UNC 17th Nationally in Studying Abroad

Posted on Nov. 21, 2019

For the second year in a row, the University ranks 17th among U.S. higher education institutions for the number of students earning credit for study abroad, according to the Institute of International Education’s 2019 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.

This ranking reflects credit-bearing activity conducted by undergraduates and from all UNC’s graduate and professional programs, including short-term study abroad programs and medical and pharmaceutical rotations pursued abroad.

The Open Doors top 25 list is based on the total number of a higher education institution’s students who study abroad. According to Open Doors, 2,416 Carolina undergraduate, graduate and professional students studied abroad in 2017-18. Among doctorate-granting universities, UNC ranks 19th for long-term studies abroad, 17th for mid-length studies abroad and 18th for short-term studies abroad.

The number of U.S. students studying abroad increased by 9,024 to 341,751 over the previous year.

Forty-one percent of Carolina undergraduates study abroad before graduation, one of the highest rates for a public university in the U.S.

“I am delighted to see Carolina’s strong rankings for study abroad and determined to see further progress in the years to come,” said Barbara Stephenson, vice provost for global affairs and chief global officer. “Key to that progress will be overcoming the remaining barriers, including financial need, that keep our students from taking part in a transformative global experience.”

IIE publishes Open Doors annually in conjunction with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Founded in 1919, the IIE is a private not-for-profit participant in the global exchange of people and ideas. IIE creates programs of study and training for students, educators and professionals from all sectors in collaboration with governments, foundations and other sponsors. These programs include the flagship Fulbright Program and Gilman Scholarships administered by the state department.

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