Study Overseas

"The pioneering spirit that more than two centuries ago began to carve a new state out of the wilderness still thrives in Ohio. Pioneers in industry, flight, science and medicine established a tradition of excellence upon which Ohioans continue to build. In 2003, Ohio celebrated 200 years of statehood, and a rich history that includes such giants as Thomas Edison, holder of more than 1,000 patents during his lifetime; the Wright Brothers, pioneers in flight; Neil Armstrong and John Glenn, who used flight to explore space; and John Gilman and George Crile, whose pioneering use of x-rays and blood transfusions revolutionized medicine.”

George Voinovich, Former Governor

Ohio - The Heart of the United States

Bordered on the northern edge by Lake Erie and to the south by the Ohio River, Ohio encompasses rocky cliffs and sandy beaches, big city excitement and small town friendliness. For international students wishing to study abroad, Ohio is truly the heart of it all in the United States.

At the crossroads of innovation and excitement, Ohio offers a diverse assortment of educational and recreational opportunities in the heart of the United States. With over 100 colleges and universities, students are sure to find an educational setting to match their needs. From space-age research to the rugged beauty and adventure of the outdoors, students can also experience the unique character and charm of midwestern America.

As the nation's leader in business expansion and development, Ohio is home to numerous research-focused universities and institutions that provide cutting-edge information. For example, engineers at the NASA Lewis Research Center, New Cleveland are studying the effects of gravity on fluids and how to detect potentially damaging acceleration forces. During a free tour of this facility, visitors can learn more about current research, see a piece of the moon and examine a recreated microgravity drop chamber. Other institutions around the state focus on topics ranging from agricultural techniques to theater research. The United States Air Force Museum near Dayton displays the history of aeronautical technology. As the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world, the Museum chronicles the story of aviation development from the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk to the Space Age.

Over one and a half million visitors from around the world come to Ohio each year to tour this unique free attraction.

Protecting endangered species is the mission of the Wilds, North America's largest conservation facility. Through education programs, scientific studies and management techniques, scientists are trying to protect endangered species such as zebras, rhinos, giraffes, camels, Przewalski horses and various types of African antelope. Animals at The Wilds live in protected, large, open-range habitats on 10,000 acres of reclaimed surface-mined land.

Although a Raptor or Mantis may sound as if they belong at The Wilds, these two roller coasters actually reside along the shore of Lake Erie. Cedar Point Amusement Park, nicknamed "America's Rollercoast," is the world leader in roller coasters, with 17 record-breaking scream machines dominating the skyline. The park's most recent addition (2007) to its ride arsenal is Maverick, which travels at a speed of 70 mph over hills, s-curves, and horseshoe rolls.  The ride also features 95 degree (5 degrees past vertical) drop and a 400-foot tunnel.  The park's Soak City water park offers more than 18 acres of splashing fun with a gigantic wave pool, numerous water slides, an activity pool and an adult pool featuring a bar in the water.

Lake Erie is host to many attractions that 'rock and roll', including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland. This museum showcases the beginnings of rock and roll (a term coined in Cleveland), with exhibits featuring instruments, stage costumes and handwritten lyrics highlighting different periods and performers including Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Holly. The building itself makes a bold statement, with its 162-foot triangular metal and glass tower rising from the 65,000 square-foot entry plaza. Internationally renowned architect I.M. Pei designed the structure, and he is also known for the pyramidal addition to the Louvre Museum in Paris and the National Gallery of Art's East Building in Washington, DC. Cleveland is also home to the Flats entertainment district - once an industrial area, it has now been rejuvenated with restaurants, bars and nightclubs located on the riverfront. The University Circle area includes a large selection of museums including the Cleveland Museum of Art (one of the top museums in the country) and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

For a simpler and slower pace of life, Amish country offers a glimpse into another way of life. While the Amish shun electricity, cameras, and motor vehicles, a closer look reveals a way of life based on the foundations of faith and family, living peacefully amid the chaos of modern life. "The Amish" actually encompasses several different sects that first emerged during the Reformation in 1525. Believing strongly in the separation of church and state, these "simple folk" were often persecuted for their beliefs. Hundreds of Amish left Switzerland, Germany and France to move to North America. Today, northeastern Ohio is home to the largest Amish population in the world.

The Hocking Hills in the southeastern part of the state are one of the most unusual and beautiful natural areas in the Midwest. Dotted with caves and waterfalls, the Hocking Hills State Park is easily accessible by well-kept trails. Visitors can find inexpensive fun hiking miles of trails, canoeing the scenic rivers, or camping in the rugged wilderness. For more adventuresome souls, the area boasts enough rock to keep climbers and rappellers busy for days. Beginners can try their new skills on 20-foot climbs, while more advanced enthusiasts can scale 120-foot faces.

Ohio offers a snapshot of what the United States has to offer. With internationally recognized study programs and diverse opportunities for entertainment, students can find the right balance of work and play. Located in the heart of the United States, other major cities, including New York and Chicago, are within a day's drive. With the relative safety, lower cost of living, and variety of opportunities, Ohio is the perfect place for students to continue their education and expand their cultural boundaries.

For additional web-based information on Ohio's universities and colleges, culture and tourism, visit the following sites on the World Wide Web:
Higher Education: http://regents.ohio.gov/
Culture: http://www.oplin.org/main.php?Id=63&msg=
Tourism: www.ohiotourism.com