Study Abroad in Plant Biology

What are the benefits of study abroad for someone in Plant Biology?
Participating in a study abroad experience allows students the unique opportunity to tie concepts from many courses together, and to get firsthand exposure to many principles they would otherwise only find in books. Students who study abroad have a broader understanding of global biological issues and planetary diversity that positively contributes to their marketability with graduate schools and employers.

When is the best time for Plant Biology students to go abroad?
The summer and winter breaks are always good times for a Plant Biology major to study abroad. Students who would like to study abroad during the academic year are encouraged to do so in their junior or senior year after fulfilling core requirements and courses that are required to be taken in sequence.

What types of academic requirements can students fulfill abroad?

• University-wide requirements: Tier II courses can often be fulfilled easily abroad. Tier III courses are offered on some of the OHIO study abroad programs, but it can be challenging to transfer Tier III credit back from a Non-OHIO or exchange program.
• Arts and Sciences requirements: Courses to fulfill college level requirements, including the foreign language requirement, can be taken abroad.
• Major requirements: Students planning to enroll in a program offered through the "Global Studies in Plant Biology" program can earn Tier III credits (under "Global Studies Capstone", PBIO 4850) or elective credits depending on the program. Students can potentially complete Plant Biology requirements through any program but need to have the courses carefully reviewed before going abroad.

What are other academic considerations for someone in Plant Biology?
Freshmen and sophomore students have a number of core courses that must be fulfilled in sequence and in the first two years of their time at OHIO. If students plan accordingly, they can study abroad during the fall or spring semester of their junior or senior year and take major electives. In order for students to gain the most from their time abroad, students need to have completed all of their foundation work at Ohio University and be immersed in advanced coursework while abroad and courses to fulfill general requirements.

What do I do next?
Visit our Planning Your Experience page to discover the steps you'll need to take.

Sample STUDY ABROAD programs for Plant Biology through Ohio University

OHIO - PBIO 4850 Capstone
Plant Biology offers a rotating program led by department faculty that fulfills major requirements. Please check the Office of Education Abroad website or PBIO faculty for updates on this option.

OHIO - Tropical Disease Research Program, Ecuador
Summer program. This program takes place in the context of efforts by the Tropical Disease Institute to combat Chagas disease in Ecuador. The course will provide participants with a solid background and skills to conduct interdisciplinary research in an international setting, while improving their Spanish language skills. This will be achieved through onsite lectures on applied research methodology

OHIO - Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Summer program. This 10-day workshop gives participants first hand exposure to the splendor and biological diversity of one of the most sensitive ecological habitats in the world. Program participants will cruise the Galapagos Islands on a 16 passenger yacht. Successful completion of this program will earn 5 credits. Students will enroll in either: BIOS 4930 Topics in Zoology or BIOS 6820 Advanced Topics.

OHIO - Edinburgh: City and Environment
Summer program. Students will spend five weeks studying environmental history, urban ecology and sustainability planning in one of Europe's most progressive cities. Along with class instruction and lectures, field trips and guest speakers will introduce students to key concepts relating to forest and park management, social and environmental justice issues, urban provisioning and urban ecology as they relate to the distribution of urban amenities and disamenities.

OHIO - Hong Kong Baptist University Exchange Program
Semester/Academic year program. Students select from a wide variety of disciplines offering courses taught in English including: Biodiversity, Plant Physiology, Plant Propagation and Breeding, Ecology, Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology.

OHIO - Chubu University Exchange Program - Nagoya, Japan
Semester/Academic year program. This program at Chubu University offers courses in Japanese to students at all proficiency levels. Students also take field trips and excursions during their stay. Qualified extended-stay students who successfully complete one semester of full-time Japanese study in the fall may be eligible for internship opportunities and tutorial programs in Engineering, the Natural Sciences, and Humanities.

Sample STUDY ABROAD programs for Plant Biology through Affiliate Providers

API - San José, Costa Rica
Semester program. Students enroll in courses at the Universidad de Costa Rica and may take courses in subjects such as biology, Business, Spanish, Arts and Music.

CEA - French Riviera, France
Semester program. CEA in partnership with Skema Business School offers courses in environmental sciences, geology and geography. Students enroll in two science courses and 2-3 electives that interest them. Students can choose from Biological Oceanography, Meteorology, and Environmental Geology as well as courses in biology, physics and chemistry. Students can take electives in biology, chemistry and physics as well as a host of other disciplines.

CEA - Galway, Ireland
Semester program. Students enroll in courses at the National University of Ireland, Galway and have an opportunity to take courses in disciplines including anatomy, biochemistry, botany, earth and ocean sciences and physiology.

CIS - Bangkok, Thailand
Semester program. Mahidol University offers courses such as Regional Geography of Southeast Asia, Plant Biology, Environmental Issues: Past, Present and Future, Environmental Science, Southeast Asian Geography, Science, Technology and Environment and more. Interested students can set up an appointment with Kari Beall (kari@iepabroad.org) in the Walter International Education Center.

CIS - Queensland, Australia
Summer program. Students will enroll in the 3 credit course Australian Environmental Issues: Management and Sustainability. The goals of the course are to provide the student with an overview of the physical and social geography, the climate, and other key environmental factors facing plant, animal, and human life in Australia's tropical and subtropical coastal and forest areas, explain key ecological issues facing land animal populations and marine life on this part of the Australian coast, and show the ecological impact, past and present, of the demands of the modern economy, especially tourist activities. Interested students can set up an appointment with Kari Beall (Kari@iepabroad.org) in the Walter International Education Center.

CIS - San José, Costa Rica
Semester program. CIS in partnership with La Universidad de Veritas offers courses such as Environmental Impact and Social Development, Tropical Ecology, Land Vertebrates of Costa Rica, Tropical Marine Biology, Climate Change and Renewable Energies in Costa Rica and Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Development. Interested students can set up an appointment with Kari Beall (kari@iepabroad.org) in the Walter International Education Center.

GlobaLinks - Gold Coast, Australia
Summer program. AustraLearn in partnership with Bond University offers a course in Australian Environmental Issues. Students will enroll in Australian Environmental Issues: Management and Sustainability, which looks closely at the flora and fauna and special ecological issues presented by the spectacular coastal, marine, and rainforest parks of eastern Queensland. Students will take at least one excursion out to the Great Barrier Reef. Students should be competent swimmers.

IEP - Semester on the North Island, New Zealand
Semester program. Study at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand and specialize in any of the hottest fields of contemporary biology, from genetics to ecology. Courses include: New Zealand Flora and Fauna, Plants and Algae: Function and Diversity, Biodiversity, Molecular Bioscience, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Marine Biology and Microbiology.

Foreign Language Programs
OHIO-Spanish Language and Culture in Merida, Mexico
OHIO-Chinese Language and Culture in Beijing, China
OHIO-Italian in Florence, Italy
OHIO-Chubu University - Nagoya, Japan
OHIO_Musashi University Exchange Program - Tokyo, Japan

API-Spanish Language Program in Madrid
CIEE-Arabic Language and Culture in Rabat, Morocco
USAC-French Language Studies in Pau, France
USAC-Japanese Language Studies in Hiroshima, Japan
USAC-Arabic, Russian, or Swahili Language in Accra, Ghana

Additional opportunities available! Click here to view more program options & come to walk-in advising, Mon-Fri, 1-4 PM.

Transfer credit may be earned on approved Non-OHIO & exchange programs. Students participating in these programs should complete a Foreign Study Checklist (available at the Office of Education Abroad) to seek approval prior to departure. Students wishing to utilize financial aid and scholarships, click here. OHIO scholarships may not apply to all programs listed on this page. Students should research the country where they plan to study at www.travel.state.gov. Students traveling to a country with a state department warning will be required to sign a waiver (available in Walter International Education Center) before departure.

Work, Volunteer, Intern suggestions for Plant Biology

IEP (Full-time on-campus advisor available at the Office of Education Abroad)
Internship opportunities are available in New Zealand, Australia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Ireland, Spain, and Italy. IEP internships are tailored to each individual student's needs and interests and can last anywhere from one month to a full semester.

For an extensive list of opportunities to work, volunteer, or intern abroad please click here.

Students should consult their academic department regarding earning credit for internships. Students will not receive transfer credit for internship programs UNLESS the internship is required of a student’s major and the student receives approval for the internship. Students should register with the Office of Education Abroad before traveling overseas.

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