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St. Olaf College again leads nation in international studies participation

mjc
November 13, 2000

NORTHFIELD, Minn. ? St. Olaf College again leads the nation?s colleges and universities in the percentage of students who study abroad, according to an Institute of International Education report, released today.

A greater percentage of students at St. Olaf College study abroad than at any other college or university in the nation, according to the latest Institute of International Education "Open Doors" report.

One in five St. Olaf students study abroad each year, and by the time they graduate 88 percent have participated in an international or off-campus studies program.

St. Olaf offers more than 115 interim, one-semester, five-month, or full-year academic programs in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, North, South and Central America, and Oceania. St. Olaf has ranked first in international studies participation for many years.

"Global perspective is an essential part of the mission of St. Olaf College, and we believe it is important to offer this opportunity for students to study abroad," said International and Off-Campus Studies Director Patrick Quade. He gives credit for the success of the program to the many St. Olaf faculty members who lead off-campus courses and serve as program advisers. "The commitment and support of our faculty is the single most important factor in the success of our off-campus study program."

In addition to the 632 St. Olaf students who studied abroad in 1998-?99, another 136 studied away from campus on domestic programs. More than 65 percent of 1999 St. Olaf graduates took part in at least one international program during their four years at the college, and another 23 percent participated in at least one domestic program, for a total off-campus study rate of 88 percent. ? more ?

St. Olaf leads in international studies ? 2

The number of U.S. college and university students studying abroad is up 14 percent from the previous year ? a record total of 129,770, according to the Institute of International Education. The institute uses the latest international studies data available (1998-?99) to examine study abroad as a percentage of college enrollment, comparing each college?s annual international studies numbers with the number of graduates from the previous year.

This year?s Open Doors list coincides with the first International Education Week Nov. 13-19, established by U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley and Secretary of State Madeleine K Albright in response to the President?s call for more international education. The week is set aside as a time for students to recognize the value of gaining a broad understanding of other nations? cultures, languages and governments.

"The power of people-to-people connections plays an ever increasing role in today?s global economy," Riley said. "I strongly believe that the growth of democracy, economic prosperity and social stability throughout the world is linked to the advance of international cooperation and education."

"If more Americans understand the language and cultures of others, I believe that we will be more likely to avoid conflicts and reach across the cultural differences to form international friendships and partnerships."

The 14 percent increase in the number of American students studying abroad in 1998-?99 follows two years of double-digit growth ? a 15 percent rise in 1997-?98 and an 11 percent increase in the preceding year. Over the last four years the number of U.S. students studying abroad has increased more than 45 percent.

"The strong increase in Americans studying abroad reflects a real commitment on the part of many U.S. campuses, as well as a growing recognition by students that they must have an international perspective if they want to be successful in the global economy," said IIE President Allan E. Goodman.

Despite the increase, only a small percentage of all U.S. college and university graduates study abroad, prompting Riley, Goodman and other education leaders to encourage more schools to follow the St. Olaf example.

"The overwhelming majority of American students never study outside of their own country," Goodman said. "Since international experience is so critical to young professionals today and to our national interest, the Institute of International Education is committed to working with colleges, sponsors and students themselves to double the number of Americans that study abroad."

Highlights of the Open Doors 2000 report, published with support from the U.S. State Department?s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, are available at www.opendoorsweb.org. The complete report ($42.95) can be ordered by phone at 800-445-0443, by e-mail from iiebooks@pmds.com, or from the IIE Online Bookstore: http://www.iiebooks.org.

St. Olaf College prepares students to become responsible citizens of the world, fostering development of mind, body and spirit. A four-year, coeducational liberal arts college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), St. Olaf has a student enrollment of 2,950 and a full-time faculty of approximately 256. It is one of Money Guide?s top 100 "elite values in college education today," and it leads the nation?s colleges in number of students who study abroad.

Contact Michael Cooper at 507-786-3315 or cooperm@stolaf.edu.