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U of M Near Top in Study Abroad Participation
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (11/16/2009) — The annual "Open Doors" report on international study abroad, released Monday by the Institute of International Education (IIE), shows that the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus ranks third in the nation among research institutions in the number of students who participated in an education experience abroad in 2007-08, with 2,521 students.
This is the highest the university has ever ranked on this list, up from fourth place and 2,079 students in last year’s report (which included statistics from the 2006-07 school year).
In addition, the university ranked 20th among research institutions with 4,120 international students in 2008-09, up from 23rd place with 3,756 students in last year’s report. (Study abroad statistics are reported one year behind international student statistics.)
The Open Doors report measures international student mobility — the official report on the number of American students going abroad to study and international students coming to the United States.
“This report confirms that our hard work is paying off,” said Meredith McQuaid, associate vice president and dean for international programs. “On the study abroad side, we are continuing our successful project to integrate education abroad into the curriculum, while emphasizing longer-term programs and participation by non-traditional study abroad students. For international students, we have implemented a strategic recruitment program that is bringing the best and brightest students to Minnesota from around the world.”
Other University of Minnesota campuses also ranked high in the report:
- The Crookston campus ranked 36th among baccalaureate institutions in the number of international students, with 144 students.
- The Morris campus ranked 37th among baccalaureate institutions in study abroad, with 270 students.
- The Duluth campus ranked 40th among master’s institutions in study abroad, with 385 students.
The Open Doors report is published by the Institute of International Education, the leading not-for-profit educational and cultural exchange organization in the United States. A full press kit and further details on the Open Doors 2009 surveys and their findings can be accessed on www.opendoors.iienetwork.org
Tom Wins Full Scholarship to Study Abroad
University of Minnesota student Tom Mitchell received a four-week scholarship to volunteer abroad teaching English in Thailand this summer. World Endeavors, a study, volunteer, and intern abroad business, awarded the scholarship based on Mitchell’s answer to a social philanthropy question and support for his response. Justmeans, an online social philanthropy network, hosted the competition.
As a World Endeavors volunteer in Wat Tan, Thailand this summer, Mitchell will teach English to children at the local village school. English teaching volunteers work in other classes based on their qualifications and skills. As part of the volunteer program, Mitchell will join the children in sports, help in the vegetable garden and assist in painting the school.
Mitchell plans to relax and enjoy Thai culture while getting to know the Wat Tan villagers and exploring other local towns. Bangkok is close by – Mitchell will shop at the famous JJ Weekend market in Bangkok, visit China Town, go on boat rides and cycling trips, and possibly try Thai boxing.
Mitchell is a Carlson School of Management student majoring in Human Resource Development, Youth Studies, and Educational Psychology along with a minor in Chinese. Mitchell is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity and is a community advisor in Middlebrook hall. He also works for Viva Musica, a local non-profit aimed at aiding K-12 arts and music education programs. He hopes to someday direct a youth-leadership organization and possibly be involved with educational administration.
Student Raises Scholarship Money for Peruvian Orphans
CBS undergraduate Mike Torchia embarked on a 7-day, 400 mile trek through Minnesota by bike, kayak, skates, and foot to raise money for scholarships for Peruvian orphans.
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships for Study Abroad in 2010–11
Opportunities are offered for study abroad in nearly 100 host countries, including academic year scholarships, multi-year scholarships, and scholarships for 3-6 months of intensive language study and cultural immersion.
Awards range from $10,000 to $23,000, depending on the type and length of the program. May not be used for university-sponsored study abroad programs. Some of the scholarships have language proficiency requirements. Sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduates may apply.
Must be a citizen of a country with Rotary Clubs. Applicants should have strong academic records and a commitment to service. Initial application is made through a Rotary Club in the applicant's hometown or place of current full-time study. Apply this January for scholarships for the 2010–11 academic year. For further information, visit www.honors.umn.edu/scholarships/ or www.rotary.org.
Fall 2008 Photo Contest Winners
The results are in! Check out the winning shots from the Learning Abroad Center's fall Photo Contest.
Last modified on November 19, 2009 |