Purdue ranks 19th in the nation for study abroad

More Purdue students are studying abroad thanks to Purdue Moves

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University has become one of the nation's top 20 schools that send U.S. students abroad.

Purdue moved up to 19th from 23rd in domestic student participation in study abroad, which is a strategic goal for the university, according to a report issued Tuesday (Nov. 13) by the Institute of International Education. Purdue is tied for 19th with Brigham Young University.

Jennifer DeLuca over spring break in 2017 studied in Quito, Ecuador, during a short-term study abroad course, "Medical Needs-Finding in Low-Resource Settings." She worked with ROMP (Range of Motion Project), engaging with prosthetists at the Fundación Hermano Miguel Clinic, where she met with upper- and lower-limb amputees and assisted in the design and fabrication of prostheses, orthotics and other adaptive technologies to aid these patients. (Photo provided) Download image

“During the past school year, Purdue has continued its mission to send more students on study abroad experiences,” said Michael Brzezinski, dean of international programs. “We also continue our work through the Center for Intercultural Learning, Mentorship, Assessment and Research to promote intercultural competency in our students during their on-campus curricular and co-curricular experiences and while they study abroad.”

Purdue offers scholarships for qualified undergraduate students who participate in a study abroad program as part of Purdue Moves, a range of initiatives designed to broaden the university’s global impact and enhance educational opportunities for its students. The aspirational goal is for one-third of all undergraduate students to participate in an international study, internship or research credit-bearing experience before graduation.

Purdue had 2,149 credit-bearing domestic students who studied abroad in 2016-17. Previously, Purdue was ranked No. 23 with 1,993 domestic students.

Locations that attracted 100 or more students in 2016-17 were Australia, China, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. More than 10 percent of the students studying abroad were conducting research or were participating in an internship.

The Open Doors report is published in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and its publication marks the celebration of International Education Week. The Institute of International Education has conducted an annual statistical survey of international students in the United States since its founding in 1919 and in partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs since 1972. 

Writer: Matthew Oates, 765-496-2571, oatesw@purdue.edu