Affiliated Provider Programs
What is an Affiliated Provider Program?
Affiliated Provider Programs are offered through any one of our affiliated third-party providers (companies) that specialize in study abroad programming. Students will earn transfer credit. Programs are available in many different locations across the world and tend to be at least a semester in length, however many do have shorter summer options. They also offer internships and volunteer experiences.
- Funding - During eligible terms, you are able to use your entire OHIO financial aid and scholarship package.
- NOTE: Most financial aid is NOT available for the summer. Some federal aid can be used/extended (ie. Pell Grants) and some OHIO specific scholarships or stipends may be used. You can also apply for study away scholarships.
- Credit - You will earn transfer credit. Transfer credit does not affect your GPA.
- Terms - Programs through affiliated providers are great for semester and year long options, as well as summer programs. They may also offer a "J-Term" or "Maymester" options, but these may not align with the OHIO academic calendar.
Who are our Affiliates?
- International Studies Abroad (ISA) by WorldStrides*
- The Education Abroad Network (TEAN) by WorldStrides*
- American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)
- Academic Programs International (API)
- Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA)
- Council on International educational Exchange (CIEE)
- CIS Abroad (CIS)
- Ohio International Consortium (OIC) - The OIC is a partnership with other public universities in OHIO, like Kent State University or Miami University. This partnership allows for OHIO students to attend study abroad programs offered by those institutions.
*Special note for ISA and TEAN:
WorldStrides has an advisor on campus in the OHIO Office of Global Opportunities to advise on the ISA and TEAN study abroad (semester and summer options!), internship, and service learning programs.
Why go on an Affiliated Provider Program?
There are many different reasons students choose to attend an Affiliated Provider Program, including:
- More location options! Affiliated providers offer thousands of options, many in locations not available through OHIO Credit or Exchange programs
- Ability to study abroad with a cohort of students from across the U.S., not just Ohio University. This includes traveling with friends/relatives who may attend a college in another state/location.
- Programs can offer multiple destinations to maximize global travels!
- Variety of courses. Participants can take a combination of courses that may fulfill different requirements on their DARS (i.e. you can take a business and language course together)
- Some options may be more affordable than a semester on campus.
How to go on an Affiliated Provider Program
When participating on an affiliate provider program, you will simultaneously be completing paperwork/processes for both Ohio University and your chosen provider.
To help navigate this process, we strongly encourage all students seeking to participate in a Non-OHIO Program to meet with an OGO advisor. The advisor can walk you through the general pre-approval process, sign off on your alternative budget worksheet, and provide guidance throughout the process.
General Timelines for each OGO Student Portal Stage
| Stage | Time to Complete | Summer 2024 | Fall 2024 | Winter/Spring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - Submit your Non-OHIO Program application in the OGO Student Portal. | 1-2 weeks | Mar 1 | Mar 1 | Oct 1 |
| 2 - Complete the Global Experiences Transfer Credit Approval Process process (Admissions/Academic/Budget & Financial Aid Approval tabs). | 1-2 weeks after step 1 is completed | Mar 1 | Mar 1 | Oct 1 |
| 2.3 - Budget and Financial Aid Approval Tab* | Apr 15* | Apr 15* | Oct 15 | |
| 3 - Finish your pre-departure tabs (including Bobcats Abroad Pre-Departure & International SOS MyTrips enrollment) | May 1* | May 15* | Nov 1 | |
| 4 - Onsite Verification of Enrollment | Upon Arrival | Upon Arrival | Upon Arrival |
*Due to delays in processing times for FASFA 2024-25, Stage 2.3 cannot be completed until after April 1. We encourage students to complete as much of the other stages as possible to ensure they stay on track to complete paperwork despite this delay.
Provider Timelines
Provider timelines and steps will vary depending on the provider and program. When possible, we encourage students to make it through Stages 1 & 2 in the OGO Student Portal prior to completing the provider application.
- Submit an application. Providers may require an application fee, a personal statement, a transcript copy, an interview, and/or letters of recommendation or reference information. These requirements may vary program to program.
- Accept and pay deposit. The program provider will review the application and notify students if they have been accepted to participate on the program. To confirm their spot, students will often need to pay a deposit to the company.
- It is important when making financial commitments to the vendor that you read any policies/rules that govern cancellation or withdraw - either by participant or the company.
- Prepare and GO! After accepting, providers may require post-acceptance steps too! This often times includes sharing a copy of travel details/passport information, and may include paperwork that needs signed off by an OGO Advisor.