Monday, November 14, 2016

The University of North Carolina Wilmington has been ranked sixth among a list of top 40 U.S. master’s colleges and universities in the number of students studying abroad. A total of 897 UNCW students participated in international study opportunities during the 2014-15 academic year, according to the 2016 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, released today.

UNCW has steadily moved up in these prestigious rankings, from 9th in 2012-13 and 7th in 2013-14. The annual report is published by the Institute for International Education, with support from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

UNCW Provost Marilyn Sheerer said, “Our continued growth in this arena represents our dedication to foster rich international educational experiences for our students. The more we connect beyond our borders, the more prepared our students will be to succeed in the global marketplace.”

The announcement comes at the onset of International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. UNCW is participating in the national celebration of globalism by hosting an Intercultural Festival, films, performances and panel discussions throughout the week.

UNCW Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli has identified increasing the university’s global outreach as a strategic priority. UNCW currently offers more than 500 education abroad programs in more than 50 countries. University representatives recently visited China and Brazil to increase international connections with potential students and institutions there.

In September, the UNCW Office of International Programs teamed up with the Council on International Educational Exchange to provide 100 free passports to students to encourage greater participation in UNCW’s education abroad program.

-- Caroline Cropp

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