Ohio State Ranked in the Top 25 Nationally for Study Abroad and International Students
Columbus, Ohio -- The Ohio State University is ranked among the top 15 nationally for its international student enrollment and in the top 25 for the number of students studying abroad, according to a national report released today.
Ohio State ranked 15th among the nation’s colleges and universities for hosting 6,478* international students in 2012, a 5.5 percent increase over the previous year. Ohio State ranked 25th nationally with 1,716 students studying abroad in 2011-12.
These findings were issued as part of the 2013 Open Doors Report, an annual survey published by the Institute of International Education (IEE).
Ohio State was ranked 10th nationally in the 2012 Open Doors Report with 6,142 international students.
The university's strategy for growing its international student enrollment has been carefully planned and the quality of its applicants continues to grow.
"Our recruitment strategy is geared toward gradual growth in our international student population to ensure we have enhanced programming in place that will help our students adapt to a new cultural environment, while supporting their academic success at Ohio State," said William Brustein, vice provost for global strategies and international affairs.
Brustein acknowledged the number of students studying abroad slightly decreased from the number of students who studied abroad during the 2010-11 academic year, and indicated the university is now seeing a steady interest in student participation in study abroad experiences.
"It was necessary for faculty to take the time to re-evaluate their programs from an academic standpoint," Brustein said. "Additionally, there was a shorter summer session before we moved to semesters in autumn 2012 that contributed to lower participation rates during the time referenced in the study."
Participation in study abroad has rebounded with the switch to semesters and the advent of May session. During the 2012-2013 academic year an estimated 2,200 students studied abroad with close to 600 of those students taking advantage of an international academic experience during May session.
International students at Ohio State hail from 108 different countries, including China (3,696); India (683); South Korea (535); Taiwan (196); and Saudi Arabia (178). Nationally, the leading home countries for international students are China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Canada.
The top fields of study at Ohio State for international students include business, engineering 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, Australia, Italy, China and Brazil. Nationally, the leading destinations for studying abroad are the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, France and China.
The top fields of study for Ohio State students studying abroad are business and management, social sciences and health sciences, whereas the national trend records social sciences, business and humanities.
The 2013 Open Doors Report is released as part of the nationwide observance of International Education Week (Nov. 11-15), a joint initiative established by the U.S. Departments of Education and State.
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 faculty, staff and students. For more information, visit http://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 are not taking classes, but are continuing their education through practical training in their field of study, and exchange students who are pursuing continuing (nondegree) education.
About The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. Founded in 1870, Ohio State is a world-class public research university and the leading comprehensive teaching and research institution in the state of Ohio. With more than 63,000 students (including 57,000 in Columbus), the Wexner Medical Center, 14 colleges, 80 centers and 175 majors, the university offers its students tremendous breadth and depth of opportunity in the liberal arts, the sciences and the professions.
