The Ohio Union has over 1,000 registered student organizations. Each year, multiple organizations coordinate volunteer and service projects abroad. This travel is non-credit bearing and the development of the travel opportunity is managed directly by the student organization, not by an administrative office of the university. While this travel is largely independent, student organizations are still required to follow certain university policies as set forth in the Student Organization President Training section on Travel Abroad.
Before any student organization can undertake any recruitment for travel abroad or other activities, they must be a registered organization with the Ohio Union. This process is completed through the Office of Student Life.
If your organization has an active registration status (new/reestablished or established) with the Ohio Union, it may sponsor a travel abroad activity. The organization’s leadership should submit and complete a Group International Travel Form, 90 days in advance of your travel.
If your organization is seeking a program provider for your experience or is looking to vet a service experience, the Office of International Affairs encourages you to use the resources of the International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA) to determine if the experience is the right fit for you. In particular we recommend the sections on:
IVPA also has a membership directory of organizations that meet the principles and practices outlined in the links above.
Additionally, consider the following features:
All Ohio State students pursuing registered student organization travel abroad are required to adhere to the policies and guidelines set forth by the university’s International Travel Policy Committee.
Once you have been accepted to your program, be sure to review the pre-departure checklist.