Passports for Pokes!

How You Can Help OSU Students!

Approximately 45% of Americans own a passport, yet fewer than 10% of college students study abroad each year. With passport processing times taking up to two months, having a valid passport can be the deciding factor in whether a student is able to participate in a study abroad program.

The OSU Center for Global Learning (Study Abroad) is seeking your support to fully reimburse students for the cost of their first passport. Our goal is to fund 30 or more OSU students each year, helping them take the first step toward studying abroad and opening doors to future international travel opportunities after graduation.

For those of you who have been fortunate to study abroad, I'm sure you will agree that there is nothing quite like the sights, sounds, smells, and conversations of a foreign land to help round out an education. It’s the kind of hands-on learning that is impossible to absorb through books, videos, or even computers.  As author Mark Patterson wrote, “The best education you will ever get is traveling. Nothing teaches you more than exploring the world and accumulating experiences”. 

Why is Having a Passport Critical?

1. Required for Study Abroad Programs

A valid passport is mandatory to participate in any study abroad program. Many programs require students to submit passport information months in advance, so delays in obtaining one can prevent participation. Since processing times can take 8–10 weeks or longer, not having a passport early can be a barrier to last-minute opportunities.

2. Enables Global Learning and Travel

Travel is a major part of personal and professional growth. Having a passport allows students to explore new cultures, practice language skills, and gain experiences that make them more adaptable and culturally aware. It gives students the freedom to seize spontaneous travel opportunities, like service trips, conferences, or faculty-led programs.

3. Boosts Career Readiness

Many careers — especially in business, engineering, healthcare, hospitality, and government — involve international work or travel. Employers value candidates who have global experience, and having a passport signals readiness for international internships or job assignments. Even after graduation, a passport is essential for attending international interviews or conferences.

4. Reduces Last-Minute Stress

Without a passport, students may miss out on scholarships or programs that come up unexpectedly. Having one ahead of time eliminates the stress of scrambling during tight deadlines or dealing with expedited processing fees.

Who We Are and What We Do?

The Center for Global Learning is OSU students’ one-stop shop for exploring the hundreds of opportunities available to study abroad, intern abroad, or participate in a domestic exchange. With programs designed for every major and interest, our long-term goal is to send 3,000 students abroad each year.

Many of our programs are surprisingly affordable—some even cost less than a semester in Stillwater. However, students and their families often face additional expenses, such as airfare, passports, and international health insurance, which can make studying abroad feel out of reach.

Through scholarships and grants like the Gerry Auel Passport Grant, we work to partially or fully cover these costs, ensuring that study abroad is accessible to any OSU student who wants to experience life in another country. With the support of generous donors like you, students gain life-changing experiences, build global networks, and enhance their career opportunities through international learning and internships.

We appreciate your consideration! 

Go Pokes! Go Abroad!

Gifts to this project through the OSU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, are tax deductible as allowed by law.  If you have questions about your gift, please contact the OSU Foundation at 800.622.4678.