Semester Outbound Exchange
Live like a local, not a tourist, as you study in a new country for a semester! Students will be expected to independently manage their experience, from visa, housing, flights, etc., developing problem-solving, resilience, self-management skills, etc. while also deep diving into developing a global mindset. This program allows you to plan and create a personalized experience abroad for the more independent and adventurous traveler.
Application Deadline: AU27 - December 10, 2026 (Application Closed) / SP28 - March 15, 2027 (Application Closed)
Notice: Applications will be received online one year in advance and will be admitted on a first come first serve basis. Slots are limited for each exchange location and will close once full. Prepare to consider other options if you are not selected into your preferred exchange location.
Autumn exchange applications open around Oct with a deadline in Dec, and Spring exchange applications open around Jan-Feb with a deadline in Mar.
Select your Location and Apply
Please note that the Fisher Semester Exchange Program information on this webpage is subject to change. Meet with your Fisher Academic Advisors in advance, to understand how the exchange program may academically impact your business degrees.
Due to the independent nature of the program, participating students will have more responsibility to coordinate all aspects of the exchange arrangements independently with minimum assistance. Be prepared to handle the self-coordinating aspect of the program!
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.
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared to study abroad. I was traveling to a completely new country, I didn't know the language, and I didn't know a single person who was going to be there with me. Looking at it now, that was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. It forced me to adapt to new situations and to get out of my comfort zone." - Allison Hoffman, Bocconi University, Italy
"I had never even left the country before so I knew it would be a big challenge. A good challenge, but still a challenge nonetheless. --- There were definitely hiccups along the way, but a student exchange is all about standing on your own two feet and being independent in a new place! --- It sounds cheesy, but studying abroad was definitely one of the best decisions I've ever made. I feel so lucky I got to do it." - Erin Wahlers, Trinity College, Ireland
All applicants must meet the following criteria and must not go abroad on your graduating term. If you end up not meeting the criteria after admitted to the program, you will be dropped from the program at your own cost:
- Be fully admitted as a Fisher undergraduate student.
- Have and maintain a 3.0 or above grade point average to be selected and remain in the program. (3.1 or above for Ireland)
- Completed at least a year of study at Fisher College of Business.
- You must complete the below pre-requisites one full semester before departure. (i.e. By prior Spring term for Autumn exchange and by prior Summer term for Spring exchange).
- ACCTMIS 2200: Introduction To Accounting I
- ACCTMIS 2300: Introduction to Accounting II
- ECON 2001.1: Principles of Microeconomics
- ECON 2002.1: Principles of Macroeconomics
- STAT 1430: Statistics for the Business Sciences
- Meet with your Fisher Academic Advisor to confirm eligibility for Fisher’s Student Exchange and meet to complete the Course Planning Worksheet.
- Remain eligible based on the Office of International Affairs eligibility requirements and conditions for participation
After being nominated into exchange, you must successfully complete the exchange orientation class to maintain eligibility.
Notice: If you wish to participate in the Student Exchange Program in your sophomore spring term, you must meet a higher eligibility criteria. Contact the exchange coordinator for details.
International Students
- The program does not allow students to go back to their citizenship country as an exchange student (i.e. Chinese citizens to China)
- 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.
Application Steps
Follow the steps below to research programs and apply. Make sure you apply by the application deadline noted on the program webpage or Fisher’s Student Exchange webpage. Applications will be received online one year in advance and will be admitted on a first come first serve basis. Slots are limited for each exchange location and will close once full. Prepare to consider other options if you are not selected into your preferred exchange location.
- Learn: Select your Student Exchange Program location and learn about your specific location including academics, housing, travel arrangements, etc. Select your top three locations. Make sure you also conduct a health and safety research too (i.e. disability access, cultural impacts to your specific situations, etc.). OIA’s “Travelers with Special Consideration” webpage can help with some of your research.
- Ask: Should you have questions about the program please fill out the Student Interest Form, or visit the Outbound FAQ page. Meet with your Fisher Academic Advisors in advance, to understand how the exchange program may academically impact your business degrees.
- Attend: Come to an Information Session to learn and ask about the program.
- Apply: Prepare for your application by reviewing to the “Preparing for the Application” instructions below. After submitting your application, you will be called in for an interview session before final decision are made. On one application, you can list up to three exchange locations as your preferred locations. By submitting an application you will be agreeing to the OSU Cancelation Policy and the program Drop Policy (found under "Student Exchange: Steps After Nomination" below).
After Submitting your Application
While waiting for your application to be processed, we encourage all students to review the following information:
- Funding: Explore various education abroad funding resources.
- Steps after being Nominated: More details on the process after Nomination can be found in the "Outbound Exchange: Steps After Nomination" section below.
Preparing for the Application
Section 1: Applicant Questions Text Fields
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: Exchange Application Questionnaire
- Select your top three exchange locations you are willing to attend under one application.
Section 3: Application Document Uploads
Submit the required documents below in the appropriate upload field on the online application.
- Course Planning Worksheet (Need Fisher Academic Advisor Signature to complete)
- Up-to-date Resume
- Advising Report
Outbound Exchange: Steps After Nomination
Before Departure
Orientation
You must complete the BUSADM 3760 Exploring Culture in International Environments (1 credit, online class) to maintain eligibility. It is comprised of online course assignments and three synchronous online classes sessions. If you do not complete this course successfully, you will be dropped from the program. Course details will be provided upon enrollment.
Host Institution Application
OSU can only nominate you. The Host institution will make final decisions on accepting your participation into Fisher exchange. After application to OSU, the Host Institution will provide instructions for you to complete their application by their deadlines (varies per partner). Once you have successfully completed the host institution application, you will receive a formal acceptance letter from the Host Institution. The acceptance letter will be needed for following procedures for exchange.
Visas
You must follow the Host country's requirements when obtaining your visa. Visa steps vary by travel destination and the student nationality. It is strongly advised that you start your visa processing as soon as possible, once you receive the acceptance letter from your Host Institution and visa application windows open at the foreign embassy/consulate. Some countries may require you to travel to the host countries' embassy/consulate in the U.S. for interview or conducting biometric screenings, etc. As it may take some time to process a visa, please prepare in advance.
International Students: Allow enough time to renew your F-1 visa, since the visa application may request you to submit a valid F-1 visa. You also must ensure that you have the necessary documents to legally return to the U.S. after the program.
Housing
You must arrange for your own housing abroad for the Student Exchange Program. If your Host Institution offers on-campus accommodations, it is strongly encouraged that students take advantage of this service. Other options students have used in the past include private accommodations, host families, room mating with other exchange students, staying with relatives abroad in the host countries, etc.
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.
International Airfare
International flights to and from the program destination are the responsibility of the student. It is required that you arrive/leave per instructions of the host institution you are attending, which may have required pre-semester orientations.
OSU Placeholder Course Enrollment
Check that you are enrolled in 12 OSU credits of the BUSADM 5797 Study at a Foreign Institution course at OSU, as a placeholder for your term abroad.
Abroad Course Enrollment
Work directly with the Host Institution to select and enroll in the courses at the Host Institution. Make sure you are following the OSU course selection guidelines and confirm you are enrolled in the required 12 OSU credits worth abroad to avoid any negative impact on financial aid or U.S. visa status.
OIA International Insurance
Make sure you can access your mandatory OIA International Sickness and Accident Insurance via App before departure. For more information about insurance, please visit OIA's Insurance page. It is strongly advised that you keep your primary U.S. health Insurance active while abroad.
Drop Policy
If you are selected as a Student Exchange Program participant, you must successfully complete the orientation class and fulfill all eligibility requirements for the Student Exchange Program by the given deadline. If you fail to do this, you will be dropped from the program at your own cost. 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 and sexual offenses or who are on disciplinary probation or suspension to participate in Ohio State University sponsored programs. In accordance with this policy, all students who have accepted their participation for the Office of Global Business programs will be required to go through a disciplinary check by the Office of Student Conduct. Should this check reveal that you are on disciplinary probation, your application will become nullified and your acceptance rescinded. If you are found on disciplinary 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 according to OIA’s Cancelation Policy. 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 travel arrangements for exchange. If you struggle on visas, resident permits and/or housing, it is recommended that you inform the Exchange Coordinator 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/ Disabilities/ Medical services/ Travel consultations/ Health insurance, etc.)
- Course enrollments abroad
- OSU tuition and fee payments
- 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 semester abroad
- Communicate your travel plans with the Exchange Coordinator/OSU
While Abroad
Arrival Check-in
Communicate with your contacts back home and the Office of Global Business of your safe arrival in your host country
Final Course Selections
Send the list of your finalized course list at your Host Institution to the Office of Global Business within the first 2 weeks of your semester start abroad. Make sure you are following the course selection guidelines and confirm you are enrolled in the required 12 OSU credits worth abroad. If you end up taking less than 12 OSU credits, or more than 18 OSU credits, this may negatively impact you at Fisher upon return (i.e. extra payments, negative impact on financial aid or U.S. visa status).
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.
- If needed, request early exam dates to end studies in December (for Autumn semester exchanges only).
- Communicate and respond to Ohio State emails if in any emergencies abroad. Some information provided on OIA Emergencies Abroad webpage.
Make the Most of Your Time Abroad
- Initiate personal/business/alumni connections abroad.
- Keep a record of your experience abroad to use when job hunting after return. (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 with your contacts back home and the Office of Global Business of your safe return to the U.S.
Re-Entry Session
Complete a post-program survey and attend the re-entry session upon return from your exchange program.
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 participating in the Global Option in Business program, 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.
Additional Information
Other Global Travel Information
The following links are provided as reference when considering education abroad programs:
- OIA's Application Instruction webpage
- OSU Health and Safety
- OSU International Insurance
- OSU Cancellation Policy
- Funding and Scholarships
- For financial advice contact your student specialist at the Buckeyelink Office
- 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
Global Option in Business
The Semester Student Exchange program fulfills the "Global Experience" requirement for the Global Option in Business, a university approved micro-credential program.