Academics and Research / Magazine Feature

National report ranks DU third for undergraduate study abroad

The University of Denver ranks third in the nation among doctoral and research institutions in percentage of undergraduate students studying abroad, according to the 2009 Open Doors report.

The report, which was released Nov. 16 by the Institute of International Education (IIE), reflects data from the 2007–08 academic year and shows DU sent 73.6 percent of its undergraduates to study abroad. Nationally, just more than 1 percent of all enrolled undergraduates studied abroad. Only Pepperdine University and the University of San Diego ranked higher than DU.

The IIE reports the top destination for students in 2007–08 was the United Kingdom followed by Italy. At DU, Italy is the top destination, followed by Spain and Australia.

DU offers more than 150 study-abroad programs in 58 nations. Through DU’s Cherrington Global Scholars program, students have the opportunity to study abroad while paying their tuition and fees to the University. DU also helps students with some additional costs such as transportation and fees for visa applications and insurance mandated by host countries or universities. The Cherrington program recently was recognized in U.S.News and World Report’s annual undergraduate college guide in an article that noted the high number of students DU sends abroad each year.

“Our study abroad programs encourage students to immerse themselves in other cultures,” says Eric Gould, vice provost for internationalization. “The fact that 73.6 percent of our students can take advantage of this opportunity is terrific. We have tremendous support from our faculty and administration, which has allowed these programs to become so popular.”

According to the 2009 Open Doors report, U.S. students are studying abroad in record numbers. Study abroad increased by 8.5 percent to a total of 262,416 students. The top three major fields of study for students, according to the report, are social sciences, business and management, and humanities.

For additional statistics and analysis from the Open Doors 2009 report, see www.opendoors.iienetwork.org. For additional information on DU programs, visit www.du.edu/intl/abroad/.

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