As The Ohio State University’s commitment to internationalization continues to spread around the world, it will become increasingly important for us to welcome international students, scholars and faculty with open arms. We already have more than 3,600 international students and 800 international scholars on campus at any given time, and we at the Office of International Affairs want to ensure their stay at Ohio State and in Central Ohio is a first-class experience.

The university also extends invitations to and hosts a number of international delegations that may include diplomats, presidents of universities abroad or faculty members. These international visitors come to Ohio State to forge partnerships with our university that can help enhance collaborative instruction, scholarship and research activities.

In order for Ohio State to build its international reputation, it would serve the university well to support an "International Center" – a place that would serve as a welcome center for our international visitors. The International Center could provide lodging, casual meeting space, a lounge area, and would be a place to call home during our international guests’ briefer stays on campus. Rather than a separate physical structure, one might think of the International Center as an organization providing an open platform of exchange between international visitors and Ohio State faculty, students, and staff. It could be the catalyst creating a more diverse and exciting campus climate of substantive international engagement.

There is also a great need for bringing back an earlier tradition where host families open their hearts and their homes for our international students. A surprising number of international students study at Ohio State for four years and never have an opportunity to visit an American home and spend time with a family. International students are fascinated with American life and want to experience it first-hand. Host families and international students learn from one another. They share history and cultures of their respective countries, explore their differences and find similarities. It is a very rewarding experience.

For these types of international exchanges to grow and prosper, Ohio State will work hard to ensure our international visitors are comfortable and feel right at home. Right from the start, they will experience that the Ohio State community is ready to welcome them.

Dieter Wanner
Interim Associate Provost
Office of International Affairs