Center for International Studies

Yamada International House
Phone: 740.593.1840
Fax: 740.593.1837
international.studies@ohio.edu
http://www.ohio.edu/internationalstudies

Daniel Weiner, Executive Director

Laura Schaeffer, Director of Outreach and Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies

Ohio University established the Center for International Studies in 1964 to provide students and citizens of the United States and other countries with opportunities to obtain knowledge about the peoples and cultures of the world, particularly Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and about related international concerns. This endeavor is founded on the broad belief that an appreciation of different values and institutions increases understanding between peoples, enriches the lives of individuals, better prepares people for work in a globalized environment, and assists people in forming opinions on issues that affect the global community.

The Center coordinates teaching, research, publication activities, and community outreach through programs related to three world regions—Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America—and comparative and international topics. These programs assist in the development of courses, the expansion of library materials, and the education of globally literate citizens. They support visiting lecturers, film series, seminars, and colloquia throughout the year. The African Studies Program has been designated a National Resource Center for African Studies by the U.S. Department of Education. More than 100 scholarly books relating to Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America have appeared in the Center’s monograph series.

At the undergraduate level, an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with concentrations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America is offered jointly by the Center and the College of Arts and Sciences. The Center also offers nonmajors a certificate in Asian, African, East Asian, European, Latin American, or Southeast Asian Studies. (See complete description under the College of Arts and Sciences.)

Community Outreach

The Center houses Ohio University’s international community outreach arm, the Ohio Valley International Council (OVIC). OVIC provides opportunities for international students, faculty, and staff, and former Peace Corps volunteers to interact with K-12 students, the regional campuses, and the community. OVIC houses a teacher resource center that supplies cultural artifacts and curriculum materials to area schools and community organizations. International students coming to Ohio University are encouraged to bring materials through which they can share their cultures.

Peace Corps

Another of the Center’s facilities is the Peace Corps Office, one of about 30 campus-based Peace Corps recruitment offices nationwide. Ohio University counts many returned Peace Corps volunteers among its faculty, staff, and student body.

International Cooperation

Ohio University maintains a proud tradition of international cooperation through its numerous and diverse relationships.

Special international educational programs exist with scores of institutions across five continents. An ever-increasing number of Ohio University faculty members have studied and taught abroad, and offer courses with an international focus. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and more than 1,100 students from approximately 100 countries contribute to the rich international culture of Ohio University.

Alden Library offers some of the best resources in the state, related to international themes and issues. The library’s materials include Ohio’s largest collection on Africa, one of the best collections on Southeast Asia in the world, and a Latin American collection that has especially strong Central American holdings. Ohio University is the official depository for government documents from Botswana, Guatemala, Malaysia, and Swaziland. International periodicals, films, videos, and other media also are available readily from the library’s extensive holdings.

Education Abroad

For information about education abroad opportunities, refer to Office of Education Abroad in the Academic Opportunities - Universitywide section.