Institute of International Education ranks Richmond No. 1 and No. 2 in two surveys measuring study abroad

November 18, 2013

The Institute of International Education ranks the University of Richmond first and second among leading baccalaureate institutions in two Open Doors surveys measuring the number of students studying abroad.

Richmond ranked first among 20 top baccalaureate schools for the number of students studying abroad for a semester during 2011-12, the most recent year reported in the survey. The university ranked second among the top 40 baccalaureate institutions for the total number of students studying abroad for short-term, summer, semester and academic year terms. A total of 654 Richmond students studied abroad that year. 

The university also ranked No. 6 among the top 40 baccalaureate institutions for the total number of international students in 2012-13. It ranked No. 7 for 2011-12, and No. 9 in 2010-11.

The total number of international students at Richmond has increased steadily over the last several years. From 2011-12 to 2012-13, it increased from 328 to 374, with students coming from almost 80 countries. They comprise 11 percent of the undergraduate student population.

The largest number of international students at Richmond in fall 2013 comes from China (107), followed by India (17), the United Kingdom (16), the Bahamas (14), and South Korea (14). The most popular field of study is business administration.

“Our rankings in the survey reflect the university’s ongoing commitment to internationalization and creating a diverse campus experience,” said Joe Hoff, interim dean of international education. “We work diligently and creatively to prepare Richmond students for a life in the global community whether they study abroad, attend classes taught by visiting international scholars, or engage in cultural exchange here on campus with fellow students from around the world.”

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