U of M near top in the nation in study abroad, international students

The University of Minnesota, an institution valuing global experience and international participation, ranks high among universities in the nation in the number of students who study abroad as well as the number of international students hosted at the University, according to the 2016 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange data released today by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The Open Doors report on international and study abroad students shows that the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus ranks sixth in the nation among doctorate-granting institutions in the number of students that participated in an educational experience abroad in 2014-15 with 2,705 students—a 2.7% increase from the previous year.

In addition, the University ranks 20th among doctorate-granting institutions hosting international students with 7,037 international students studying at the U of M in 2015-16.

"The University of Minnesota is proud, once again, to be among the top 20 universities for providing international experiences to students from around the world at home and abroad,” said Meredith McQuaid, associate vice president and dean of international programs at the U of M. “These experiences are important to the development of our future global leaders.  Meaningful interaction between and among people with different perspectives promotes peace and justice, and we are proud to be a part of that process."

The Open Doors report measures international student mobility – the official report on the number of American students studying abroad and international students coming to the United States. The report is published by the Institute of International Education. More details on the Open Doors 2016 surveys and their findings can be accessed at iie.org/opendoors. 

The Global Programs and Strategy Alliance (GPS Alliance) is the central international office for the University of Minnesota system. The GPS Alliance is the driving force for the University of Minnesota in globalizing teaching, learning, research and engagement. The GPS Alliance supports the university's mission by working closely with campuses, colleges, units, faculty and staff, students, and the community to comprehensively internationalize the University of Minnesota. For more information, visit global.umn.edu.