Bobcats Abroad: International Pre-Departure Orientation

Bobcats Abroad provides essential information to help travelers prepare for their upcoming international travel. The orientation is not location specific but covers important topics that apply to all travelers, regardless of destination or program length, including:

  • Health and safety considerations
  • Risk awareness and emergency preparedness
  • General travel tips and resources

In addition to covering health and safety, Bobcats Abroad also offers several optional, bonus modules to help prepare for takeoff! These include topics such as applying for a passport, finding flights, packing, and more.

Note: Travelers will also participate in one or more site-specific orientation sessions led by the program director or program provider.

Looking for information about domestic, US-based travel? Please review our Bobcats Away page.

Who is required to complete Bobcats Abroad?

Bobcats Abroad is required for all students participating in a for-credit international study abroad experience. This includes:

Students participating in non-credit or independent study abroad experiences are also welcome to complete the orientation. The online modules are designed to support program preparation by building awareness of health, safety, and personal responsibility and by connecting students to helpful tools and resources available before and during the experience.

How do I complete this requirement?

Bobcats Abroad is completed online through WorldKind Academy, an award-winning traveler training platform. The course is interactive and divided into four short, self-paced modules taking approximately two hours to complete.

  • Introduction: Get an overview of WorldKind Academy, travel advisories, STEP registration, and resources to learn more about your host country.
  • Insurance – Understanding Ohio University’s Policy: Learn what insurance coverage is provided by Ohio University and explore options for additional coverage if needed.
  • Travel Health PRO: Prepare for health-related concerns abroad, including emergency planning, allergies, dietary needs, healthcare packing, and overall well-being.
  • Safety & Security PRO: Explore real-world safety and security scenarios abroad and learn practical tips to help you stay informed and prepared.

After completing the required modules, you will earn a Travel Health & Safety Certificate.

Access Bobcats Abroad

What to expect:

  • Travel Confidently: Practice real-world scenarios—even if this is your first time traveling
  • Get Organized: Downloadable and customizable travel planning templates
  • Keep Track: Automated, personalized travel to-do lists
  • Be Prepared and Safe: Build your emergency and resource information
  • Travel Rewards and Discounts upon completing individual modules

Questions?

If you have additional questions about your upcoming travel:

Attend OGO Drop-In Advising Email Global.Opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

I have traveled extensively prior to this program - why do I have to attend a general pre-departure orientation session?

As an Ohio University student, our office has a certain level of responsibility (called duty of care) to prepare you for your upcoming travels. Participating on a global experience like studying abroad is different from family vacations, leisure travels with friends, or other types of travel you may have experienced. 

Because global conditions and university protocols are updated every year, completing your pre-departure orientation ensures you have the most current information and access to essential resources like International SOS and International Emergency Health Insurance.

Even if you are an experienced traveler, every program is different. While some material may feel familiar, these sessions often reveal new insights or reminders that are important for your experience. 

I have previously completed the Bobcats Abroad or Bobcats Away requirement for another program - do I have to attend again?

Your orientation (Bobcats Abroad or Away) is valid for one calendar year from the date you completed it and must be valid by the start date of your experience.

  • Same Program Type: If your new program start date is within one year of your last orientation, you are exempt. OGO will update your portal automatically.
  • Expired (1+ Year): If your last orientation was completed more than one year prior to your program start date, you must attend again.
  • Switching Types: If you are moving from a domestic program (Away) to an international one (Abroad)—or vice versa—you must complete the new orientation regardless of when you last attended.
If you previously completed...And your new experience is....Do you need to retake?
Bobcats Abroad (international)InternationalOnly if your new program begins more than a year after you previously completed the requirement. 
Bobcats Abroad (international)DomesticYes! This is considered a new type of experience.
Bobcats Away (domestic)DomesticOnly if your new program begins more than a year after you previously completed the requirement. 
Bobcats Away (domestic)InternationalYes! This is considered a new type of experience.
I completed the requirement - why is the OGO Student Portal not letting me submit for confirmation?

Completion status is updated manually by our team. Please allow 1–3 business days after finishing your modules for your portal record to reflect the update.

If your OGO Portal isn't updated after three business days, contact OGORiskManagement@ohio.edu for assistance.  

I am not receiving academic credit while abroad (i.e., interning with no associated academic credit, researching, volunteering, attending a conference, etc...) - do I need to attend Bobcats Abroad or Away?

Students not participating on a study abroad or study away program for academic credit are not required to attend the pre-departure orientation sessions, but are encouraged to do so. 

If you have completed or are intending to complete Travel Registration in the OGO Student Portal to register your travel with our office, you fall into this category. If you have not completed Travel Registration for your experience, you can do so now in the OGO Student Portal. 

I went through all the Bobcats Abroad modules, and they are still marked as incomplete.  What do I need to do to complete the modules?  

To receive credit for Bobcats Abroad, you must meaningfully engage with all content in the Worldkind Academy required modules. This includes expanding all “+” sections, watching videos, and passing the assessment questions. Quick "click-throughs" will not trigger a completion.

Tracking Your Progress

  • In Worldkind Academy: A checkmark will appear once you have finished all requirements in a module. Once fully complete, you will receive your "Traveler's Certificate".
  • In the OGO Portal: Completion status is updated manually by our team. Please allow 1–3 business days after finishing your modules for your portal record to reflect the update.

If are having issues with a module missing a checkmark, despite completing the module, or if your OGO Portal isn't updated after three business days after you've claimed your Traveler's Certificate, contact OGORiskManagement@ohio.edu for assistance.  

I enrolled in WorldKind Academy to complete Bobcats Abroad, but didn’t receive a verification email. What’s next? 

A verification email should be sent to your ohio.edu inbox after completing registration. In some cases, delivery may take a few minutes.  If the email does not appear in your ohio.edu inbox, be sure to check spam, clutter and junk folders.  

If the verification email still cannot be found, please contact OGORiskManagement@ohio.edu for assistance. Include the email address used to register, the name entered during registration (if different from the ohio.edu student account), and approximate registration date.  The Risk Management Office will respond within 1-2 business days, after investigating the issue.