For Fifth Consecutive Year, Arcadia University Ranked First in U.S. in Study Abroad

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Nov 18, 2014, 10:30 ET

GLENSIDE, Pa., Nov. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the fifth consecutive year, Arcadia University is ranked first in the U.S. in study abroad, according to the Institute of International Education's Open Doors Report.

This marks the sixth time in the past seven years that Arcadia has been No. 1 in its respective category for study abroad participation. Arcadia earned the recognition based on the percentage of undergraduate students participating in a study abroad experience at a master's level college or university, as determined by the Institute of International Education, with support from the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

"It is crucial for colleges and universities today to offer more than just study abroad and to address global issues in their curriculum," said Dr. Nicolette DeVille Christensen, president of Arcadia University. "We are proud of our ranking and, as a leader in international education, are committed to creating rigorous academic and co-curricular opportunities that engage students in transformative educational experiences. These courses of study begin with Arcadia's signature and pioneering programs during a student's first year."

"We are delighted at this news from the Institute of International Education," said Lorna Stern, vice president of Arcadia University and executive director of The College of Global Studies. "An unwavering commitment to the importance and value of the international context to shape and inform developing minds is a challenge in these days of hard-pressed resources and myriad institutional priorities. Arcadia continues to believe that the institutional riches that are born from a dedicated focus upon global education will pay boundless dividends for our students, our staff, our faculty, and, ultimately, our communities."

Arcadia University has been a leader in international education for nearly 70 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. Approximately 70 percent of Arcadia students study abroad during their academic career.

"This ranking is a testament to the strength of Arcadia's commitment to internationalization and to the breadth of our programming," said Dr. Warren Haffar, dean of International Affairs at Arcadia. "From our unique programs for first-year students such as the University's Preview program, to the global research projects of our faculty, to the international opportunities available through The College of Global Studies, the international experience is an integral part of an Arcadia education."

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.

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 150 study abroad programs in 15 countries, Arcadia offers academic certificate programs, a co-curricular learning program and certificate, international internships, and service learning projects. studyabroad.arcadia.edu

About Arcadia University
Arcadia University is a top-ranked private university in Greater Philadelphia and a national leader in study abroad and international education. The 2014 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.