Arcadia University Again Ranked First in Nation in Study Abroad

GLENSIDE, Pa., Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Arcadia University continues to be number one in the United States in its respective category for study abroad participation, according to the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange 2013. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120419/DC90762LOGO)

Arcadia has earned this recognition based on the percentage of undergraduate students participating in a study abroad experience at a master's level college or university. Arcadia University has retained its position at the top of this national category for five of the past six years, as determined by the Institute of International Education (IIE) with support from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

"The Arcadia community worldwide continues to be very proud of our top ranking, as it represents how hard our faculty and staff work to engage our students in the international context," said Dr. Nicolette DeVille Christensen, President of Arcadia University. "While it is excellent that we continue to see growth in the number of American students studying abroad, there is still much more work to be done across U.S. higher education to expand global opportunities. We look forward to continuing to be at the forefront of developing international education initiatives both here and abroad."   

Arcadia University has been a leader in international education for more than 65 years, since then-Beaver College first began sending students to study in post-war Europe. That legacy continues to be part of the Arcadia ethos.

"International education is meaningfully integrated in all aspects of our curriculum," said Dr. Warren Haffar, Dean of International Affairs at Arcadia. "International education begins in the first year through unique Arcadia programs such as FYSAE and Preview, and continues throughout the curriculum in myriad ways (including Global Field Studies courses and short- and long-term study abroad opportunities). The international experience is an integral part of many of Arcadia's graduate programs, such as the M.B.A and Physician Assistant programs, which include research and field-based learning opportunities."

For more information on all of Arcadia's study abroad and international education programs, including the First-Year Study Abroad Experience (FYSAE), Preview, and Global Field Study courses, and on The College of Global Studies, visit www.arcadia.edu/studyabroad.

"Arcadia is an institution committed to the high impact learning that occurs when a global perspective is part of a student's academic career," said Lorna Stern, Vice President for The College of Global Studies. "IIE continues to serve a very important data collection function which documents and thereby encourages all of us to strengthen existing and identify new opportunities for engagement and learning for our students." 

About the Open Doors Report

The Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange is published by the Institute of International Education, the leading not-for-profit educational and cultural exchange organization in the United States. IIE has conducted an annual statistical survey of campuses regarding the international students in the United States since 1919, and with support from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs since the early 1970s. The census is based on a survey of approximately 3,000 accredited U.S. institutions. Open Doors also conducts and reports on separate surveys on U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit (since 1985), and on international scholars at U.S. universities and international students enrolled in pre-academic Intensive English Programs.

The College of Global Studies

The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University is known internationally for academically sound and experientially rich study abroad programs. The College offers a wide range of academic programs at Arcadia study and research centers as well as at top universities around the world. In addition to more than 140 study abroad programs in 18 countries, Arcadia offers academic certificate programs, a co-curricular learning program and certificate, international internships, and service learning projects.

About Arcadia University

Arcadia University is a top-ranked private university in metropolitan Philadelphia and a national leader in study abroad and international education. The 2013 Open Doors report names Arcadia University #1 in the nation in undergraduate students studying abroad, while U.S. News & World Report ranks Arcadia among the top regional universities in the north and lauds Arcadia's study abroad programs. Arcadia University promises a distinctively global, integrative, and personal learning experience that prepares students to contribute and lead in a diverse and dynamic world. Visit www.arcadia.edu.

SOURCE Arcadia University