Crowdfunding campaign launched to support international education at Ohio University

Ohio University has launched a new crowdfunding campaign to support international education as it kicks off its 8^th annual International Education Week celebration. 

A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, International Education Week promotes and celebrates programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States. 

This year, Ohio University is celebrating International Education Week virtually by sharing stories of Global Interconnectedness and recognizing numerous faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members for their unique contributions to global understanding and cultural diversity.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global programs at Ohio University, making overseas travel for study abroad or experiential learning impossible, and increasing the challenges of international research. International students have faced numerous difficulties throughout the year, including financial hardships and myriad changes in immigration regulations. 

This summer, the Athens community rallied around the international student community with incomparable support and compassion. The International Student Emergency Relief Fund established by Ohio University, through a grant from the Athens County Foundation and in partnership with the International Student Task Force and the Athens community, provided critical resources to students in need. This fund paved the way to build meaningful and impactful partnerships with the Athens community, businesses, community organizations, and alumni worldwide. 

Ohio University remains committed to its vision to prepare students and encourage alumni to become global leaders. The new crowdfunding campaign will allow the university to help students become globally engaged as well as support the wellbeing of international students. A generous gift from the Athens County Foundation will provide matching funds. 

The crowdfunding campaign is in alignment with the presidential strategic priorities to increase alumni and corporate engagement and coordination. Ohio University aims to invigorate partnerships to foster and fortify the excellence of Ohio University’s global engagement and international education opportunities for current and future Bobcats. 

The Ohio University community is invited to celebrate and promote international education at Ohio University with a gift to one of the areas below:

• Help OHIO international students impacted by COVID-19 with a gift to the International Student Emergency Relief Fund
• Support global studies programs with a gift to the Center for International Studies, the academic hub of global education at OHIO
• Invest in a life-changing experience for a student by giving a gift to the Dr. Michael and Mrs. Marilyn Day Study Abroad Award

For more information about the crowdfunding campaign, please visit the website. 

For more information about International Education week and to explore stories of Global Interconnectedness, visit https://www.ohio.edu/iew.