Global Labs FAQs

• Connect with a Global Ambassador in the Office of Global Business: Visit Mason Hall 225 during Walk-In-Wednesdays (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM) or schedule an advising appointment to discuss your goals and options.
• Attend an Information Session to learn more about the program and hear directly from past participants about their experiences.
• For personalized guidance or specific inquiries, reach out directly to the Program Manager, Alyssa Villalobos (villalobos.64@osu.edu).

Yes! We offer two Global Labs designed specifically for first-year students - the Freshman Global Lab: Germany and the Freshman Global Lab: Japan. While some other Global Labs may be open to freshmen, priority consideration is typically given to upper-level students for those programs. 

Yes! Seniors are still able to participate in Global Labs that take place during Spring Break, as the course and travel are completed prior to commencement. If you are interested in a May term program and plan to graduate in May, you would need to extend your graduation timeline in order to participate.

• $150 Application Fee
  • This fee is refundable if you are denied admission, withdraw prior to the final application deadline, or if the program is cancelled.
• There are three parts of the application including a questionnaire, advising report, and video submission.
  • Questionnaire: Includes four essay questions. Please do not use AI to generate your responses—your answers should reflect your own experiences and perspectives.
  • Advising Report: Download through BuckeyeLink
  • Video: Upload the video to buckeyemailosu-my.sharepoint.com, and paste the shareable link in the field below. Instructions on how to obtain a shareable link.  Confirm that “People with the Link” is selected when you enable the shareable link. If “People with the Link” is not selected, our office will be unable to view your video submission.

Important: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Make sure to click the “Submit Application” button once all materials are complete.

• Tailor Application Responses: Provide detailed, specific answers in your essays and video interviews that are customized to the exact program. Incorporate concrete personal experiences and avoid vague or generic statements.
• Demonstrate Authentic Intent and Alignment: Clearly articulate genuine enthusiasm for the program by highlighting how it aligns with your personal, professional, and academic goals. Frame the experience as a meaningful growth opportunity rather than a casual travel or leisure trip.
• Highlight Relevant Skill Building: Emphasize any language coursework or relevant skill development that demonstrates dedication and preparation for global or competitive environments.
• Utilize specialized preparation resources—such as the QUIC Certification (Fisher students)—to refine video interviewing techniques and present a strong professional presence.
• Attend program information sessions to gain deeper insights into expectations, demonstrate proactive interest, and reflect those nuances in your application.

No—applying early does not increase your chances of admission. We begin reviewing applications only after the application deadline. We encourage you to take your time and submit a thoughtful, well-prepared application, including strong essay responses and a polished video submission. At the same time, we recommend not waiting until the last day to apply, as technical issues can arise and may be difficult to resolve on short notice.

If the programs occur in two different terms, then yes, you can apply to both. If you wish to apply for two programs within the same term, the application system will not allow you to submit a second application directly. However, as long as the program dates do not overlap, please reach out to the program manager of the second program you plan to apply to because they will need to manually open the application for you. 

Please be patient as our team carefully reviews each application. We are committed to a thorough and thoughtful selection process. If there are any changes to the application decision timeline, we will communicate updates to all applicants.

Because program components differ, exact fee inclusions vary. Generally, the Global Lab program fee includes housing, local transportation, required program activities, International Accident and Sickness Insurance, and designated group meals.

You can find a detailed breakdown for your specific program under the Financial tab of its online brochure. Please note that tuition and program fees are billed separately.

Out-of-pocket expenses vary depending on your specific program. Typically, students should budget for personal expenses such as:

• Meals not covered by the program fee
• Mobile phone plans/international coverage
• Passport and visa fees
• Medical expenses (e.g., immunizations and health consultations)
• Independent travel and personal spending

Estimated out-of-pocket costs are listed under the Financial tab on your program's brochure page.

For additional support, please contact your Program Manager, Alyssa Villalobos (villalobos.64@osu.edu), to request a personalized budget worksheet to help you plan for all program costs.

Program fees are due on the Initial Fee Due Date for the term in which your program takes place. Please consult the Academic Calendar to confirm the exact due date for your term.

The fee will appear on your OSU Statement of Account, and you can submit payment through your usual process for tuition and fees in BuckeyeLink.

Attention International Business Global Lab Participants: You will receive a link to your payment portal directly from your Program Manager. Please ensure your deposit and final payment are submitted by their respective due dates.

Yes –We encourage you to explore our Funding Your Global Experience page, where you will find details and applications for the Fisher Global Grant, the Fisher Passport Scholarship, and a variety of other OSU and external funding opportunities.

The Fisher Global Grant will be disbursed to your BuckeyeLink account during the term of program travel. 

• Attend the Pre-Commitment Deadline Meeting: Join this mandatory session (details provided in your acceptance letter) to review critical program requirements, deadlines, and next steps before committing.
• Apply for or Renew Your Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned return date. Review the U.S. Department of State Passport Guidance for current processing times and international travel requirements.
• Verify Visa Requirements (International Students): Check Travisa to determine if an entry visa is required for your destination country. If required, begin the application process promptly to ensure all necessary documentation is processed in advance.
• Complete Global Education Portal Tasks: Log into your application portal and submit all required forms, disclosures, and post-acceptance materials by the designated deadlines.
• Attend the Mandatory Health and Safety Orientation: Participate in the required pre-departure orientation to learn about essential travel guidelines, health protocol, emergency contacts, and safety resources.

Because registration is restricted to accepted participants, your program manager will enroll you in the course directly. To ensure smooth processing and avoid scheduling conflicts, please confirm that you have no overlapping classes during the course time and that your Financial Responsibility Statement is completed in BuckeyeLink.

All participants are required to attend a Health & Safety Orientation prior to the program start date. Orientation details – including dates, times, and registration instructions will be provided in your acceptance letter. Please note that attendance is mandatory, and failure to attend will result in removal from the program. 

Your program manager will provide information on other required or optional meetings. 

Every Global Lab program is accompanied by at least one Faculty Leader and one Resident Director (RD). They reside in the same accommodations and attend all scheduled program activities with students. Both leaders are fully trained to manage health, safety, and emergency situations on-site.

In addition, programs receive local in-country support from dedicated guides to assist students throughout their experience.

Global Lab participants typically stay in centrally located hotels. Standard rooming arrangements consist of double-occupancy rooms with a roommate of the same gender.

If you require specific housing accommodations, please contact your Program Manager, Alyssa Villalobos (villalobos.64@osu.edu), as early as possible.

If your program includes a group flight, you are not permitted to travel outside of the program dates. If your program has individual flights, you are able to travel independently outside of the program dates, as long as it does not interfere with other coursework. 

We are thrilled to hear about your positive experience! There are several ways you can share your story and support prospective students:

• Join the Alumni Contact List: Add your contact information to our alumni database so prospective students can reach out to ask about your experience.
• Volunteer for Events: Watch for emails from your Program Manager or the Office of Global Business regarding opportunities to speak at panels, presentations, and info sessions.
• Become a Global Ambassador: The Office of Global Business hires student Global Ambassadors each year to work in our office, assist with program support, and advise peers on global opportunities

We welcome and appreciate all participant feedback, as it plays a vital role in improving our programs for future students. Here is how you can share your suggestions. Shortly after your program concludes, your Program Manager will send a post-program survey where you can share your thoughts and suggestions in detail. If you prefer to discuss your experience directly, please don't hesitate to reach out to Program Manager, Alyssa Villalobos (villalobos.64@osu.edu).

Resume and Interview Resources

• Please review the Job Search Resources from the Office of Career Management, which includes resume resources such as a resume guide, resume examples, and blank resume templates. The resources list also includes an interviewing guide, interview tips, and company research handouts. 
• Resume Help (Fisher): It is recommended that all student resumes be evaluated by the Office of Career Management. You can bring a printed copy of your resume to be reviewed during. Fisher's Office of Career Management Peer Career Coaches Hours
• Resume Help (Non-Fisher): For those students outside of Fisher, there are college specific resources like the Engineering Career Services for engineering students, Arts & Sciences Career Success for Arts & Sciences students, and Buckeye Careers, who provide career coaching and resume assistance to all Ohio State students. 

Feel free to reach out to your Program Manager, Alyssa Villalobos (villalobos.64@osu.edu) for advice and additional resources.

We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience and are eager to pursue another global opportunity!

You can explore additional business programs on the Office of Global Business website, or browse university-wide options through Ohio State’s program discovery page.

Please note that if you are a fourth-year student graduating in May, you are only eligible to participate in Winter Break or Spring Break programs, unless your graduation date is extended.

We invite you to connect with the Office of Global Business by visiting Mason Hall 225 during Walk-In-Wednesdays (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM) or schedule an advising appointment to discuss your goals and options.