November 21, 2018

Susquehanna University ranks among the best in the nation for undergraduate participation in study abroad, according to the Open Doors 2018 annual report on student mobility, released Nov. 13 by the Institute for International Education (IIE).

According to the report, which uses data from the 2016-17 academic year, Susquehanna ranked No. 1 in Pennsylvania among baccalaureate universities and No. 6 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, 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 90 percent, choose to study in another country. The rest complete their cross-cultural experience within the United States.

Aside from their academic learning, students who study abroad benefit from personal growth, enhanced leadership skills, and a global awareness that employers value.

In national surveys, most college-bound students say they plan to study abroad, but often don’t once they’re in college. In fact, only about one in 10 U.S. students study abroad during their undergraduate career, according to the IIE.

“The cost of studying abroad can present a challenge for students, but our flexible structure and financial aid packages ensure that every student can and does enjoy a life-changing GO experience that suits their goals and budget,” said Scott Manning, dean of global programs at Susquehanna. “Students taking a traditional semester abroad continue to pay at-home tuition and receive all aid. More than half of all students on our shorter, faculty-led, or self-designed programs can offset part of the expense through institutional grants-some up to 75 percent of the total cost.”