WHU: Graduate Summer Exchange Program
The WHU Graduate Summer Exchange Program comprises a two-week course on the attractive campus in Vallendar, Germany, located just outside of Koblenz in the valley of the Rhine River. The program is designed for MBA students of WHU's partner schools in their second year who are interested in International Business, Finance, and Corporate Strategy. As an alternative to an exchange semester, the program offers a targeted and compact insight into international business in Europe. It offers a well-balanced combination of lectures, group work, company visits, and cultural experiences.
Germany Exchange Information & Application
Application Open! Applications will be received online and will be admitted on a first come first serve basis.
Program Overview
Locations: WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management - Vallendar, Germany
Travel Dates: Session 1: May 6-20, 2026, or Session 2: May 10-22, 2026
Academic Credit: BUSADM 5797 (4.5 credits hours)
Faculty: WHU faculty
SU26 Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
Information Sessions: 2025 Info Session Recording & WHU Program Video.
Program Details
For more information on the program details, go to the application link above. Information include details on the program, eligibility, courses, cost, required orientations, etc.
Summer exchange students are required to be enrolled in the pre-selected 4.5 credits at the host institution. More details on the WHU class, 'The Changing Environment for International Business in Europe' can be found on the application link. Class topics may change in the future.
Notice: Please note that you may NOT contact or apply to the host institution until you have been accepted to the Student Exchange Program through the Fisher College of Business.
In order to be eligible to apply for this program, students must have a cumulative 3.3 GPA and meet OIA's General Eligibility Requirements and Conditions for Participation.
FT/WP MBA Applicants must:
- Be an admitted Fisher College of Business Full-time or Working Professional MBA student.
- Must have at least 1 year of MBA coursework completed prior to travel.
- Graduate in Autumn 2026 or later to participate in the Summer 2026 exchange program.
- Have and maintain a 3.3 or above grade point average to be selected and remain in the program
- Possess a valid passport for 6 months after your program end date upon application
- Have no student record actions of "Warning," "Probation," or "Probation by Special Action"
International Students
- In order to participate, international students must be able to obtain all required travel visas and confirm their eligibility to return to the U.S. after the program (i.e. a multiple entry visa).
- All international students holding a U.S. visa who are participating in an Office of Global Business (OGB) program should meet with an Office of International Affairs (OIA) International Student Services advisor, if you have questions about international travel.
All students will also be required to participate in on-campus pre-departure orientations organized by the Office of International Affairs.
STEP 1
- Learn: Research the program and learn about the location including academics, housing, travel arrangements, etc.
- Ask: Should you have questions about the program please fill out the Student Interest Form.
- Attend: Come to an information session to learn about the program (see the "announcements" tab more the updated sessions)
STEP 2
- Deadlines: The application deadline is February 1, 2026, for in-person programs. This is so we can nominate students before the exchange partners nomination deadline.
- Application: Complete the online application for the summer Exchange program. Applications will be received online and will be admitted on a first come first serve basis. Slots are limited for Summer Exchange, so apply early. By submitting an application, you will be agreeing to the OSU Cancellation Policy and the program Drop Policy (found under "Summer Exchange: Steps After Admission" below).
STEP 3
- Funding: Explore various education abroad funding resources, including the Fisher Global Grant.
- Nomination: Receive communication from the program manager about your acceptance/nomination and next steps moving forward with your program (i.e. orientation, preparations, etc.). More details on the processes after nomination can be found in the "Summer Exchange: Steps After Admission" section below.
- Orientation Session: You must complete the mandatory online OIA Health and Safety session and the Fisher pre-departure orientation via Zoom in February or March prior to departure. Failing to successfully complete the orientations will disqualify you from participating in the Summer Exchange Program.
- Travel Arrangements: It is the student’s responsibility to prepare their own travel arrangements (passport, visa, flights, housing, insurance, flights, health and safety preparations, etc.) on the Summer Exchange Program. Arrangements should only start after acceptance into the program.
Preparing for the Application
Section 1: Applicant Questions Text Field
Be ready to answer each question below in around 150-200 words on the online application considering the below points:
- What personal experiences led you to select this program? (Reflecting on your personal experiences, academic background, and future aspirations. Include specific moments or decisions that shaped your choice.)
- How do you plan to navigate a new culture and/or academic challenges abroad? (Propose specific strategies you will implement to navigate potential challenges abroad drawing from your past experiences.)
- How will this program uniquely support your goals? (Describe how participating in this specific program will uniquely contribute to both your short-term and long-term goals. These may include academic, professional, and/or personal goals.)
- How will you embody Ohio State’s values and represent them during your time in this program? (Based on Ohio State’s core values, outline how you will embody these principles in your actions during the program. Provide examples of past behaviors or achievements that demonstrate your ability to represent these values in a new context.)
Section 2: Application Document Upload Field
Submit the below required documents on the online application.
- Resume
- Advising Report
Additional Information
- OIA's Application Instruction webpage
- OSU Health and Safety
- OSU International Insurance
- OSU Cancelation Policy
- Funding and Scholarships
- For financial advice contact your student specialist at the Buckeyelink Office
Summer Exchange: Steps After Admission
Before Departure
Orientation
You must complete the mandatory online OIA Health and Safety session and the Fisher pre-departure orientation via Zoom in February or March prior to departure. Failing to successfully complete this orientation will disqualify you from participating in the WHU program.
Host Institution Application
Follow Host Institution instructions to complete their application by their deadlines. Host application deadlines differ per exchange partner. Once you have successfully completed the application, you will receive a formal acceptance letter from the Host Institution.
Visas
Visas for international students vary by travel destination and student nationality. As it may take some time to process a visa, please prepare in advance. Allow enough time to process documents and to renew the F-1 visa (if applicable), since the visa application may request you submit a valid F-1 visa. You also must insure that you have the necessary documents to legally return to the U.S. after the program.
- U.S. Passport Holders: In the past, U.S. citizens did not need to apply for a visa. However, visa requirements may change so double check with the German Embassy/Consulate for the most updated information.
- Non-U.S. Passport Holders: You will be responsible for obtaining your own visa for this program, if applicable. Check with the host institution on the exact visa you should obtain. Visa requirements may change, so check with the German Embassy/Consulate for the most updated information.
Housing
You must arrange for your own housing for the Summer Exchange Program. Information on arranging suitable accommodations and paying for the accommodation will be provided by the Host Institution.
International Airfare
International flights to and from the program destination is the responsibility of the student. It is required that you arrive/leave per instructions of the host institution you are attending.
Placeholder Course Enrollment
Check that you are enrolled in 4.5 credits of the BUSADM 5797 Study at a Foreign Institution course at OSU, as a placeholder for your term abroad.
OIA International Insurance
Make sure you receive your mandatory OIA International Health Insurance card before departure. For more information about insurance, please visit OIA's Insurance page.
Drop Policy
In order to continue in the program, you must complete the online OIA Health and Safety session and attend the Fisher pre-departure orientation via Zoom in February or March prior to departure. If you fail to attend these orientations, you will be dropped from the program at your own expense. You will be charged a $200 cancellation fee and your $150 application fee will not be refunded. Any travel arrangements which will require any fees due to your drop from the program will be your responsibility (i.e.: flights, housing, etc.).
The Ohio State University does not allow students who have records of felonies or sexual offenses or who are on disciplinary probation or suspension to participate in The Ohio State University sponsored programs. In accordance with this policy, all students who have accepted their position for the Office of Global Business programs will be required to go through a disciplinary check by the Office of Student Conduct. A check is conducted both at the point of application to the program and prior to departure. Should either check reveal that you are on disciplinary probation, your application will become nullified and your acceptance rescinded. If you are found on probation after you have paid your $150 application fee, the application fee will not be refunded and you will be charged a $200 cancellation fee. This policy is subject to change and you can find the most updated information on OIA's Conditions for Participation page.
Prepare for Departure
It is your responsibility to work independently in securing all required documentation and complete the necessary processes. If you struggle on visas, resident permits and/or housing, it is recommended that you inform the program manager two months before departure for additional assistance.
A list of exchange preparation items includes, but is not limited to:
- Travel preparation (Passport/ Visa/ Travel Interruption Insurance, etc.)
- Housing arrangements
- International flight
- Health arrangements (Prescriptions/ Disability/ Medical services/ Travel consultations/ Health insurance, etc.)
- Course enrollments abroad
- Pay OSU summer tuition and fees
- Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans
- Safety research and planning (Local law & regulations/ Safety procedures/ Emergency contacts, etc.)
- Pack for your summer abroad
- Communicate your travel plans with the Exchange Coordinator/OSU
Notice: Use precaution when committing to accommodations abroad. OSU is not responsible for any of the information provided to students, nor for any issues or damages which may result.
While Abroad
Arrival Check-in
Communicate to your contacts back home and the Office of Global Business of your safe arrival at your host country.
Confirming Course Enrollments
Check that you have been enrolled properly into the courses you should be taking abroad at the host institution.
Keep Open Communication
- Collect information about transcript dispatch dates.
- If needed, inform the Host Institution and Office of Global Business of your graduation date and request to have your transcript process expedited.
Make the Most of Your Time Abroad
- Initiate personal/business/alumni connections abroad.
- Keep a record of your experience abroad to use towards recruiting season (journals, blogs, etc.).
- Actively engage in the local activities to learn different cultural aspects of life, education, and business in your host country.
Returning to the U.S.
Return Check-in
Communicate to your contacts back home and the Office of Global Business of your safe return to the U.S.
Transcript Process
Send transcripts to be processed by the Office of Global Business. Respond promptly to emails regarding your transcript to avoid any delay. Grades will be posted on Buckeye Link once process is complete.
Continue to be Global
Continue to be global by joining globally focused student organizations, and becoming a global programs ambassador. Encourage peers to go abroad, speak at panel sessions or information sessions, and help advocate for education abroad.
Other Education Abroad Resources
To Students
The following links are provided as reference when considering education abroad programs:
- OSU Health and Safety
- OSU International Insurance
- OSU Cancellation Policy
- Funding and Scholarships
- OSU Travel to Risk Designated Countries: Any student traveling to study, conduct research or field work, participate in a service learning project or an international program in a risk-designated country must petition the International Travel Policy Committee (ITPC) for approval. More information is provided on the linked website. For further information on the policy and/or the petition process, please contact OIA’s Global Health and Safety team.
External Resources