GVSU ranks fifth for study abroad participation

Grand Valley ranks fifth in the nation for the number of students who participate in study abroad programs, according to the Institute of International Education.

During the 2011-2012 reporting year, 825 Grand Valley students studied abroad. Among master’s degree institutions, Grand Valley had been as high as No. 8 in recent years.

Mark Schaub, chief international officer for GVSU, said the increase is due to several factors such as more academic departments supporting international education, scholarships for participants and study abroad alumni and faculty advisors talking to students about the benefits of study abroad.

Grand Valley offers more than 4,000 study abroad programs to students, ranging from faculty-led programs to independent study. Schaub said about one-third of study abroad participants choose faculty-led programs of two-six weeks in length, mostly during the spring/summer semesters.

Top destinations are the United Kingdom and Spain, and Schaub added that programs in Ghana, West Africa, have seen an increase in popularity.

National international education data is available on the IIE website, click here.

Grand Valley will celebrate International Education Week November 18-22 with many events, including a global Skype with study abroad participants. Click here for information.