Steps to Study Away

We can help make studying away a reality for you! Whether you are thinking about studying abroad or doing one of our domestic semester-long* programs, we are here to answer your questions, advise you about your options, and get you ready to go!

*Students interested in summer programs should visit our Summer Study Abroad page for more information & next steps.

Step 1: Explore

Drop by Slocum 311 and chat with an IOCP Mentor (mentors@owu.edu) about the study away experience -- available options, getting prepared to go, etc. 

Attend a Phase One: Study Abroad 101 meeting, which highlights key points and will answer most of your questions. Click here to register for a Phase One meeting.

Explore all your options using the OWU Study Away Programs & Application Site.   

Seek out other on-campus resources for more information:

• Meet with your academic advisor to discuss which semester might be best for your study away plans, and what classes you would need to take while abroad to stay on track for graduation.  
• Meet with representatives of partner programs/institutions that frequently visit campus. 
• Connect with study-away alumni who have participated in the program that you are considering.  
• Review Eligibility Requirements for study away
• Review the Cost, Billing, and Financial Aid for study abroad

Step 2:  Complete an OWU Leave Application

Submit a leave application using the OWU Study Away Programs & Application Site. This step is to obtain permission for study away and must be completed by our application deadline. You can find the OWU application deadlines for Fall & Spring programs here.

How to Apply:

1. Choose a program from one of OWU's institutional partners. 
2. Once you have selected your program, click on the "Apply Now" button located on towards the top of the page and complete the application.
3. Once the application is created, complete the required forms before the semester deadline. 

3. Complete a Study Abroad Program Application

After you have been approved for off-campus programs, we will assist you in getting ready to apply directly to your program. Do not apply directly to your program provider until you are approved by OWU. Program applications deadlines vary by program. Be sure to verify when your particular program deadline is - in some cases it may be prior to OWU's application deadline.

Step 4: Prepare

Once you have been accepted into a program you will attend a Phase Two: Next Steps Meeting to prepare for off-campus study, both academically and financially. In this meeting, we will go over the additional steps and paperwork you need to complete for both OWU and your study abroad program (such as submitting your Course Planning Form and Permission to Transfer Credit Form, applying for a Visa, filling out a housing form, and attending in-person Pre-Departure and Cross-Cultural Essentials workshops.

Academic Planning & Credit Transfer

• Every student must complete a study away academic plan prior to departure, including a Course Planning Form and a Permission to Transfer Credit Form. These are approved by the student's academic advisor, the chair of the department of the student's major, and the Registrar's Office, to ensure that students know prior to departure how their coursework completed while away will transfer back and apply towards their degree requirements.

• Student's must be enrolled full-time while away.

• Students must advise the Registrar's Office if they deviate from their established plan while away.