Contact: John Battenburg
Cal Poly International Education and Programs
805-756-2945
Cal Poly Ranks Third in Nation for
Students Studying Abroad
SAN LUIS OBISPO – According to a recent survey conducted by the Institute of International Education, Cal Poly ranks third in the nation for total study abroad enrollment among peer universities.
The Open Doors 2009 Report on International Education Exchange found that Cal Poly sent total of 877 students to study abroad during 2007-08. Cal Poly is ranked in the category of “universities that offer master’s degrees (non-doctoral universities).”
John Battenburg, Cal Poly’s International Education and Programs director, said study abroad is important in exposing Cal Poly students to global cultures in preparing students to enter a widely diverse workforce.
“Cal Poly’s International Education and Programs looks forward to continuing our success with study abroad enrollment and assisting increasing international student enrollment,” Battenburg said.
The annual report, published by the Institute of International Education, listed Cal Poly behind only two peer institutions – Elon University and James Madison University.
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 8.5 percent from the previous year, reaching a record total of 262,416 students.
For more information about Cal Poly’s International Education and Programs, contact 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 U.S, asking for information on the number of their students who were given credit for study abroad in 2007-08.
For the purpose of Open Doors, study abroad is narrowly defined as only those students who received academic credit from an accredited U.S. 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.
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