“The Ruins” -Taken by MaryBeth McAndrews (Glastonbury Abbey)
St. Mary’s College of Maryland has once again been recognized by the Institute of International Education as one of the nation’s top higher education institutions for study abroad.
The Institute of International Education’s latest Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, in the category for bachelor degree granting institutions, ranks St. Mary’s College of Maryland among the top 40 in the nation for total number of students sent abroad and among the top 20 in the nation for overall study abroad participation rate.
St. Mary’s College carries its honors college traditions abroad by offering academic courses with hand-selected, international faculty at partner institutions in Argentina (Buenos Aires), The Gambia (Kanifing), and Thailand (Chiang Mai). In the past academic year (2011-12), St. Mary’s College sent 358 students abroad—a participation rate of nearly 80%. Studying abroad is available to all majors.
“Students come to St. Mary’s knowing they will study abroad,” said Mandy Reinig, director of international education. “The question is not, ‘Will I study abroad?’ but, ‘Where will I study abroad?’ Studying abroad is extremely important to the college experience because it provides students with an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone and experience another culture and way of life. This experience aids in their academic, professional and personal development.”
The Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange is published annually by the Institute of International Education, the leading not-for-profit educational and cultural exchange organization in the United States, with support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The 2013 report for U.S. students studying abroad reflects the 2011-12 academic year.
The 2013 Open Doors report is available at the Institute of International Education’s website.
See the awe-inspiring pictures taken by students studying abroad and submitted for SMCM’s fall 2013 International Education Photo Contest.