Study abroad, international student numbers mirror national trends

More American students are studying abroad, and international student enrollment in the United States is up, according to new figures released this week by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

The trends are similar at UW–Madison, which has recorded increases in the number of students participating in study abroad programs and international students enrolling at the university.

The number of UW–Madison students studying abroad in 2001-02 for UW–Madison credit on programs offered through the IAP increased to 688 students, up 11 percent from 2000-01 figures.

A total of approximately 1,320 students participated in UW–Madison study abroad programs, or received UW–Madison credit while participating in non-Madison or “independent” programs in 2001-02, also an increase over the previous year.

According to the IIE report, Open Doors 2002, UW–Madison ranks eighth among research institutions in total numbers of students abroad. Unlike many of the top ranking institutions that have high numbers due to large enrollments in short term programs, the UW–Madison sends most students abroad for one or two full terms. Campus-wide, 69 percent of students abroad participated for one term or two full terms in 2001-02, compared to the national average of 45 percent.

The IIE’s report found that the number of U.S. college students receiving credit for study abroad in 2000-01 (the most recent statistics for comparison nationally) increased 7.4 percent from the previous year, reaching a record total of 154,168. The report, made possible with financial support from the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is being released in conjunction with International Education Week.

Also released were the results of a new IIE online survey, in which UW–Madison participated, indicating that study abroad is more popular than ever among U.S. students in the year since September 11th, 45 percent of campuses surveyed reported increases in the number of students studying abroad in fall 2002.

At UW–Madison, IAP has implemented several new programs and initiatives recently, including short-term study abroad options.

• In spring 2000, IAP began administering a new program of state-awarded funds aimed at increasing the number of Wisconsin residents who study abroad. In 2001-02, more than $125,000 was distributed to over 70 IAP students. During the same time period, the proportion of Wisconsin residents on IAP programs increased from 56 percent in 1999-00 to 63 percent in 2001-02.
• In summer 2002, IAP also opened a new program with Ewha Women’s University in Seoul, Korea, with summer, spring and fall semester options. IAP offers programs on six continents.
• Since 1961-62, when study abroad programs were first offered through IAP, at least 10,294 students have received credit for participating in an overseas program. IAP is the unit serving the most UW–Madison students who study abroad. Since 1985, it has doubled the number of its programs from 35 to 70 and increased annual participation from just over 300 to nearly 700 students annually.

“September 11 has not discouraged our students from studying abroad,” says Gilles Bousquet, dean of International Studies at the UW–Madison. “Rather, there is a heightened awareness that in-depth international training and cooperation are essential in today’s globalized world and global economy.”

Bousquet also points out that international students have been part of the fabric of UW–Madison for most of its history, and that the university has one of the largest populations of foreign nationals enrolled in its programs of any college or university nationwide.

“International students aren’t just getting an education,” he adds. “Their many contributions to campus life enrich our learning environment and add a vibrant and dynamic dimension to the cultural life of the community. In a very real sense, they bring the world to Wisconsin, and make Madison a more cosmopolitan and diverse city.”

International Student Services, which is responsible for services and programs that aid students from abroad studying at the UW–Madison, reports that international enrollments have also increased slightly.

According to ISS figures, 3,743 international students were enrolled in the fall 2002 semester. A year ago, the figure was 3,735. According to the IIE, the number of international students attending colleges and universities in the U.S. increased by 6.4 percent, bringing the total to a record high of 582,996, according to its report.

For more information on the national report, contact Deborah Gardner at the Institute for International Education, (212) 734-2190 or visit http://opendoors.iienetwork.org/.