December 09, 2019

Susquehanna University ranks among the best in the nation for undergraduate participation in study abroad, according to the Open Doors 2019 annual report on student mobility, released recently by the Institute for International Education (IIE).

According to the report, which uses data from the 2017-18 academic year, Susquehanna ranks No. 1 in Pennsylvania among baccalaureate universities and No. 11 nationwide for the percentage of students at baccalaureate schools studying abroad.

Susquehanna is one of only a handful of schools in the nation that requires a study-away experience for all students. Through the Global Opportunities (GO) program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, students study in a culture different from their own for at least two weeks or as long as a semester. An overwhelming majority of students, about 95 percent, choose to study in another country. The rest complete their cross-cultural experience within the United States.

Susquehanna’s study-away program is distinguished from others in that study away is a graduation requirement pinned to a pair of bookended, credit-bearing courses taught by professors. One course prepares students for their upcoming experiences, and a reflection course requires them to deliberate over their time spent away from campus.

In national surveys, most college-bound students say they plan to study abroad, but only about one in 10 U.S. students actually do, according to the IIE. Aside from academic learning, students who study abroad benefit from personal growth, and gain enhanced leadership skills and a global awareness that employers value.

“The cost of studying abroad can present a challenge for students, but we’ve done more to equalize opportunities than any other school I know of,” said Scott Manning, dean of global programs at Susquehanna. “Our flexible structure and financial aid packages ensure that every student enjoys a life-changing GO experience that suits their goals and budget.”

Susquehanna provides more than $750,000 in aid annually to students to support short-term study-away programs. Students taking a traditional semester abroad continue to pay at-home tuition and receive all aid.