Obtaining a passport has helped many students fulfill dreams to travel abroad and become global leaders. Lauren Laws is one such student, who applied for a passport scholarship in the hopes of pursuing a European-focused program. Lauren shared that “during my senior year, Fisher created a London-based marketing program that offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go behind the scenes of the marketing industry on a different continent. The opportunity led me to apply for the passport scholarship.” Furthermore, she explains that, “getting a passport meant I could make the most of OSU’s programs and join a global Fisher trip with my classmates to be immersed in a cultural journey that guaranteed memories to last a lifetime.” 

Cailey O’Connell is another student who benefited from a passport, " I have received great freedom and independence with my passport and I always have a valid ID to explore and travel to new cultures and places. I am extremely thankful for my passport and it has been an amazing asset.” Cailey’s dream is to study abroad, and she fulfilled her dream thanks to generous donors. Cailey shared, “I am so happy to be fulfilling one of my goals in life. Thank you so much for your help and I am so thankful for my award.”

Lastly, student Erin Kelley shared the importance of studying abroad, “Not only does (study abroad) grant me access to enter countries around the world, it grants me access to new experiences, knowledge, and memories. Traveling has taught me things that cannot be taught within the classroom, so I am extremely fortunate to have a passport that allows me to have these opportunities. The Fisher Global Grant eased my financial stress significantly and allowed me to embark on new experiences that I would have never thought were possible.”

   Cailey in France.

When the Office of Global Business (OGB) meets with groups of students during classroom visits or university events, we will often start the conversation with “Please raise your hand if you are interested in going abroad during your time at Ohio State.” Within moments, the room is full of students with hands raised high above their heads. Throughout the year, OGB works diligently to inform students of the many global programs available and inspire them to participate by sharing the personal and professional benefits that come with having a global experience. However, even the most informed and inspired student must be empowered, and student empowerment is the true super-power donors have at the Fisher College of Business.

Financial empowerment is often the missing element for students who hope to have a global internship, join a faculty-led trip or study at a university abroad. Obtaining a passport is often the first step in overcoming that financial barrier which keeps students from having their own global experience during their time at Ohio State. There is something special that happens when students get their first passport, and we often see it in how they talk about what a global experience would mean for them. Some students feel a wave of independence and excitement at the potential to navigate different cultures and languages far from home. For other students, obtaining a passport is an opportunity to be the first in their family to leave the country and explore what life is like outside of their own borders.

Having a passport can even completely change the career trajectory of an aspiring traveler. One of the team members in the Office of Global Business, Dominic DiCamillo, was one such student. Dominic recently shared how having a passport has impacted his life, which you can watch in the video below.