Organization Ranks UE Third in Nation In Percentage of Students Studying Abroad
November 14, 2006
The 2006 edition of Open Doors, a report generated by a non profit organization dedicated to promoting closer educational relations between the people of the United States and those of other countries, has listed the University of Evansville third in the nation in terms of percentage of students studying abroad.
The Institute for International Education, a private, non profit organization founded in 1919, said information was gathered for the Open Doors report for the 2004-05 school year. The University of Evansville is listed as having 67.7 percent of its students studying abroad – ranking UE third among master’s degree-granting institutions. This is an increase of 10 percent from the previous year’s ranking. IIE calculates its study abroad percentages by dividing the number of experiences abroad by the number of degrees conferred (graduating seniors) each year.
“International education is an essential part of preparing our students for their life after graduation,” said UE President Stephen Jennings. “Part of the Evansville Experience is a strong international focus. At UE we provide as many opportunities as possible for our students to study around the globe, including increasing our number of programs offered during the summer months at our own Harlaxton College. Understanding global perspectives and cultures is imperative for success.”
UE students have the opportunity to study each semester at the University’s British campus, Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, as well as in many other areas of the world. During the 2004-05 school year, for instance, UE students studied not only in England, but also in Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, and Spain.
While the Open Doors report for 2006 indicates that the largest growth area is short-term study abroad -- such as traveling and studying during the summer or other experiences less than one semester -- at UE the largest grouping of students who have studied abroad (157), continued to be for a full semester abroad to Harlaxton College, Jennings said.