University Consolidates Language and International Studies into Unified Academic Hub

SISAL Marks Major Step in Ohio University’s Dynamic Strategy for Global Engagement

Ohio University has achieved a significant milestone with the official opening of its new School of International Studies and Languages( SISAL). This significant initiative is aimed at strengthening the university’s commitment to international education, preparing its students for a global workforce and developing cross-cultural understanding.SISAL is a deliberate merger of four departments, including the Ohio Program of Intensive English, Linguistics, Modern Languages and International Studies. These four departments were previously distinct divisions within the College of Arts and Sciences focused on international relations. In this unit, students can explore different languages, learn about global issues and also participate in international learning opportunities.

University administration has characterised SISAL as a significant investment in international education that corresponds well with Ohio University's Dynamic Strategy to grow Experiential Learning and equip students for leadership in a globalised world. Haley Duschinski, founding director, said the new school is an indication of the University acknowledging international education as core to its future. She mentioned that SISAL would prepare students to move forward in a rapidly changing global world while solidifying Ohio University's position as a globally engaged institution. All programmes in SISAL are anticipated to preserve individual identity and contribute to a common vision of excellence in International Studies and global engagement.

The emphasis on workforce development by the school was highlighted at the SISAL Dinner, when President Lori Stewart Gonzalez unveiled a $50,000 investment by the President's Circle Fund. The funds will be used for the SISAL International Internship Programme, which will provide students from all faculties with hands-on experience with international organisations, alumni mentors, and community partners. The program is aimed at increasing global learning and internships through Ohio University, providing students with transformative experiences to implement their learning in work environments worldwide.

Additionally, SISAL increases cooperation and educational opportunities by combining Ohio University's language programs into a single organisational structure. The university provides a range of intensive English and modern language programs, some of which are not available at other public state universities. Consequently, Ohio University intends to fortify its International Research Partnerships through SISAL with such entities as Gawande College in India, University of Cape Coast in Ghana, and Chubu University in Japan. This will further facilitate the interaction of faculty and students, joint research, and educational activities.

In his SISAL Dinner keynote address, Dr Ariel Armony, who is currently the provost of Babson College and an OHIO alumnus, gave a brief account of his journey as an international student and how global education can be transformational. He said that the SISAL is an investment in creativity, empathy, and global fluency-all essential ingredients for successful leaders, according to him. The remarks stressed the need to furnish graduates not just with technical skills but with interdisciplinarity and a set of ethical underpinnings.

SISAL is thus well-positioned for major leadership in promoting the strategic objectives of Ohio University. Through creating access to Global Learning Experiences, fostering International Research Partnerships, and equipping students with cross-sectoral skills, SISAL places Ohio University at the forefront of global education. More than ever, the program is a manifestation of the organisation's long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of world leaders in America.

Editor's Note

The School of International Studies and Languages at Ohio University was established through a blend of strong academic disciplines as an innovative strategy. The University has expressed the seriousness of understanding global education as a primary institutional goal when it brought together four departments with an international focus into one school. These are the Department of Linguistics, the Department of Modern Languages, the Centre for International Studies, and the Ohio Program of Intensive English. This is a genuine effort to build an excellent academic centre focused on international research, language learning, and practical involvement rather than just being an administrative merger. Indeed, the establishment of SISAL aligns with the overarching strategic objectives of Ohio University- specifically regarding workforce development toward a global focus and learning beyond the classroom. The cross-cultural learning opportunities, alumni experiences, and international internships which comprise the focus of the new School resonate a strong understanding of skills necessary for success in the modern, globalised economy. The investment further describes its commitment towards international experiences that would carry students from beyond their classrooms to international professional contexts, made by the $50,000 from the President's Circle Fund. SISAL thereby further enhances the global footprint of Ohio University while adding to its treasured international networks. Much more should come from linking this new framework to Ghana, India, and Japan, as more access is provided to faculty and students with academic mobility, cultural exchange, and collaborative research. Underlined in Dr Ariel Armony's keynote in favour of international education were long-term returns such as a platform for ethical leadership, cross-disciplinary thinking and global fluency, apart from access to technical knowledge. Overall, SISAL represents, thus, an opportune investment in talent, partnership and institutional excellence such making Ohio University a front-runner in the education of the next generation of global citizens.

This project is a vision for future higher education: one that will be characterised by relevance, flexibility, and international connection. It is true to say that SISAL is not just a school; it is indeed a strategic avenue to future building.

FAQs

1. What is Ohio University’s new School of International Studies and Languages (SISAL)?

SISAL is a newly established academic unit at Ohio University that brings together four internationally focused departments to form a unified hub for global education, language study, and international research.

2. Which departments are merged into SISAL at Ohio University?

The school consolidates the Ohio Program of Intensive English, the Department of Linguistics, the Department of Modern Languages, and the Centre for International Studies—previously distinct divisions within the College of Arts and Sciences.

3. How will SISAL enhance global education and internships at Ohio University?

SISAL will offer students expanded access to global learning experiences, including international internships, alumni mentorship, and hands-on engagement with global organisations and community partners.

4. What global partnerships does Ohio University have under the new school?

Through SISAL, Ohio University will strengthen its international collaborations with institutions such as Chubu University in Japan, the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, and Gawande College in India, supporting joint research and academic mobility.

5. How does SISAL fit into Ohio University’s strategy for workforce readiness?

The school aligns with Ohio University’s Dynamic Strategy by preparing students for leadership in a globalised workforce through experiential learning, cross-cultural understanding, and professional development in international contexts.

6. What funding has been allocated to support SISAL’s global initiatives?

A $50,000 investment from the President’s Circle Fund has been announced to support SISAL’s international internship programme, enabling students to participate in transformative global experiences.

7. Will SISAL affect existing language programmes at Ohio University?

Yes, SISAL unifies all language programmes under one organisational structure, allowing for greater collaboration and expanded educational offerings, including languages not taught at other public universities in Ohio.

8. What role did faculty and alumni play in the creation of SISAL?

The school was developed through a collaborative vision led by faculty and alumni, with strategic guidance from founding director Haley Duschinski and support from the College of Arts and Sciences.

9. How does SISAL support international students and scholars?

By integrating language instruction, international studies, and global partnerships, SISAL provides a supportive environment for international students and fosters opportunities for global academic exchange.