The University of Denver ranks first in the nation among doctoral and research institutions in the percentage of undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs, according to the 2008 Open Doors report released Nov. 18 by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
The report, which reflects data from the 2006–07 academic year, shows that DU sent 74.4 percent of its undergraduates abroad — more than any other institution. Nationally, just over 1 percent of all enrolled undergraduates studied abroad.
“DU has been inching towards first position for a couple of years now, so we’re very happy to have finally made it to the top — and by a significant margin from the second school on the list,” says Eric Gould, vice provost for internationalization.
DU offers more than 150 study-abroad programs in 56 nations. Its Cherrington Global Scholars program gives all eligible juniors and seniors the opportunity to spend one academic quarter studying abroad at no additional cost beyond their normal tuition. The University will spend $10 million dollars this year on study abroad. In addition to student tuition, housing and some meals, this expense includes nearly $1 million for transportation, visa application fees and insurance mandated by host countries or universities.
“The figures say a lot about the importance of international study in our curriculum, the quality of our study-abroad and special programs offices, the inventiveness of faculty who teach Interterms and full-quarter programs, and the success of the Cherrington program in enabling students to study abroad who might not otherwise have the resources to do so,” Gould says.
For additional statistics and analysis from the IIE Open Doors 2008 report, see www.opendoors.iienetwork.org. For additional information on DU programs, visit www.du.edu/intl/abroad/about.html.
[Editor’s note: Dec. 16, 2008 correction: After this article was published, the Institute of International Education (IIE) updated its report, ranking Yeshiva University first in the nation among doctoral and research institutions in the percentage of undergraduate students participating in study-abroad programs. The University of Denver is now ranked second. At Yeshiva, 75.7 percent of undergraduates study abroad; DU sends 74.4 percent of its undergraduate students abroad.]