The University of Denver, long known for its robust commitment to international education, ranks second in the country for undergraduate participation in study abroad. That’s according to the Institute of International Education’s 2021 Open Doors report, released in November.
This marked DU’s highest rating since 2012–13, but it has been ranked among the top 10 doctoral-granting institutions for 16 consecutive years.
In fall 2021, even with all the uncertainty arising from the coronavirus pandemic, nearly 460 University of Denver students studied abroad.
“In a year severely impacted by the pandemic, where overall U.S. study abroad participation fell by over 53%, the University of Denver has continued to remain a leader,” says Uttiyo Raychaudhuri, vice provost for internationalization.
In 2019–20, the report notes, 73% of new DU graduates had studied abroad.
Most undergraduate students venture abroad through DU’s signature Cherrington Gobal Scholars international education program. Through this initiative, eligible students spend a quarter or more in another country at a cost comparable to staying at DU, says Emelee Volden, director of DU’s Office of International Education.
Proponents of study abroad maintain that programs like Cherrington are needed now more than ever. After all, Volden says, the pandemic has renewed the push for global responsibility and highlighted the need for countries to work together to solve tough problems.
