Exploring the world from Ohio: Central State University’s Center for International Education

Above: College of Business students (from left) Pharis Nicolls, Astria Williams and Darielle Major of the Bahamas and Davyane York-Hudson of Detroit, Michigan, prepare for the annual Career Expo. International students play a vital role in enriching the Central State University community. Their diverse backgrounds, perspectives and cultures enhance the educational experience for all students, fostering a global mindset and promoting cross-cultural interactions. 

Central State University’s Center for International Education (CIE) embodies a commitment to global engagement, offering students invaluable opportunities to broaden their worldviews. Located in Room 314 of the Charles H. Wesley Arts & Science Building, the center’s mission is rooted in cultivating students' global competencies, aligning with the University's dedication to preparing graduates for a globally interconnected world.  

Through study abroad programs, support services for international students and partnerships with educational organizations, the CIE has become a gateway to international experiences for students from diverse backgrounds. 

A global perspective for Marauders 

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At the heart of the center’s offerings are study abroad programs that connect students to global destinations. Whether through faculty-led courses in countries such as Guyana and France, or independent study arrangements through program partners, Central State students have the chance to gain hands-on, cross-cultural experiences.  

This initiative is directed by Dr. E. Talley Pittman, who works closely with faculty to create enriching academic experiences abroad. Although the pandemic temporarily curtailed travel, the CIE is regaining momentum. In recent semesters, the center has re-launched programs with high interest, albeit limited by the challenge of securing sufficient financial aid for students.  

“Sometimes, it’s not about the planning — students face financial barriers,” Dr. Talley Pittman explains. 

While financial aid is available for program costs, funds often fall short. The center is exploring solutions, such as bridging funding gaps for programs with minimum participation requirements. Alumni and community contributions have also been instrumental, with recent sponsorships helping cover student expenses for trips like a study tour to Paris. 

Supporters can sponsor one student for $4,000, but every amount helps Marauders realize their dreams, Dr. Talley Pittman said.

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International students: Bridging cultures at Ohio’s only public HBCU 

Central State’s international student population has grown significantly in recent years, particularly with an influx of students from the Bahamas. A partnership with the Minister of Education there includes a scholarship arrangement that covers tuition, with the University matching room and board, further strengthening the campus’s cultural diversity. Currently, international students from 14 countries are supported by CIE’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) services, ensuring compliance with federal requirements while fostering a supportive environment for these students. 

Dr. Fahmi Abboushi, the center’s director, recalls how the international student body grew from a handful of students to over 200. “We track their progress, assist with their needs, and ensure they meet requirements,” he says.  

This holistic approach includes pre-arrival orientations and ongoing in-person support, making CSU an attractive choice for international students, many of whom are also drawn by the University’s athletic programs. 

Alongside the 190 students from the Bahamas, this fall's international student cohort includes individuals from 13 other countries — Belize, Brazil, Gambia, Guyana, Haiti, Liberia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

Each November, the campus community celebrates International Education Week, a collaborative initiative headed by the CIE. 

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Collaborative outreach and scholarship opportunities 

The CIE collaborates with CSU’s Honors College, fostering a culture of international engagement within the student body. Dr. Talley Pittman regularly visits classrooms and student organizations to promote study abroad opportunities, with the aim of making international programs more visible and accessible. Additionally, while the University lacks dedicated funding for study abroad, scholarships like the Gilman Scholarship Program and Boren Awards are available for qualifying students. (See related story.)

Alumni also contribute through a dedicated Central State University Foundation account, supporting students’ aspirations to explore other countries.  

Faculty are key partners in the CIE’s mission, often leading travel programs that bring academic lessons to life in international contexts. Dr. Geoffrey Giddings, a History professor, has facilitated programs in Guyana, exposing students to diverse cultures and histories. 

A bright future for Marauders 

With growing participation and new programs in the pipeline, CSU’s Center for International Education remains committed to expanding its offerings. As the center strives to overcome financial barriers, it calls on sponsors and alumni to contribute.  

"There’s so much value in students experiencing the world firsthand," Dr. Abboushi said. 

Students interested in learning more are invited to visit the center in Wesley Hall, Room 314, or email international@centralstate.edu.  

As the CIE continues to cultivate partnerships, the hope is that more CSU students will have life-changing, educational experiences abroad, enhancing their academic journeys and broadening their perspectives. 

For Central State University, the Center for International Education is more than a program — it’s a bridge between cultures, a platform for personal growth, and a path to a more interconnected world. 

To support students in their dreams to study abroad, click here.