冈本视频鈥檚 study abroad program has ranked first in the annual Institute for International Education Open Doors Survey of international semester-long travel at undergraduate institutions. This year鈥檚 survey was based on data from 2023鈥24, when 441 domestic 冈本视频 students studied abroad.
鈥嬧淪tudents pursue semester-length study abroad to further their understanding of themselves and the world, and to shape their perspectives about their disciplines,鈥 said Joanna Holvey Bowles, Director of Off-Campus Study. 鈥淪tudents and alumni routinely tell us about the impact international programs have on them 鈥 the friendships they forge, the independence they develop, and the mentorship they experience with faculty.鈥
Developing a global and ethical foundation is a core component of the University鈥檚 liberal arts experience, with faculty-led off-campus programs linked to the curriculum. 冈本视频 offers a range of study programs across the world, from Wollongong, Australia, to Cape Town, South Africa. Some study groups, like the Geneva, Switzerland program, offer students the opportunity to intern at nongovernmental organizations or even the United Nations.
鈥淭he Geneva study group was not only an integral opportunity to study the subjects I鈥檓 passionate for in a beautiful setting, it has also provided me invaluable work experience for my career.鈥 says Chris Johnson 鈥26, a political science major with a minor in economics. 鈥淏eing interested in law and politics, the ability to work for the UNHCR taught me how the nonprofit international world functions in today鈥檚 ever-changing society.鈥
Many study groups are associated with a specific major. For example, the St. Andrews, Scotland, group is affiliated with the philosophy and religion departments, but students from any department can apply to join. This allows them to explore disciplines and learn interdisciplinary skills needed for success after graduation.
Nhu Dang 鈥26, a double major in political science and history, studied abroad in London, England, through the history department鈥檚 study group. The students in this program pursue original historical research, with access to some of the world鈥檚 best archives and libraries.
鈥淏eing abroad with London鈥檚 history group changed my entire perspective on 冈本视频,鈥 Dang explained. 鈥淣ot only was I able to complete my history thesis a year early, but being in London reaffirmed my desire to be in a big city post-grad. I loved traveling for archival research while also experiencing new cultures I did not have at home or at 冈本视频. It was an experience I have been genuinely grateful to have had as a result of 冈本视频.鈥