Austin College #1 In Study Abroad

Austin College is Ranked No. 1 in the Nation
for Undergraduate Study Abroad
November 24, 2008 -- SHERMAN, TEXAS -- Austin College was ranked No. 1 in the nation for its study abroad participation rates among baccalaureate institutions, according to the Open Doors 2008 report released November 17 by the Institute of International Education (IIE). This is the third top ranking for Austin College in the past five years, with the others coming in 2004 and 2006.

Over the last decade, an average 70 percent of Austin College students have studied abroad, exploring more than 50 countries on six continents. However, for the past year alone, Austin College was cited as one of 18 institutions in the nation to send more than 80 percent of their students abroad. On a percentage basis, such high participation rates make Austin College the top study abroad institution among public and private colleges and universities in the state of Texas.

According to the November 17 IIE rankings release, “While large institutions dominate in terms of absolute numbers of their students going abroad, many smaller institutions send a higher proportion of their students abroad.” The IIE data includes formal semester and year-long study abroad programs as well as short-term study.

The IIE report also highlighted a growing national trend in study abroad participation by American students, which increased 8 percent nationally in the past academic year. Again, Austin College outpaced the national trend, with the number of its students studying abroad in the fall 2008 term increasing 29 percent compared to 2007 despite the economic downturn.

“I am pleased to see Austin College maintain its strong national ranking as study abroad becomes an increasingly important aspect of American higher education,” said Austin College President Oscar C. Page. “News like this validates our commitment to providing a quality liberal arts education that is global in its focus.”

This sentiment is echoed by Truett Cates, director of study abroad for Austin College and a professor of German. “At Austin College, we see supporting and enhancing students’ international experiences as a key part of the broader mission of liberal education to train tomorrow’s global citizens.” He added, “Education ultimately is about transformation, and we take the transformation that comes with purposeful study-abroad experiences as one of the most meaningful ones available to undergraduates.”

In addition to semester or year-long programs, study abroad takes many forms at Austin College, including January Term and internship programs, as well as service opportunities. For instance, 10 Austin College students worked this summer in Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Pakistan, Peru, and Russia as the College’s first Global Outreach or “GO” Fellows. The GO program was established by the Todd and Abby Williams Foundation of Dallas and provides financial assistance for students to work on non-profit community development and service projects abroad. Other students travelled to places such as Vietnam through a vocational internship program funded by the Lilly Endowment.

“Global understanding is embedded in the mission of Austin College, and our success with study abroad complements the academic curiosity and service orientation of our students, since many of our students combine their academic experiences with service projects throughout the world,” President Page said.

The Open Doors report is published annually by the Institute of International Education, with funding from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The IIE release and the 2008 rankings can be found at IIE’s Web site.

About Austin College

Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located just north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. Founded in 1849, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original charter and name, the college is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Recognized nationally for academic excellence in the areas of international education, pre-professional training, and leadership studies, Austin College is one of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges that Change Lives.