomorrow. As a part of our mission to transform health and lives, we offer global learning experiences in a broad array of countries and environments. To ensure full understanding by students of these opportunities, we provide a tremendous amount of information on-line to provide students with a good picture of the experience, logistics and learning opportunities. To this end, it is our responsibility to provide students with current, relevant risk assessments on each opportunity prior to enrolling in the experience. Please note, these risk assessments change on a continual basis and it is the student’s responsibility to keep updated on any changes prior to the trip. The U.S. Department of State rates international travel risk by country on a scale of lowest (1) to highest (4). The Ohio State University Office of International Affairs and the College of Nursing’s Office of Global Innovation will also provide, on a timely basis, relevant changes to any travel risk assessments and itinerary modifications. Ohio State’s risk ratings are on a scale of 1-6 (see below). Click here to see the current tiered risk for global experiences. We hope you find this information useful in your decision-making – global learning experiences can change your life and your career path!

The scale puts in place a tiered risk level for countries and regions and defines parameters for travel. The system is based on guidance from numerous resources: U.S. Department of State, Drum Cussac, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Ohio State Risk Designated Tiers
Tier 6	Extreme Risk
Tier 5	Significant Risk
Tier 4	High Risk
Tier 3	Moderate Risk
Tier 2	Specific Risk
Tier 1	Universal Risk

 

NOTE: This rating is evaluated and updated on a monthly basis. In-depth risk assessments are completed to ensure the safety and security of students, faculty and staff who are traveling to Tier 4 countries. Click here for specific information about risk assessment processes.

Preparing for your Experience

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Office of International Affairs offers a wide range of financial aid for your study abroad program. Please visit their website for a full listing.

Materials to Prepare Before You Apply

Prior to applying for a study abroad program, it’s important that you have these items:

• Study abroad program term and program ID code. You may obtain this information from the study abroad program information page
• Your academic program information, which includes your college and major. This can be accessed through your Student Center at buckeyelink.osu.edu. In the Academics section, click on "Academic Other" and select "View Academic Information." You will need to include this information in your application
• Your passport number. If you have not received your passport, or have not yet applied for one, you may still complete the online application, but remember that you may not participate in a study abroad program without a valid passport

Once you have the above items, you'll need to gather the following materials:

• Your prepared personal statement (required for some experiences)
• Your Ohio State advising report, saved as a PDF to attached to the application
• Emergency contact names and information
• Letter of recommendation (required for some experiences)

How to Apply

1. Log into Buckeye Link: buckeyelink.osu.edu
2. Select “OSU Study Abroad Application” from “Self Service” list on the top of the page.
3. Complete the Study Abroad Application Form
4. Complete:
5. Education Abroad Agreement/Release/Authorization Form
6. Eligibility Questionnaire
7. Upload or copy and paste your Personal Statement
8. Sign and Submit
9. Pay the $150 application fee within 3 days of submitting your application*

For more information please visit: oia.osu.edu/application-and-policies/apply

*The application fee will be refunded only if you are not accepted to the education abroad program or if you submit a written request to withdraw your application prior to the application deadline