Nov. 25, 2008
Contact: John Battenburg
Cal Poly International Education and Programs
805-756-2945
Cal Poly Ranks High in Nation for Study Abroad Students
SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Cal Poly ranks first in the nation for the number of students it sends to study abroad for mid-length terms and second in the nation for total study abroad enrollment among peer universities, according to a survey by the Institute of International Education.
The Open Doors 2008 Report on International Education Exchange found that Cal Poly sent 408 students to study abroad for one semester, one quarter, or two quarters and a total of 800 students to study abroad during 2006-07. Cal Poly is ranked in the category of “universities that offer master's degrees (non-doctoral universities).”
John Battenburg, International Education and Programs director, said study abroad provides a unique opportunity for Cal Poly students to experience cultures and learn languages around the world.
“I am pleased that Cal Poly continues to be a leader with long-term, mid-length, and short-term study abroad program participation. This commitment to and enthusiasm for study abroad is due to support for international education by many members of the university community.”
The annual report, published by the Institute of International Education, found only one peer institution, Elon College in North Carolina, sent more students abroad.
More American students than ever are recognizing the importance of studying abroad in a globally interdependent world. The number of U.S. college and university students receiving credit for study abroad increased by 8 percent from the previous year, reaching a record total of 241,791 students.
For more information about Cal Poly’s International Education and Programs, contact John Battenburg at 805-756-2945.
About the Institute of International Education
The Institute of International Education has been conducting surveys on study abroad and international student enrollments since 1985-86. Surveys were sent to more than 1,500 accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States, asking them to provide information on the number of their own students who were given credit for study abroad in 2006-07.
For the purpose of Open Doors, study abroad is narrowly defined as only those students who received academic credit from a U.S. accredited institution of higher education after they returned from their study abroad experience. Students who travel and take courses without credit transfers are not reported in Open Doors, nor are students who are enrolled overseas for degrees from non-U.S. institutions.
# # #