Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia remained a national leader in study abroad, ranked 10th among doctoral/research institutions with 2,058 total study abroad participants in 2007-2008, according to a recently released national “Open Doors” report.
“I have always believed that there are few experiences more valuable to a student today than an extended immersion in another culture,” said UGA President Michael F. Adams. “I am proud of our students for their understanding of the importance of study abroad, given the nature of the society they will enter when they graduate.”
UGA also is ranked second in the nation in the number of students who participate in summer and other short-term programs. Additionally, approximately 400 students choose a full semester or academic year abroad each year.
“The University of Georgia is known nationally for the quality and diversity of its study abroad programs,” said Kavita Pandit, associate provost for international education.”I want to recognize the efforts and energy of our study abroad program directors and the study abroad staff in the Office of International Education.Their hard work and dedication have ensured that our students are graduating with a world view and global competencies critical to their success in today’s job market.”
UGA offers 170 different study abroad and exchange programs in dozens of countries on every continent. Three year-round residential centers (Oxford, UK; Cortona, Italy; and San Luis, Costa Rica) each offer unique facilities and foci. These centers and other programs offer UGA students many opportunities for students to obtain core credits abroad.
“Studying, interning, and researching abroad continue to be high priorities of UGA students,” said Kasee Laster, director of study abroad. “Their enthusiasm reflects the emphasis on international experience and perspective which they see in the faculty, as well as a flexible financial aid structure that is conducive to study abroad.”
Hundreds of non-UGA students are applying for transient admission to the university just to attend its faculty-led study abroad programs. According to Laster, about 12 percentof total study abroad participants transferred their credit back to a degree at another institution, testifying to UGA’s breadth of international choices and national reputation in study abroad.
The Open Doors report is released each year during International Education Week, Nov. 16-20. This nationwide recognition is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Departments of State and Education.UGA annually celebrates IEW week with an international photo contest.More information about the photo contest is available at http://www.uga.edu/oie/pc_contest.htm. More information about nationwide IEW events is available at http://www.iew.state.gov/.
More information on UGA study abroad opportunities is available at http://www.uga.edu/oie/studyabroad.htm.