2:58 p.m., Nov. 12, 2007--For the third straight year, the University of Delaware is the only public institution that is named among the top 20 doctoral/research institutions in terms of undergraduate participation in study abroad. In its latest report on international education exchange, Open Doors 2007, the Institute of International Education (IIE), also ranks UD among the top four doctoral/research institutions nationwide for short-term study abroad programs.

The release of the reports today coincides with UD's celebration of International Education Week, Nov. 12-17, which includes films, lectures, photo exhibits and special ethnic meals and a visit by the ambassador of Tunisia to the U.S., Mohamed Nejib Hachana.

“The University of Delaware is very pleased by this ranking,” said UD President Patrick Harker. “As the University works to prepare students as global citizens, we recognize the value of international education and place a premium on study abroad. The ranking is particularly noteworthy in that it continues a long and proud tradition, with UD the home of the nation's first study abroad program begun in 1923.”

Almost 42 percent of UD students will have participated in at least one study abroad program before they graduate, said Lesa Griffiths, director of the Center for International Studies.

“Study abroad has been a signature program of the University of Delaware for the better part of a century, but it is a more important dimension of the education of our students now than ever before,” said UD Provost Dan Rich. “A UD education must prepare our students as citizens, scholars and leaders in an increasingly global community, and study abroad is a critical facet of that preparation. We're proud that we have the highest study abroad participation rate of any public university. We want all UD students to have the opportunity to study abroad.”

Havidán Rodríguez, vice provost for academic affairs and international programs, said UD is committed to enhancing the international experiences of its students.

“We continue to educate the next generations of leaders in this country by also providing them the opportunity to have a better understanding of the international or global context in which we live. Having so many faculty and students engaged in these initiatives reflects the need, importance and the significant impact that they have on our educational process,” Rodríguez said. “Our University was a pioneer and is a leader in programs that aim to internationalize our campus; being recognized as such by the Institute of International Education is an added bonus.”

According to Open Doors 2007, the number of U.S. students studying abroad increased by 8.5 percent to a record 223,534. The number of American students receiving academic credit for their study abroad has increased 150 percent in the past decade, from fewer than 90,000 students in the 1995-96 academic year.

“These increased numbers reflect a growing recognition by students and educators that an international experience is important to students' future careers,” IIE stated in a news release. “While recent growth has been fueled in part by programs that offer study for shorter lengths of time than the traditional academic year, there has also been an increasing interest in studying in more diverse destinations.”

Earlier this year UD received the 2006-07 Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education in the category of Internationalizing the Campus from IIE. Then UD President David P. Roselle accepted the prestigious award during a presentation at the United Nations.

“The success of our study abroad program is largely due to the creativity of the faculty who design and direct the majority of our study abroad programs,” Griffiths said. “The breadth of the programs is extensive--allowing most students to find a program that works into their academic program in a meaningful way. UD students have embraced study abroad--making it part of the undergraduate culture of the institution.”

Article by Martin Mbugua