Study abroad programs expand global opportunities for Ohio University regional campus students

Experiential learning and study abroad opportunities are rapidly expanding across Ohio University’s five regional campuses, providing students with increased access to global learning experiences that connect academic study with real-world application.

Through a growing portfolio of programs supported by Go Global at Ohio University, regional campus students are engaging in immersive international and community-based experiences that enhance cultural awareness, professional readiness and global perspective.

Interest in these opportunities has increased substantially in recent years, driven by expanded program variety, sponsorship support and a university-wide emphasis on moving learning beyond the classroom and into a global marketplace.

“Experiential learning has become a powerful pathway for our regional campus students,” said Dr. Lewatis McNeal, vice provost of regional higher education. “These opportunities are opening doors for students to gain hands-on experience, build confidence and see how their academic work translates into the world beyond campus.”

Global learning across disciplines

Recent experiential learning programs reflect the breadth of academic disciplines engaging in international and community-embedded education.

In 2025, social work students participated in a Costa Rica Social Work study abroad program, where they examined social welfare systems, community health initiatives, sustainability efforts and culturally responsive practice. Through direct engagement with local organizations and communities, students gained insight into how social services function within different cultural, economic and political contexts while deepening their understanding of global social justice.

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That same year, students from Ohio University’s regional campuses took part in an education-focused study abroad experience in Panama, where they explored teaching practices, educational systems and cultural contexts through immersive, hands-on learning. The program allowed students to observe classrooms, engage with educators and communities, and apply educational theory in a global setting.

Experiential learning momentum continued into winter break with Ohio University’s Storytelling in Education study away experience in the United Kingdom, which brought together 11 students from four regional campuses and the Athens campus. Students explored storytelling, children’s literature and teaching practices through academic and cultural experiences in London and Oxford, earning academic credit while building cultural awareness, professional confidence and skills they will carry into future classrooms and careers.

Looking ahead, interest is already building for the Paris–London study abroad program scheduled for Summer 2026. Designed for communication studies students, the two-week experience will take place July 20–August 2, 2026, with departure from the United States on July 19. More than 98 students have already expressed interest in the program, underscoring the growing demand for experiential, globally focused learning opportunities among regional campus students.

Program highlights include visits to historic landmarks, engagement with global organizations, hands-on cooking lessons, conversations with residents, alumni connections abroad and a meaningful service-learning project.

Learning through service and community engagement

Experiential learning is not limited to international travel. Students have also pursued immersive domestic opportunities such as the Alternate Spring Break program in 2025, an interdisciplinary, service-based experience rooted in community engagement.

The program focused on bridging the gap between students’ lives on campus and the richness of surrounding communities, allowing participants to apply academic knowledge while building meaningful relationships and contributing to local needs.

Cultural exchange comes home to campus

Experiential learning at Ohio University also brings global perspectives directly to regional campuses.

This spring, the Moradokmai Theatre Community and Homeschool will return to OHIO Lancaster for a second visit, bringing Thai performance arts, music and cultural storytelling to students and the broader community. Founded by “Kru Chang,” Mr. Janaprakal Chandruang, Moradokmai is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Thailand’s cultural legacy while empowering young artists through an innovative homeschool model.

The return visit provides an immersive educational experience that complements study abroad and classroom learning. Through live performances, demonstrations and interaction with visiting artists, students gain firsthand exposure to Thai culture and global artistic traditions—deepening cultural understanding, empathy and global awareness.

Faculty and administrators note that experiences like the Moradokmai visit help students connect global learning to local impact, reinforcing the relevance of international perspectives to careers and communities in the United States.

Expanding access creates new opportunities

As experiential learning opportunities continue to grow, they are also generating new academic pathways for regional campus students. One example is the expanded access to Thai language instruction that has emerged alongside increased student interest in global engagement.

Students across the regional campuses can now enroll in THAI 1110: Elementary Thai I, a four-credit course available through the regional campuses and eCampus. The course emphasizes listening, speaking, reading and writing skills while grounding language instruction in cultural understanding and cross-cultural communication.

For the past three years, Dr. Pamela Kaylor, professor of instruction in the School of Communication Studies, and Pittaya Paladroi-Shane (Fon), world languages coordinator and associate professor of instruction in Thai and world languages, have collaborated on experiential learning initiatives that link study abroad, language instruction and cultural exchange.

“Working together, Dr. Pamela Kaylor and Pittaya Paladroi-Shane have built a partnership grounded in trust, creativity and a shared passion for global learning,” McNeal said. “Their collaboration is one example of how experiential learning initiatives can lead to broader academic access and new opportunities for students.”

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One student already benefiting from expanded access to Thai language instruction is Brianna Colón, a nontraditional student enrolled through a regional campus. Colón is taking Thai coursework to deepen her professional development and cultural connections. A massage therapist, she has studied traditional Thai massage with masters in Thailand and views language learning as essential to building meaningful relationships and understanding cultural context.

“The online Thai language course has already been very insightful, informational, challenging and fun,” Colón said.

Colón’s experience highlights how expanded language access supports students with diverse goals and backgrounds, while complementing Ohio University’s broader commitment to experiential learning and global engagement.

Looking ahead

Together, these experiential learning and study abroad initiatives demonstrate Ohio University’s commitment to ensuring regional campus students have access to transformative learning experiences—whether abroad, on campus or within surrounding communities. As interest continues to rise, Ohio University is well positioned to expand global engagement opportunities that prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

To learn more about Go Global opportunities for OHIO students, faculty, staff and alumni visit ohio.edu/goglobal.