Open Doors Report lists UW–Madison as a leading university for study abroad and international students

The Open Doors Report has listed the University of Wisconsin–Madison among the top 25 U.S. universities for study abroad participation and for hosting international students. The report is published by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

UW–Madison is ranked No. 18 among all U.S. universities for the number of students studying abroad, according to report. The number of UW–Madison students studying abroad increased to 2,410 for the 2017–2018 academic year. Open Doors listed 2,276 UW–Madison students studying abroad in the 2016–2017 academic year.

“It is gratifying that the number of UW–Madison students who study abroad continues to increase,” said Guido Podestá, vice provost and dean of the university’s International Division. “The university continues to offer diverse programs to help students meet their academic goals, while adding a crucial international component to their studies.”

The university ranked No. 2 among all U.S. institutions for participation in semester-long study abroad programs and No. 14 for yearlong program participation.

UW–Madison offers study abroad programs in more than 200 programs across 60 countries. The top destinations for students were Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Denmark, South Africa, France, Australia, Thailand, and Ecuador.

New programs are also increasing access to opportunities to study outside the U.S. The UW Study Abroad Summer Launch Program, which launched in summer 2019, allows a cohort of incoming freshmen to study abroad and earn credit before the fall semester. The Global Gateway Initiative, now in its seventh year, introduces first and second year students from diverse backgrounds and academic fields to international issues during month-long, faculty-led trips.

UW–Madison continues to be a destination for international students

UW–Madison was listed in Open Doors as No. 21 on the report’s list of top 25 institutions hosting international students for the 2018–2019 academic year. The university was listed No. 24 for the number of international students studying at UW–Madison during the 2017–2018 academic year.

The university’s international reputation and diverse academic offerings attract students from 126 countries. China, India, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Canada are among the top countries from which UW–Madison’s international students originate.

“Welcoming students from around the world to study alongside students from Wisconsin and throughout the U.S. makes UW–Madison a truly global community,” Podestá said. “The relationships international and domestic students develop become the foundation for future international cooperation and prosperity. We are pleased to see our student population continue to grow more diverse.”

According to a report by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the estimated expenditure for the 13,067 international students studying in Wisconsin during the 2018–2019 academic year was $448.5 million, supporting 5,309 jobs. International students contributed $41 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 458,290 jobs during that same time period.