San Diego State Named a Top 10 School for Study Abroad

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego State University students are among those leading the way when it comes to studying abroad, according to the results of a newly-released study by the Institute for International Education.

The IIE report, released Nov. 14, lists SDSU at No. 9 in the nation for study abroad, and first among public universities.

The report uses data for the 2014-15 academic year, during which 2,422 students studied in foreign countries. In the most recent academic year, 2015-16, a record number of 2,660 students studied abroad.

The ranking takes into account the total number of students studying abroad. When compared to the percentage of university enrollment, SDSU ranks No. 1 for public universities. More than seven percent of SDSU students studied abroad during the 2014-15 academic year.

"Having the opportunity to explore the world during their college years is a transformational experience for our students," said SDSU Vice President for Student Affairs Eric Rivera. “This is especially true for students who have not spent time in another country, which is why it is important that we provide the opportunity for all students to study abroad. The skills, perspectives, and friendships made during their time abroad will stay with them for a lifetime."

SDSU students studied in 65 different countries during the 2014-15 academic year. The top five most popular locations were Spain, Mexico, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany.

“Providing an international education has been a central part of SDSU’s mission for many years,” said Alan Sweedler, associate vice president for Academic Affairs - International Programs. “Study abroad programs expose students to the global work environment and offer them experiences that are highly sought after by today’s employers.”

The Institute for International Education, an independent, non-profit organization, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, publishes its "Open Doors" report annually. The statistical survey reports on the number of international scholars at U.S. universities, international students enrolled in pre-academic Intensive English Programs, and U.S. students studying abroad.

According to the latest Open Doors report, a total of 313,415 U.S. students studied abroad for academic credit in 2014-15, an increase of nearly three percent over the previous year. The majority of study abroad programs, about 63 percent, lasted eight weeks or less. About a third lasted one semester, and 2.5 percent of programs were long-term study abroad programs.

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