Gustavus Adolphus College continues to be a leading institution for the number of students studying abroad, according to an annual ranking recently released by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Reaffirming the mission of giving students an international perspective, Gustavus was ranked in the Top 20 Baccalaureate Institutions list of the Institute’s Open Doors 2006 report.
Gustavus was one of four Minnesota private colleges and one of the five Lutheran colleges to make the list. The report is based on study-abroad statistics from the 2004—05 academic year.
Recognizing international study as an important part of education, Gustavus students continue to study abroad in great numbers with 397 students in 2004—05 and 419 in 2003—04. More than 50 percent of recent Gustavus graduates have participated in at least one study-abroad experience.
Gustavus students engage in international learning through various programs in more than 100 locations throughout the world. Students are increasingly studying in non-traditional destinations and non-English-speaking countries. The 20 most visited destinations for Gustavus students to study abroad are New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Fiji, Australia, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Germany, India, Japan, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Brazil, Greece, Egypt, Chile, France, and Russia.
According to International Education Director Patrick Quade, Gustavus places top priority on continuing to enhance the quality of existing study-abroad programs and, secondarily, on developing new ones.
“Providing opportunities for students to have international experiences helps them gain insights into their own culture and that of other countries, as well as acquire a fuller awareness of their career interests and personal values,” Quade said. “This enables students to bring knowledge back to Gustavus, creating a community where diversity is valued.”
More information about the report is available online.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510