SUU Study Abroad #1 in the Intermountain West
Published: February 20, 2020 | Author: Savannah Byers | Read Time: 2 minutes
That latest Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Open Doors report shows that, among master’s level colleges and universities, Southern Utah University’s study abroad program ranks #1 in the Intermountain West and #24 in the nation for the 2017-2018 academic year.
“To have broken into the top 40 in the IIE Open Doors Report on study abroad validates and recognizes the commitment of SUU administration, faculty, staff, and students to build a robust study abroad program,” said Dr. Kurt Harris, director of Learning Abroad.
IIE Open Doors is supported by a grant from the Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. Their reports include statistical data about both international students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities, and U.S. students who studied abroad for academic credit at their home institutions.
Brigham Young University (BYU) and Weber State University were the only other institutions from Utah included in the ranking. BYU ranked #19 nationally, and Weber ranked #31 among master’s colleges and universities. The listing only included the top 25 universities in the nation and the top 40 universities among master’s colleges and universities.
Though SUU’s study abroad records begin in the 2007-2008 school year, SUU’s study abroad programs date back to the 1980s. The number of students studying abroad is currently 510, a massive increase from the 2007-2008 academic year where only 52 students were studying abroad. This progress is a combined effort between the Office of Learning Abroad and professors from the various participating departments. The goal for 2019-2020 is to have over 600 students studying abroad.
“The Office of Learning Abroad coordinates many of the University’s study abroad programs, but we certainly couldn’t have achieved such high numbers without the dedication of many people across campus,” said Dr. Harris. “The establishment of a culture of study abroad at SUU is truly a team effort.”
SUU currently offers study abroad trips to 68 countries across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. In addition to the countries south of the border, SUU also offers programs in Canada, covering North, Central, and South America. Check out the 2020 Guidebook for a detailed list of SUU’s 2020 study abroad programs.
Learn more about studying abroad online or visit the Office of Learning Abroad in the Sharwan Smith Student Center.
IIE is a nonprofit organization that supports and emphasizes the importance of international education. Learn more about IIE.
Tags: Study Abroad International Affairs