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The Ohio State University: Where international students are welcome and supported

Md Mohsinur’s love for engineering was evident before he decided to advance his knowledge in the US. Prior to leaving Bangladesh, he had already completed an undergraduate degree in electrical and electronic engineering as well as a postgraduate degree in computer science and engineering. The theses within these qualifications sparked his interest to research the modelling of novel electronic materials and devices. 

Upon researching doctoral degrees in the US, he discovered The Ohio State University’s reputation for making cutting-edge discoveries around topics of such complexity. Furthermore, several of his seniors from back home had nothing but great things to say about the institution.

“Professor Roberto Myers had already supervised my BSc classmate, Sarwar, for his PhD. I talked to Sarwar and he encouraged me to join Professor Myers’s group for my PhD,” he explains. “Online, I began to realise the friendly nature and helpful environment of the group and the research community at large here at Ohio State. This inspired me to join and embark on my doctoral research journey with the electrical and computer engineering programme.”

When he finally arrived in Columbus, Md Mohsinur found out why international students love Ohio State so much. Orientation was a breeze thanks to several cheerfully helpful peers, who helped him navigate the registration process, university logins, smartphone configurations, and more. 

“After getting done with the formalities, I walked around campus to explore the natural beauty,” he reminisces. “There were so many nice places on campus to hang out and roam around! It was really an enjoyable day.”

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Ohio State is on a mission to achieve its goal of becoming a preeminent global university. Source: The Ohio State University

Today, Md Mohsinur is thriving as an excellent student and active member of the community. He is a proud member of the Bangladeshi Student Association and the Muslim Students’ Association. He is also a regular attendee of the International Friends Event, which has helped him gain a better understanding of cultural nuances and, of course, forge enduring friendships. 

Ideal stomping grounds for international students

Seamless transitions are available to all who choose Ohio State. The university works tirelessly to ensure every international student feels at home the second they arrive in the US. In fact, instilling a sense of warmth is a top priority they know will greatly fast-track its goal of becoming a preeminent global university. 

Little wonder why there are currently over 6,000 international students there now — each proud to be part of such a vibrant, connected community in a conveniently located urban campus. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is just a 15-minute drive from campus, placing students within a few hours of Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.

Accessibility at its finest

Joining the Ohio State family has never been easier thanks to an array of student funding schemes. Support is awarded to graduate students in the form of associateships, fellowships, or traineeships. In fact, around 55% of graduate students (primarily doctoral students) receive some form of funding. 

The Ohio State Office of International Affairs (OIA) provides scholarships and grants such as the International Affairs Grant, the Sonkin-Bergman-Wasserman Families’ Scholarship for International Understanding and Peace, the Phyllis Krumm Scholarship, the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad, the FLAS Fellowships, and the Mershon Centre Graduate Student Grants, amongst many others. Discover what each entails here.  

The College of Engineering boasts its own financial support opportunities as well. An offer of full funding entails a generous minimum monthly graduate stipend of US$2,364 ($28,368 for a 12-month appointment), tuition and fee waivers, as well as 85% of student health insurance. 

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Around 55% of graduate students (primarily doctoral students) at Ohio State receive some form of funding. Source: The Ohio State University

Unwavering support, successful graduates

At Ohio State, the theme of support prevails way beyond orientation — sometimes, even before it. Those who have yet to fully grasp the English language are welcome to opt for the university’s American Language Programme, a pre-admission intensive course for language and academic preparation. Post-admission, they could undergo the ESL Composition writing programme or the Spoken English Programme. Doors to the Writing Centre remain open as well for those in need of guidance for anything from dissertations or resumes.

When graduate students have mastered the art of communication while gaining comprehensive knowledge from their programmes of study, it isn’t long until they begin exploring their options for skill application. Thankfully, Ohio State is happy to assist in bringing professional aspirations to life. 

When necessary, international students can procure different types of employment depending on their visa status, such as on-campus employment, curricular practical training (CPT), optional practical training (OPT) and academic training. Of course, they are guided throughout the process of landing a role that best suits their interests and needs. 

Engineering Career Services (ECS) ensures their graduate enrollees are assisted in reviewing CVs, fine-tuning job search strategies, preparing for interviews, and making the most of networking opportunities — like the countless engineering-specific career fairs hosted on campus annually. They are welcome to as many individualised appointments with ECS advisors as they need. 

If this sounds like the environment you need to truly realise your potential, click here to apply to Ohio State today. To learn more about the College of Engineering — which US News and World Report ranks as the nation’s 30th bestclick here instead

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