Journalism major James Steinbauer (above) and others in the sustainability and tropical ecosystems program took a river trip to the Costa Rican Bribri tribe's indigenous village of Yorkin in the winter of 2016. Students worked on field science or multimedia journalism projects during the winter term workshop.
Journalism major James Steinbauer (above) and others in the sustainability and tropical ecosystems program took a river trip to the Costa Rican Bribri tribe's indigenous village of Yorkin in the winter of 2016. Students worked on field science or multimedia journalism projects during the winter term workshop.
Nov 14, 2016

Miami ranks No. 1 for study abroad participation

Celebrating International Education Week

Events for International Education Week 2016 (Nov. 14-18) include forums, food and film. The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education created the International Education Week initiative. See related story for details of the events at Miami.

Miami University ranks No. 1 in the nation among public doctoral universities for undergraduate student participation in study abroad programs, with 49.1 percent of its students studying abroad before they graduate.

The ranking, published in the Open Doors 2016 report by the Institute of International Education, is based on figures from the 2014-2015 academic year.

Overall, the university ties for 17th with Boston University for undergraduate participation in study abroad among public and private doctoral universities.

For the actual number of students, both undergraduate and graduate, Miami ranks 22nd among all universities for participating in study abroad. Miami had 2,046 students studying abroad in 2014-2015.

Students study in Paris.

Students and faculty pose in front of the Palace of Versailles, France.

“Everyone at Miami should be extraordinarily proud of this No. 1 ranking for study abroad participation among public universities,” said Cheryl Young, associate provost, Global Initiatives. “This accomplishment illustrates the deep commitment to a globally focused education for our students at a time when cultivating a global perspective and strengthening our connections is more important than ever.”

Top destinations for Miami students include Luxembourg, Italy, Australia, the United Kingdom and China. Most students go abroad on one of Miami’s faculty-led programs. Of the 2,046 students who studied abroad during the 2014-2015 academic year, 67 percent were in Miami, faculty-led programs. 

Karla Guinigundo, Miami's director of global partnerships, attributes Miami’s higher ranking to winter term. The term provides additional faculty-led programs and the time frame is popular among students.

Scholarships and financial aid are available to increase accessibility for students to study abroad.

Miami’s 2020 Plan set a goal of 60 percent. This percentage goal includes the number of Miami students who study abroad or participate in one of the university’s study away programs. Study away programs provide opportunities in cities across the United States, such as Chicago, Hollywood and New York City. Currently 57 percent of Miami students participate in both study abroad and study away programs.