Beginning this autumn, Honors students at The Ohio State University will have more options to complete their Honors graduation requirements—and be able to do so while travelling the world. The Global Honors option gives students the ability to utilize approved study abroad experiences to complete a part of their Honors course requirements, allowing students more freedom in their rigorous schedules to make time for a wide array of global learning opportunities.
“We look forward to seeing a greater number of Honors students participating in study abroad,” said Dr. Ola Ahlqvist, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Enrichment, Executive Director of the University Honors and Scholars Center and Professor of Geography. “We know these global experiences are impactful on a students’ educational journey and on their career or graduate study plans after college as well.”
The new Global Honors option comes as a part of the University’s Academic Excellence Plan to create a signature undergraduate student experience. The expansion of the University Honors Program remains a critical part of this plan and in addition to the Global Honors option also includes increasing the number of Honors courses and expanding student support through student leadership and networking opportunities.
Last year, over 400 Ohio State Honors students participated in an experience approved by the Office of International Affairs (OIA). Among them was Honors student Catie Russ, an international business major, with minors in Spanish and linguistics, who participated in the Fisher College of Business Undergraduate Exchange - Universidad Pontificia Comillas program.
“Studying abroad was the best decision I have ever made,” said Russ, now in her senior year at Ohio State. “Living in another country, speaking a new language, travelling to beautiful places and meeting new people all taught me the importance of nuance, perspective, and empathy. I believe that I have become a more well-rounded thinker as a result of the friendships I made and the lessons I learned.”
Under the University Honors Standards, Honors students are required to take at least 18 credit hours of Honors quality courses over their time at Ohio State. The Global Honors option allows students to utilize up to six credit hours of credit-bearing education abroad coursework to satisfy this requirement. Students can learn more about the full eligibility and requirements on the Global Honors landing page.
Russ also received financial support for her experience in Madrid from an Honors and Scholars Enrichment Grant. Enrichment Grants are awarded to students each semester through a competitive application for special project and extracurricular experiences beyond tuition expenses. Students can apply for funding to support a myriad of experiences, including OIA-sponsored study abroad, service projects, and undergraduate research.
Study abroad remains impactful well beyond the course of the experience, providing valuable lessons and skills that students can take with them into their careers or post-graduate pursuits. Recent Honors graduate Farhan Haque studied abroad in the summer of his junior year through the Between France and Morocco Program. Now pursing his graduate degree at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, Haque credits his study abroad experience with his ongoing success.
“My experience helped me develop skills in assimilating to new environments. Now, being in New York City, my surroundings have changed from being in Columbus,” said Haque. “Studying abroad really opened my eyes, proving to myself what I could actually accomplish.”
Whether seeking skills to take on their next steps or adding another unforgettable experience to their time at Ohio State, Honors students now have even more agency in crafting their own Buckeye experience with the Global Honors option.
“To someone interested in studying abroad, I would say just go,” said Russ. “Go with friends or go alone. Go nervous. Go excited. Go for as long as you can afford to, whether it's a week, a summer, or a semester, for an internship or a class. You will love it.”