November 19, 2009
UW ranks seventh nationally in students studying abroad
The UW is seventh in the nation among doctoral institutions in how many students it sends on study abroad programs. The UW is also ranked fourth in the nation in the number of students who participate in long term study abroad programs (a full academic year).
“It’s truly exciting to see the growth in study abroad here at the University of Washington over the past decade,” said Stephen E. Hanson, vice provost for global affairs. “These data provide more evidence of UW’s leadership role in furthering the cause of global education and citizenship.”
According to a report issued by the Institute of International Education this week, the UW had 2,124 students traveling overseas for study in 2007-08.
Over the past decade, more than 14,000 UW students have studied abroad. The number of UW students going abroad rose about 8.3 percent in 2007-08. This coincides with the national trend: the report notes that in the 2007-08 academic year, study abroad increased by 8.5 percent.
The UW ranks second in the number of students who participate in “mid-term study abroad” programs — 1,336 students went abroad for at least a quarter but less than a full year.
UW study abroad programs have enjoyed steady growth over the past 15 years. In 1993-4, just 332 students traveled abroad for study.
UW students study in 74 countries. The most popular is Italy, and Europe is the most popular continent, but China is the fifth most popular destination. The vast majority of students who study abroad are enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The UW’s Exploration Seminars, which involve small groups traveling abroad for three to four weeks before the start of Fall Quarter, have grown dramatically since they began in 2002-03. In that year, just 142 students participated, but in 2007-08, 694 students signed up.
The entire national report is available at www.opendoors.iienetwork.org.
