Study Abroad with Ohio Dominican
Ohio Dominican offers a wide variety of options for study abroad, from weeklong activities during spring break to semester-long courses. The benefits of such travel are numerous: students perfect foreign language usage, gain insights into non-American cultures, gain independence, and even develop professional skills. Over the past few years, Ohio Dominican students have studied in Australia, England, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, and Japan.
Want to learn more about Study Abroad? Then see our Study Abroad 101 page and see if you think Study Abroad is right for you!
A reflection on study abroad from ODU alumnus Tim Klatte, Class of 1995...
I was first attracted to the opportunity to study in China by the rich history of the country. As a history major before going, I knew very few places in the world that could have connected me to so many years of culture, people and customs. I chose the program to Kaifeng, not only because it was the only one to China available to ODU students at the time, but also it met all of my personal and academic needs. Before I knew it, I along with five other classmates signed up and started the adventure that brought me where I am today. The program was arranged by the university’s international office and offered a short trip for those wanted to experience China as a tourist and a long trip for those interested in taking a “deep dive” into the country’s beauty. Being part of both groups, I was able to see some of the historical landmarks, such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Yuyuan Garden, etc…, while at the same time, I stayed long-term to become part of a local town and enhance my language skills with daily application. It was something that I treasure to this day.
This was my first international travel, other than getaways to Canada and to be honest; it was an ambitious move. I found great encouragement from my friends and family especially valuable and knowing me as a person, everyone agreed this was a good journey for me to take. Exploring a new culture, especially one completely different from western countries, was exhilarating to say the least. Every time I left my dorm, I learned something either by overhearing a conversation between locals or observing how things were done and taught in the university. It was a true adventure and in many cases, words could not describe how I felt. Coming back to the U.S. after nearly three months in central China was a separate challenge in itself. The world as I saw it was changed and I no longer looked at life through the “Ohio” lens. I felt encouraged by my experience and more importantly, hungry to learn more. It was like I learned so much in so little time that I felt in order to continue this self-determination, I needed more language, more travel and more opportunities – which is why I immediately changed my major to International Business, took a job in Tokyo after graduation to stay in the region, and aggressively continued my Chinese language studies.
If I could do it all over again, I would not change a thing. To be honest, taking advantage of a school-sponsored study abroad program is an experience of a lifetime that is lost upon graduation. At that stage of my life, being able to see different cultures and customs with my own eyes was something others only talk about but I was able to live it. I encourage everyone to consider a program sponsored by ODU in the coming months. More than 10 years later, I still maintain close contact with some of my Chinese friends, as well as some of the other classmates who also participated – we always have this memory to share. My approach was that at the end of the day, the financing will get worked out (and it did with great ease) but the memories and experiences superseded everything else – I have no regrets. It was a trip that opened the doors for so much in my life – academically, personally and now professionally. Best of luck in all your endeavors!
Melissa Ochal,
Director
International Office ~
Erskine Hall 143
Ohio Dominican University
1216 Sunbury RD
Columbus, OH 43219
(614) 251-4646
studyabroad@ohiodominican.edu
