The IA-Scholar study abroad experience is an important component of our program, allowing students to take the learning process outside the classroom. All first-year IA scholars have the opportunity to participate in this year-round experience and are encouraged to do so. Students, as a part of the First Year Seminar, become intricately involved with study abroad planning and activity discussions during the Fall Semester leading up to their application deadline in November. During the Spring Semester, students enroll in an IA specific course detailing the cultural, social, and historical diversity of the region examined. This course is set-up as General Education Curriculum (GEC), allowing them to earn college credit, regardless of their major. Students also receive first-hand knowledge on study abroad programs through a series of lectures and guest speakers. The program culminates with the actual Study Abroad trip during the May-semester, where they will be accompanied by seasoned staff allowing them to receive an enriching experience abroad.

Past destinations include Poland, Bolivia, China, Brazil, Senegal, Bulgaria, and Turkey.

IA-Scholars students are highly encouraged to take advantage of other study abroad opportunities at The Ohio State University. Please visit the Office of International Affairs (OIA) for information on study abroad at OSU.

A goal of the program is to make students aware of the vast career opportunities in the international field. Professionals with international job experience are invited to campus to meet with International Affairs Scholars students. Students are encouraged to dialogue with these professionals to gain insight on preparing for an international career, choosing a career, as well as learning about internships available to them as undergraduate students. Past guest speakers have come from a variety of fields including international business, international law, development work, international diplomacy, and international journalism just to name a few.

International Affairs Scholars students attend many cultural events and activities around campus and the city of Columbus. These events include international festivals, internationally-themed art exhibits and performances, as well as lectures by international scholars. The students also plan and implement international events that are designed to raise awareness about a particular country. A fall trip or weekend retreat is organized each year to nearby cities and the international affairs theme is applied to the activities on these trips. Past fall trips have included Chicago, New York City, Toronto and Washington, D.C.

International Affairs Scholars students are expected to maintain the grade point average set forth by the Ohio State Scholars Program. In addition, they are expected to attend meetings and events and take an active role in the IA-Scholar community. As first-years, IA-Scholars have the opportunity to participate in cultural events, community service events, or social events. During the second year, each IA-Scholar is expected to be an active part of the Second Year Work Groups  which engage in focused program planning and implementation in a variety of areas such as current global issues, career development, community engagement, international film, or IA-Scholar newsletter production.