Ohio State ranked in the top 20 nationally for study abroad and international students
The Ohio State University is ranked among the top 10 nationally for its international student enrollment and in the top 20 for the number of students studying abroad, according to a national report released today.
Ohio State jumped eight spots and is now ranked 7th among the nation’s colleges and universities for hosting 6,082* international students in 2010, a 26.8 percent increase over the previous year. Ohio State also improved its 20th place ranking and moved to18th nationally with 1,945 students studying abroad in 2009-2010. Ohio State remained 3rd in the nation with 1,702 students studying abroad on short-term programs. Short-term programs are defined as taking place during the summer, January term or for eight weeks or less during the academic year.
These findings were issued as part of the Open Doors 2011 report, an annual survey published by the Institute of International Education.
The rise in the number of international students can be attributed to the quality of Ohio State’s academic programs; strong investment in programming for first year students; Ohio’s central location; affordability; an environment that provides the “authentic” American university experience; and the university’s opening of a Gateway office in Shanghai, which leverages the university’s global reputation.
“We continue to attract quality international students who are enrolling at Ohio State because they are aware of our growing academic prowess,” said William Brustein, vice provost for global strategies and international affairs.
Brustein acknowledged that while the number of students studying abroad has slightly increased, it is important to find ways to make study abroad accessible and affordable to a wide range of students. “We are working to develop programs that will give first and second year students the opportunity to take one course abroad in English that focuses on an introduction to the country and region, as well as global issues as they relate to the host country. We hope this type of program will be attractive for a wide range of majors and broad demographic dimensions.”
International students at Ohio State are from 116 different countries including, China (2,432); South Korea (932); India (872); Taiwan (274) and Turkey (125). Nationally, the leading home countries for international students are China, India, South Korea, Canada and Taiwan.
The top fields of study at Ohio State for international students include engineering, business and biomedical and biological sciences, similar to the national trend.
The most popular destinations for Ohio State students to study abroad include the United Kingdom, Canada, China, Italy and Germany. Nationally, the leading destinations for studying abroad are the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France and China.
The Open Doors 2010 report is released as part of the nationwide observance of International Education Week (November 14-18), a joint initiative established by the U.S. Departments of Education and State. The rankings are based on figures for the 2009-10 academic year.
At Ohio State, the week is celebrated with a number of activities supported by the Office of International Affairs, which oversees Ohio State’s study abroad programs and international student and scholar services. The office also advances high quality international education programs, scholarships and service activities to promote global opportunities for Ohio State, its faculty, staff and students. For more information, visit oia.osu.edu/
* The IIE’s collection of enrollment data for international students includes two categories of students who are not currently enrolled at Ohio State in classes for credit. They include “Optional Practical Training” students who not taking classes, but are continuing their education through practical training in their field of study, and exchange students who are pursuing continuing (non-credit) education.
