International Studies and Languages, School of

College of Arts and Sciences
Yamada International House
Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701
www.ohio.edu/cas/international-studies-languages

Haley Duschinski, Director of the School of International Studies and Languages and the Center for International Studies
David Bell, Chair of the Department of Linguistics
Gerry Krzic, Director of the Ohio Program of Intensive English
Bärbel Such, Chair of the Department of Modern Languages

Mission

The OHIO School of International Studies and Languages advances global understanding through education, research, and engagement. The School prepares individuals and communities to navigate an interconnected world by fostering cultural awareness, multilingual proficiency, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through these efforts, the School develops innovative solutions to global challenges and strengthens connections between local and global communities.

Vision

The OHIO School of International Studies and Languages serves as a transformative hub, integrating international studies and language programs into one cohesive unit. By combining OHIO’s historic strengths in area studies, international education, and languages, the School operates as a convener—bridging Southeast Ohio and the world through local and global research, capacity building, and community engagement.

The School is committed to advancing excellence in teaching, research and engagement. We expand experiential opportunities at home and abroad, coordinate interdisciplinary collaborations to drive innovation, and actively engage with community and global partners to address critical challenges. These efforts elevate Ohio University’s profile as a leader in international education and innovation, for the benefit of the region, the state and the nation.

In alignment with OHIO’s Dynamic Strategy, the School pursues this vision through the following strategy:

Inspiring Global Leadership and Innovation
The School aspires to become a beacon of excellence in international education, preparing students to lead with confidence in a rapidly globalizing world. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking and innovation, we aim to equip students with the tools necessary to navigate complex global systems and address the pressing challenges of our time. Our vision is to cultivate globally minded leaders who contribute meaningful solutions across borders and disciplines, inspiring progress and change in their communities and beyond.

Advancing Intercultural Understanding and Collaboration
At the heart of our vision lies a commitment to bridging cultural differences and fostering a spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect. Through immersive learning, multilingual proficiency, and interdisciplinary research, we strive to create opportunities for transformative engagement with diverse cultures and perspectives. By connecting Southeast Ohio to the world and bringing global perspectives to our campus, we aim to serve as a hub for intercultural dialogue and collaboration, enriching the academic and personal lives of our students, faculty, and community.

Driving Impact Through Partnerships and Innovation

The School leads groundbreaking initiatives in research, education and community engagement, becoming a trusted partner to local and global stakeholders. By securing strategic partnerships, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and expanding experiential learning opportunities, we seek to position the School as a driving force in shaping solutions to global challenges. This vision includes strengthening Ohio University’s reputation as a leader in international education while contributing to a more just, equitable, and interconnected world.

Programs

Majors

Linguistics (BA) – Department of Linguistics
French (BA) – Department of Modern Languages
International Studies – War and Peace (BA) – Center for International Studies
International Studies (BA) – Center for International Studies
Spanish (BA) – Department of Modern Languages

Minors

French – Department of Modern Languages
German – Department of Modern Languages
Japanese – Department of Linguistics
Linguistics – Department of Linguistics
Spanish – Department of Modern Languages

Certificates

African Culture Through Music and Dance – Center for International Studies
African Studies – Center for International Studies
Asian Studies – Center for International Studies
Diversity Studies – Center for International Studies
East Asian Studies – Center for International Studies
European Studies – Center for International Studies
Forensics Studies – Department of Linguistics
Global Leadership – Center for International Studies
German Studies – Department of Modern Languages
Italian Studies – Department of Modern Languages
Latin American Studies – Center for International Studies
Language and Technology – Department of Linguistics
Southeast Asian Studies – Center for International Studies
War and Peace Studies – Center for International Studies

Curricular Modules

In addition to full majors, minors, and certificates, the School of International Studies and Languages offers specialized curricular modules designed to prepare students for global careers in language education and technology.

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Module
Offered by the Department of Linguistics, this five-course (12 credit) module is open to students from any major who are interested in teaching English abroad. The TEFL module provides theoretical and practical training in English language instruction, preparing students for work in international schools, language institutes, volunteer programs, and more.
Technology-Enhanced Language Teaching (TELT) Module
Also housed in the Department of Linguistics, this four-course module focuses on the use of digital technologies in language learning and instruction. It is designed for students planning to work as teachers, curriculum developers, or administrators in the language education field, as well as for those pursuing graduate study in linguistics, education, or instructional design.

The Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) provides intensive English language instruction to prepare students for academic success in English-speaking environments.

Languages

Language study is a cornerstone of global citizenship and professional readiness. Students at SISAL gain more than just linguistic skills—they develop deep cultural understanding, the ability to communicate across borders, and the tools to thrive in a multilingual, multicultural workforce. Language learning supports careers in diplomacy, global health, international business, education, media, and more.

SISAL offers language instruction through its four academic units:

Akan: Spoken in Ghana and parts of Côte d’Ivoire, Akan is important for students interested in West African societies, cultures, and development. — Center for International Studies
Arabic: A critical language across the Middle East and North Africa, Arabic is vital for careers in international diplomacy, security, and humanitarian work. — Department of Linguistics
Chinese: As one of the most spoken languages globally, Chinese is key to understanding East Asian cultures and navigating global markets. — Department of Linguistics
English: Through OPIE, international students strengthen academic English proficiency for success in U.S. higher education. — Ohio Program of Intensive English
French: An official language on five continents, French opens pathways in diplomacy, development, international law, and the arts. — Department of Modern Languages
German: Widely spoken in Europe and central to the EU, German is valuable for business, engineering, science, and history. — Department of Modern Languages
Hindi: As one of India’s primary languages, Hindi is important for students studying South Asia, migration, or development. — Center for International Studies
Indonesian: Spoken across Indonesia and parts of Southeast Asia, this language is useful for regional studies, biodiversity, and sustainable development. — Center for International Studies
Italian: Italian offers rich insight into Europe’s cultural heritage and creative industries including art, fashion, and food. — Department of Modern Languages
Japanese: Japan’s economic influence and cultural impact make Japanese an important language for business, media, and policy. — Department of Linguistics
Malay: Spoken in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, Malay supports study of Southeast Asia and international environmental work. — Center for International Studies
Spanish: One of the most spoken languages worldwide and across the U.S., Spanish is vital for community engagement and global professions. — Department of Modern Languages
Swahili: A major language of East Africa, Swahili is used in diplomacy, development, and global health work. — Department of Linguistics
Thai: With its unique script and cultural depth, Thai supports work in Southeast Asian politics, education, and development. — Center for International Studies
Wolof: Common in Senegal and The Gambia, Wolof is important for careers engaging with West African cultures and societies. — Center for International Studies

Part-Time English Program with OPIE: The University Success Pathway Program is for undergraduate students admitted to Ohio University who wish to take their first academic classes while completing their English-language studies. Coursework is part-time OPIE English courses and part-time academic courses.

Full-Time English-Only Program with OPIE: This program is for students who are not yet ready to take academic courses. The full-time program is a 15-week, semester-long program. Four-week sessions—intended for groups of students or students who want to study English during vacation—also are available.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes with the Department of Linguistics: These low-cost, high-quality classes are open to the public and provide a welcoming learning environment for non-native adult English speakers in the region. These community ESL classes are an important part of OHIO’s global engagement and reflect SISAL’s commitment to multilingual education and inclusive learning.

International Internships and Experiential Learning

SISAL provides immersive, career-building opportunities through international internships, faculty-led study abroad programs, and student exchange agreements. These experiences help students apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while building critical global skills and professional networks.

International Internships

OHIO Conservation Internship at Sabah National Parks (Malaysia): Students support biodiversity conservation and ecotourism in Borneo’s forest and marine ecosystems.
Trancy Corporate Experience Program (T-CEP) (Japan): Students selected for the program get on-site work experience in a global logistics company. Interns are given free accommodations and a small stipend and pay for the airfare out of pocket.
Geneva, Switzerland: Internships with international organizations such as UN agencies and NGOs in law, human rights, and diplomacy.
South Africa, West Africa, East Africa: Internships in education, health, environmental justice, and community development, often linked with local organizations and research.
Tsunami Relief Project (Japan): A unique internship coordinated by the Department of Linguistics supporting post-disaster recovery and cultural preservation in northeastern Japan.

All internships include mentoring, reflective learning, and access to competitive funding support.

Study Abroad

SISAL faculty lead interdisciplinary programs that immerse students in global learning. Current opportunities include:

Ghana – Diasporic Studies: Pop Culture, Public History, and Beyond
Italy – Food in Sicily
Northern Ireland – Human Rights, Law, and Justice
South Africa – Climate Change, Conservation, and Environmental Justice
South Africa – Law, Justice, and Transition to Democracy
Thailand – Culture and Communication

These programs combine coursework with site visits, language immersion, and community engagement.

Student Exchanges

Students may spend a summer, semester or year abroad at one of OHIO’s partner institutions:

Ecuador – PUCE University (Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador), Quito
Japan – Musashi University, Tokyo
Japan – Chubu University, Aichi

These exchanges offer academic credit, immersive cultural experience, and global networking.

Career Preparation

Experiential learning is central to SISAL’s mission. Through internships, study abroad, and international partnerships, students graduate with:

Cross-cultural communication and leadership
Global problem-solving experience
Language and intercultural fluency
Professional readiness for international careers in diplomacy, development, business, law, education, journalism, and more

Global Workforce Readiness through International Education

The School of International Studies and Languages prepares students to lead in an interconnected world by equipping them with the skills, experiences, and perspectives essential for global careers. Through interdisciplinary coursework, multilingual proficiency, and cross-cultural literacy, SISAL students develop the intellectual agility and cultural intelligence that employers across industries demand. From diplomacy and development to journalism, business, law, and education, SISAL graduates are equipped to thrive in complex international environments and contribute to solving real-world challenges.

Experiential Learning with Global Impact

Career preparation is embedded throughout the SISAL curriculum, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Students engage in structured, credit-bearing internships with international NGOs, UN agencies, environmental organizations, and grassroots initiatives across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Faculty-led study abroad programs provide immersive training in fields such as human rights, climate justice, education, and sustainable development. Exchanges with partner universities offer additional opportunities for students to build professional networks and experience international academic systems firsthand.

From Southeast Ohio to the World

SISAL’s commitment to career-connected learning ensures that students graduate with practical skills in global collaboration, ethical leadership, and community engagement. These experiences help students build résumés that stand out to employers and graduate schools, while also developing the mindset and mission of globally minded professionals. Whether they are designing multilingual education tools, conducting research with global health partners, or teaching in cross-cultural classrooms, SISAL students leave OHIO prepared to lead with impact—locally, nationally, and internationally.

Ohio Valley International Council

The Ohio Valley International Council (OVIC), formed in the 1980s, focuses on connecting local students in Southeast Ohio with people from around the world. The outreach arm of the Center for International Studies, OVIC promotes cultural and global sensitivity and challenges stereotypes by offering cultural presentations in K-12 classrooms and other professional settings. A typical OVIC visit consists f a team of two or three students called “Cultural Consultants” who visit a school or business to give age appropriate, fun and interactive presentations that generally cover culture, geography, language and other areas.

Student Organizations

SISAL students bring global learning to life outside the classroom through a vibrant network of student organizations. These clubs offer fun, friendship, leadership, and professional development—all while celebrating world cultures and languages. Whether you’re looking to build language skills, explore translation as a career path, or just enjoy international snacks and conversation, there’s a community for you.

Translation Club

Open to students of all majors, the Translation Club explores the power of language in global communication. Members collaborate on real-world translation and interpretation projects, discuss careers in literary and professional translation, and participate in cultural exchange events. The club hosts translation challenges, film nights, and interactive workshops—making it both intellectually engaging and a lot of fun. It’s a great way to deepen your language learning while connecting with others passionate about bridging cultures through words.

Language Clubs

The School of International Studies and Languages also supports language-specific clubs, where students can practice their skills in informal settings and engage with the music, food, film, and traditions of different world regions:

French Club: Offers weekly meetups to practice French conversation, cook French recipes, and celebrate Francophone cultures through games, films, and special events.
German Club: Hosts lively events like Stammtisch (German conversation tables), holiday celebrations, and German movie nights—all open to learners at any level.
Italian Club: Brings students together over food, art, and language, from pasta-making nights to discussions of Italian cinema and pop culture.
Spanish Club: Creates a warm, inclusive space to practice Spanish, explore Latin American and Iberian cultures, and engage with local Spanish-speaking communities through service and outreach.
Thai Students Association

These clubs are a welcoming way to build friendships, deepen language proficiency, and have fun while expanding your global horizons.

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