Holy Cross Ranks First in Long-Term Study Abroad Participation

Institute of International Education

study abroad programs, according to a recent report released by the Institute of International Education.

Long-term study abroad programs are defined as taking place during a full calendar or academic year. A majority of the programs offered through the College require students to study overseas for the entire academic year. Other programs are available to students as well, including single-semester programs, month-long summer programs, and faculty-led study tours during the mid-semester breaks.

With 98 students studying abroad on long-term programs, Holy Cross surpasses other baccalaureate institutions, such as Smith College and Sarah Lawrence College, by more than 25 students. This year marks the eighth year in a row that the College has held one of the top three positions on the list.

“For quality academic and cultural immersion, language development, and personal growth, nothing compares to long-term study abroad programs,” writes Angie Woodmansee, assistant director of study abroad. “We strongly believe in the value of extended time abroad and are proud to see our institution uphold its standards of excellence in the face of growing trends toward semester and summer programs. Our students go abroad not to be tourists, but to become members of a global community, and we consider extended local immersion an invaluable opportunity for their development.”

The national results were published in the Open Doors 2016 report, an annual report compiled by the Institute of International Education. The institution, founded in 1919, is an independent not-for-profit organization that receives funding from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The report relies on data from the 2014–15 — rather than 2015–16 — academic year to find the total number of U.S. students who study abroad; these numbers are only reported after students have received credit for their academic programs.

See the full report from the Institute of International Education.

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This “Holy Cross in the news” item is by Grainne Fitzpatrick ’17.

For additional information, please contact Jessica Kennedy at 508-793-2419.