Vol. 19, No. 20

Feb. 17, 2000

Survey ranks study-abroad program 12th in nation

The University of Delaware ranks 12th among colleges across the nation for the total number of students participating in study abroad and percentage of participation in study abroad programs, according to Open Doors 1998/99, the annual report on international education published by the Institute of International Education (IIE). In 1923, the University launched the Junior Year Abroad, a foreign study abroad program that was the first of its kind in the world. It served as a model for other colleges and universities both in America and abroad. The first-ever program of eight students, under the directorship of UD faculty member Raymond W. Kirkbride, studied in France. Currently, UD students can take advantage of 43 programs in 31 subjects in 19 countries, in addition to pursuing semester or year-long exchanges with international institutions. Other top-ranked schools in the report include Dartmouth College, the universities of Notre Dame and Pennsylvania and Duke, Georgetown and Cornell universities. The IIE is sponsored by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Lawrence Donnelley, international programs and special sessions, said, “Naturally, we’re pleased with this ranking, which reflects our goal to continue as a leader in the area of study abroad. One of the University’s missions is to help students become aware of international issues and to develop perspectives that better prepare them for a globalized 21st century.” As a result of globalization, Donnelley said barriers of communication are in decline and there are more opportunities to connect with other cultures. These opportunities, he said, are the byproducts of enhanced interest on the part of the students, faculty and cooperating institutions abroad. An estimated 18.8 percent of UD students have studied abroad during their undergraduate years, more than double the national average of 9.3 percent. During the 1997-1998 academic year, 760 students pursued a study abroad experience. UD’s excellent reputation in the field of study abroad programming has enhanced its ability to attract the best and brightest applicants. Many students cite the possibility of studying abroad as a key factor in their decision to come to the University. According to Donnelley, a factor to UD’s success in study abroad programming lies in the faculty and administration’s commitment to providing substantial opportunities for students to integrate a study abroad experience into their academic curriculum. The University’s new Pathways to Discovery program, which forges ties between the classroom and the outside world, encourages students to undertake research, internships and study abroad experiences. Many UD study abroad programs are cross-disciplinary, involving students from diverse majors, thus providing them with valuable learning experiences not possible on the domestic campus. Donnelley said he would like to broaden programs by adding more bilateral agreements with institutions overseas, adding that as the University continues to provide quality study abroad programs, the opportunities and enrollment will increase. In addition to programs throughout Europe, UD students can travel to China, New Zealand, Israel, South Africa, Martinique, Australia and Japan, among other locations. The programs are scheduled throughout the calendar year. Some of the original study abroad programs have been modified over the years to incorporate more academic disciplines into the offerings. For example, the semester program to Costa Rica, which was among the first semester overseas programs to be offered by the University, has been enhanced to include course work in environmental science, advanced Spanish and Latin American studies, in addition to the traditional beginning Spanish culture and civilization courses. “These changes demonstrate how the University reviews and adapts its programs as a result of student interest and global changes,” William McNabb, international programs and special sessions, said. Two other new programs also focus on scientific study: students in a plant soil science program traveled to Ecuador and those on a voyage to New Zealand studied agriculture and animal science. Many of these science-focused programs will be offered on alternating years. According to IIE president Allan E. Goodman, “To be truly engaged in a global society we are going to have to become more internationally focused in our higher education. The increasing numbers of students studying abroad reflect a growing understanding that international educational experience will be a professional advantage in their careers.” Of UD’s role in the effort, McNabb said, “The University is clearly several steps ahead in the endeavor to engage its students in a global society.” According to Donnelley, “Open-mindedness, maturity and self-reliance are just some of the personal characteristics enhanced by a study abroad experience. Participation in study abroad programs also indicates to potential employers that a student is goal-oriented.” –Laura Overturf For more details UD’s international programs are scheduled year-round. Information is available at the Office of International Programs and Special Sessions web site at <http://www.udel. edu/study abroad> or by calling 831-2852.