Boulder’s Campus Globalization

By Mary Dando, Director
Study Abroad, CU-Boulder
 
2014 has been a remarkable year for international education. CU-Boulder Study Abroad started the year by joining the Generation Study Abroad commitment to double the number of students who study abroad by the year 2020. Over 240 U.S. universities and institutions have joined this effort to increase national participation in study abroad opportunities, with the goal of better preparing our students to succeed in today's global marketplace. CU-Boulder Study Abroad’s commitment focuses on increasing study abroad participation among our students who have traditionally been underrepresented in study abroad, including students not studying in liberal arts fields, and diverse students.
 
This commitment to increase the accessibility of study abroad has benefits for the Boulder campus as well. Recent data reveals that CU-Boulder juniors and seniors who study abroad have a graduation rate 10 percentage points higher than juniors and seniors who don’t study abroad (source: Planning, Budget, Analysis (PBA) CU-Boulder, January 2014). Study abroad helps with retention, career/earning potential, preparing students for global leadership, research opportunities, and more.
 
With word spreading about the impact that study abroad can have it’s no wonder that we are on our way to sending more students abroad in spring 2015 than ever before. Over 500 students are expected to spend next semester overseas, pursuing their own adventures in Spain, Germany, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Brazil, and beyond. Last year (2013-2014) nearly 1,300 students went abroad on CU-Boulder study abroad programs, and an additional 625 students went abroad on non-credit Global Experiences or other international programs. 
 
And while 2014 is soon coming to a close, Study Abroad isn’t done yet! We have several events coming up that we’re excited about.
 
From November 17th – 21^st, CU-Boulder will host a number of events in celebration of International Education Week. Founded jointly by the US Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, "International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States."
 
While there’s much to celebrate in 2014, there is still plenty of work to be done. We hope you’ll join us in our efforts to continue to create a globalized CU-Boulder student body. Share stories about your own experience abroad, contribute to our study abroad scholarship fund, and/or encourage a friend to explore the many international opportunities that are available to them. With your help we expect 2015 to be an even better year for international education.
 
Here in Study Abroad, we’re looking forward to what the future holds!