Ohio International Consortium

The Ohio International Consortium (OIC) provides find links to most of Ohio’s publicly supported institutions of higher education. Whether you wish to find the ideal study abroad program while benefiting from paying in-state tuition as an Ohio resident or you desire to learn more about the services offered to International students by our state campuses, this is the right place! 

University Study Abroad Consortium (USAC)

UC is a member of USAC, a consortium of universities with programs around the world where you can study for a summer, a semester or a year.

Contact IGSA for information.

International Student I.D.

The International Student Identity Card is endorsed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,often called the ISIC (that's "eye'zic"). It was initiated to give traveling students a document that would be readily accepted worldwide as proof of their student status. The card provides many benefits to holders, including some supplemental health and travel insurance, discounts for museums and attractions, and discount travel. We strongly recommend that all UC students planning to travel abroad have the card. It is available in the IGSA office. Bring a passport size photo and $22.

Student Responsibilities

Because our foremost concern is student safety while studying abroad, we want students to be informed of their rights and responsibilities. This document explains participant responsibilities and gives guidance for parents. Please read it carefully and ask us or the Program Faculty Director about any part that is not clear.

Travel Warnings

Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department decides, based on all elevant information to recommend that Americans avoid travel to certain country. Countries where avoidance of travel is recomended will have Travel Warnings as well as Consular Information Sheets. Click here for the Current Travel Warnings on Department of State's website.

U.S. Citizens On-Line Registration

Travel Registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency. Americans residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Students for Study Abroad Organization (SSA)

This is a new club for UC students that have either been abroad before and want to share their experiences with others, or for those that are interested in going abroad and want to hear more about it from other students.

It is a social group that wants to encourage all UC students to study abroad, and also help raise money for a scholarship fund. SSA has regular meetings and social events and works with IGSA to provide student support for Education Abroad.

For more information e-mail us at: ucssa@hotmail.com

National Geographic Traveler

The National Geographic Traveler has gone on campus, and have researched the study abroad options. They offer tips for students who plan to follow in the footsteps of previous study abroad students.

Glimpse Magazine

Glimpse Magazine, online and in print, features first-person, cultural-experience pieces written by correspondents living abroad. Glimpse takes its readers into hair salons in China, comedy clubs in South Africa and synagogues in Egypt. Readers will find themselves in the midst of passionate protesters in Ecuador, drunken revelers in Spain and stoic tram passengers in Czechoslovakia. With depth, breadth and intimacy, Glimpse articles offer insight into cultural, social and political affairs around the world.

Cincinnati Connections

University of Cincinnati is working hand to hand with local Cincinnati Organizations to bring more conscience of Internationalism to the tri-state area.

World Affairs Council of Greater Cincinnati is the Tri-state's window on the world to an understanding of contemporary international issues. The Council brings notable experts in international affairs and global issues to Cincinnati to meet with educators, students, business people and the community.

International Visitors Council of Greater Cincinnati has been linking Greater Cincinnati to the world for over 40 years. IVC serves as a valuable resource for the Greater Cincinnati area by: increasing Greater Cincinnati's presence in the international arena; fostering intercultural communication and understanding; establishing high level contacts for building collaborative business and trade relations; and facilitating the development of cooperative economic ventures and cultural exchanges.

Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce is the nation's sixth largest Chamber, representing the interests of more than 6,000 member businesses. The Chamber provides numerous services, including business retention and attraction, education and networking, benefit products to improve members' bottom line, solutions to members' workforce challenges, as well as legislative and regulatory advocacy to create and sustain a positive business climate for our community.

Useful Web Sites

http://www.uc.edu/global UC's Education Abroad Home Page

www.secussa.nafsa.org/safetyabroad Health and Safety Tips by NAFSA's Section on U.S. Students Abroad (SECUSSA)

www.iiepassport.org A new site containing up-to-date information on most US-sponsored study abroad programs. 

www.statravel.com STA Travel features special fares and hotel accommodations for students, plus information on benefits of the International Student I.D.

www.studentuniverse.com Student Universe features special fares and hotel accommodations for students. Comparable to STA Travel.

www.usc.edu/dept/overseas/links.html The most essential site for a variety of information – not only study abroad, but work abroad, internships, volunteer opportunities, etc.

http://www.istc.umn.edu/default.html  A searchable database of programs abroad, including "rock bottom cost" programs

www.studyabroad.com  Leading compendium of study abroad programs

www.studiesabroad.com  International study abroad programs, integrating the student into the foreign classroom

www.iie.org Institute of International Education site 

www.x-rates.com International Exchange Rates

www.hiayh.org Hostelling International.

www.travel.roughguides.com  travel guidebook information.

www.timeout.com Comprehensive city guides and entertainment listings.

Staying in Touch

Being in another country can be frustrating when it comes to staying in touch with family and friends. Here are a few tips.

• Investigate telephone cards, such as the MCI card which allows you to call from most countries. The cost is still very high at $1-$2 per minute. You can also buy phone cards on site; be sure that they can be used for international calls.

• Your cell phone will work only if you have the system used in the country you are located. The exception is AT&T in many parts of Mexico.

• Establish a Hotmail or other Internet account for easy retrieval of e-mail messages.

• Since it is less expensive to call from the U.S., have family and friends call you at predetermined times.

• You can usually receive mail within a week if family or friends use Global Express mail from the U.S. Post Office. However, remember you must be present to sign for the letter.

• Have a U.S. checking account with a debit card. If you need extra cash, ask your family deposit money into your account.

• If you have a medical emergency, your ISIC card entitles you to call the organization collect from anywhere in the world.