The University of Notre Dame has the fifth-highest percentage of students participating in study abroad programs among American research universities (up from sixth place last year), according to a recently released report from the Institute of International Education (IIE).
In 2003-2004, the most recent academic year for which statistics are available, 53.6 percent of Notre Dame students had participated in study programs in other countries. The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., ranked first in the report with a 61.6 percent participation rate.
Notre Dame offers international study programs in 19 nations worldwide: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Chile, China, Ecuador, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Spain and Uganda.
In this time of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, it is heartening to see that Notre Dame students remain firm in their resolve to study abroad,said Julia Douthwaite, Notre Dame’s assistant provost for international studies.We are delighted with the ongoing high rate of interest in international study, and chalk it up to outstanding instruction in languages and area studies curriculum, and well-structured programs that allow students to receive credit and continue progress toward graduation while studying in one of 19 countries worldwide.
The IIE’s report, titled " Open Doors 2005 ," showed an overall 9.6 percent increase in students participating in international study programs from the previous year.
Many U.S. campuses now include international education as part of their core educational mission, recognizing that increasing the global competence among the next generation is a national priority and an academic responsibility,said Allan E. Goodman,
president and chief executive officer of the IIE.To encourage more U.S. students to strengthen their language and intercultural skills, as well as their ability to collaborate across borders, business leaders need to demonstrate the economic value of study abroad by rewarding international experience in their hiring and advancement practices."
As it has been for many years, Europe is the most popular destination for American college students. The leading destination for Notre Dame students is London , with some 130 participating each semester at the University’s facility next to Trafalgar Square.
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