Texas A&M Ranks Third Nationally In Students Receiving Academic Credit For Studying Abroad

Texas A&M University ranks as one of the nation’s top three institutions of higher learning in the number of students receiving academic credit for their study, research, intern, or volunteer experiences abroad, according to the 2015 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.

Texas A&M is credited with having 2,911 students studying abroad under the criteria stipulated in the report published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The report is for the 2013-14 academic year, and does not reflect the most current data available. During the 2015 academic year, Texas A&M University sent 3,373 students abroad on credit-bearing programs.

“Texas A&M has had a multiyear commitment to enhance high-impact learning opportunities for our students,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Karan L. Watson. “We are proud that this report reflects the commitment of our colleges and faculty to create these opportunities, as well as to attract students from around the world to our university.”

The release of the new Open Doors data marks the celebration of International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders, both U.S. students and international students who study at Texas A&M, to have a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

The report shows the number of U.S. students studying abroad increased by five percent in 2013/14, the highest rate of growth since before the 2008 economic downturn. While study abroad by American students has more than tripled in the last two decades, reaching a new high of 304,467, still only about 10 percent of U.S. students study abroad before graduating from college.

“We are excited to see that record numbers of students are taking advantage of international education opportunities, and we applaud the efforts of U.S. higher education as we work together to increase the number of American students who study abroad,” said Evan Ryan, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. “It is critical that we continue to make study abroad more accessible. These exchanges strengthen ties between the United States and countries around the world. By increasing accessibility to study abroad, we are investing in our future and providing a forum to solve global challenges.”

New York University heads the list of higher education institutions with students studying abroad and receiving academic credit, with 4,504, followed by University of Texas at Austin with 3,021. Other top 10 institutions are the University of Southern California, University of Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State, University of Illinois and the University of Wisconsin.

“International experience is one of the most important components of a 21st century education,” said IIE President Dr. Allan E. Goodman. “Studying abroad is one of the best ways for students to gain the international experience necessary to succeed in today’s global workforce. And studying in another country prepares students to be real contributors to working across borders to address key issues in the world we share.”

“As part of the campus-wide initiative to enhance student learning called ‘Aggies Commit to Learning for a Lifetime’, Texas A&M University has invested in international high-impact learning experiences for our students,” said Study Abroad Program Director Jane Flaherty. “By integrating the knowledge cultivated in these opportunities as well as campus-based programs, we believe all Aggies will acquire the habits and skills needed to become successful life-long learners, such as the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively with a diverse population. These are the ingredients to future success.”