State Dept: UGA ranks in top 10 in study abroad programs

A report from the US State Department gives the University of Georgia high marks for its study abroad programs: the Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs says UGA ranks 6th overall among US colleges and universities in student study abroad participation and third among doctoral institutions.

From Angel Bhardwaj, UGA Media Relations…

The 2023 Open Doors report ranked UGA No. 6 overall in student study abroad participation and No. 3 for short-term study abroad program participation among doctoral institutions in the U.S.

This report, compiled by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and the Institute of International Education, details study abroad data for 2021-2022, the first full post-pandemic academic year.

According to the Open Doors report, 2,324 UGA students studied abroad for class credit, with 2,175 students studying on short-term programs.

During this period, students studied in 72 countries, and over $580,000 in scholarships were awarded by the Office of Global Engagement to students for their experiences abroad, including the Passport Initiative Scholarship.

Along with the national recognition of its excellence in study abroad, UGA Global Education promotes Global Citizenship in a new video that features the students, advisors and faculty of UGA Study Abroad.

“We are thrilled and honored to regain our position as a national leader in study abroad. This was made possible by the collaborative efforts of UGA faculty, staff and students, supported by their parents,” said Yana Cornish, director of global education at the Office of Global Engagement. We are very thankful for the unwavering support of the UGA administration, UGA Foundation, Schools and Colleges, and our campus partners.”

UGA is currently the leading institution in the state of Georgia for study abroad program student participation. Global Education has a long history of high student participation in short-term study abroad programs and a strong culture of faculty-led programs, holding a current portfolio of over 130 faculty-led study abroad programs. UGA continues its tradition of excellence in international education, previously ranking nationally for its study abroad participation.

“The University of Georgia is committed to global engagement, and we are honored to be recognized as a national leader in study abroad participation,” said S. Jack Hu, the university’s senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Our students are eager to engage with the world, and our world-class faculty and programs are providing students with impactful and life-changing study abroad experiences.”

The release of this report earlier this week also marked the start of International Education Week (IEW), a joint effort of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, which annually “celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.” IEW is celebrated as International Education Month at UGA by the Office of Global Engagement. This monthlong celebration is coordinated by International Student Life, which hosts events promoting cultural exchange throughout November.

“The breadth and variety of study abroad programs offered to UGA students is truly amazing and I am grateful to see our efforts recognized in the Open Doors ranking,” said Martin Kagel, associate provost for global engagement. “Our goal is to enable our students to become global citizens.”

The Office of Global Engagement seeks to expand the global reach of our institution’s instructional, research and service missions, preparing the university and the state for thoughtful and effective participation and leadership in the interconnected world of the 21st century. To learn more about the Office of Global Engagement, visit globalengagement.uga.edu. To access the Study Away portal, visit studyaway.uga.edu.

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