Freshman Global Lab: Germany
Germany, the largest economy in Europe and the top ranking country on the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index, provides the setting for Freshman Global Lab:Germany. Freshman Global Lab: Germany gives students admitted directly to the Fisher College of Business the opportunity to earn 1.5 credits during two weeks in Hamburg, Germany. The program includes visits to leaders of manufacturing, experts in logistics and an internationally renowned port to highlight BUSML 3380: Logistics Management curriculum in an applied setting. Accommodations are based in Hamburg, the largest port city in Germany, known as the "Tor zer Welt" (Gateway to the World). Explore the city, from the Holy Roman Empire to WWII, from sweet Franzbroetchen to flavors of the local night market. Around every corner a new adventure awaits!
Locations: Hamburg, Germany
Travel Dates: May 16 - May 30, 2026
Class Enrollment: Summer Session 1 (online + in-person)
Academic Credit: BUSML 3380 (1.5 credit hours)
Faculty: August (Mike) Knemeyer
Program Fee: SU 2025 program fee was $4,628. SU 2026 fee is TBD.
Application Deadline: January 5, 2026 at 11:59 pm
Information Session:
The trip was exceptional. I learned so much about a topic that is so integral to our society but is often overlooked. I was fascinated by the company tours. I loved all the historic and cultural tours, the people selected to lead and partner, and participate in this trip were hardworking and kind, and I felt the balance between academic focus and exploration was ideal. I feel much more equipped to go out into the global world and navigate business settings and be able to talk a little bit about logistics. I had so much fun and grew personally through the group work and international travel.
May 2025
Check out this article about Freshman Global Lab alumna Rachel Boakye and how her global experiences have enhanced her time at Ohio State!
In order to be eligible to apply for this program, students must have a cumulative 2.75 GPA and meet OIA's General Eligibility Requirements and Conditions for Participation.
Applicants must:
- be enrolled as undergraduate student at Ohio State
- be a first-year student admitted directly to Fisher College of Business at the Columbus campus (at time of application) OR a business/pre-business student from the Marion, Newark, Lima, or Mansfield campus*
- complete or test out of Math 1075 by the application deadline of January 5, 2026
- Preference is for students to have completed ECON 2002.01: Principles of Macroeconomics and ECON 2001.01: Principles of Microeconomics before the dates of travel
- Instructor permission must be sought if only ECON 2001 or ECON 2002 are completed by the end of spring semester 2026. Preference is for ECON 2001: Principles of Microeconomics to be the course completed.
- have no student record actions of "Warning," "Probation" or "Probation by Special Action"
- while German language is not a requirement to participate in this program, we will give preference to students who have taken German. Consider taking this German on the Ground course!
*This study abroad course is classified as a Columbus-campus class. Regional campus students need to have 30 credit hours after high school and a 2.0 GPA or above to qualify for campus change and be eligible to take this class. If regional campus students fulfill those requirements by the end of their first spring semester, they will be able to take this course in May 2026 (summer term).
All students will also be required to participate in on-campus pre-departure orientations organized by the Office of International Affairs.
- Read the program brochure.
- Attend an information session (see "Announcements" tab on the brochure for up to date times and links).
- Ask clarifying questions: Email the program manager for inquiries not covered in the information session (contact information is listed at the bottom of the page).
- Review the "Finance" tab on the program brochure.
- Apply for scholarships: If you have a declared major in Fisher, you will be eligible for the Fisher Global Grant. Admitted students will also be able to apply for an archive an additional scholarship from the Department of Marketing and Logistics.
- Clear your schedule: If you are accepted into this program, you must be able to attend the required course (see the "Academics" tab on the brochure for course information).
- If you're an international student, review the FAQ's about studying abroad as an international student.
- Apply for the program! As you sit down to access the application, make sure you have:
- Your passport number. If you have not received your passport, or have not yet applied for one, you may still complete the online application, but remember that you may not participate in a study abroad program without a valid passport. Passports are taking up to 18 weeks, so please make sure you have ample time to apply for or renew an expired passport.
- Your Ohio State advising report, saved as a PDF to attach to the application.
- Names and contact information of the individuals you would like contacted in case of an emergency.
- A $150 application fee is required for all education abroad program applications. Should you choose to start an application, you will be notified to pay the application fee when it has been assigned as a material due. This application fee will be refunded only if you are not accepted to your study abroad program, if your program is canceled or if you withdraw your application prior to the application deadline.