SF State News {University Communications}

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SF State among leaders for international education

Nov. 18, 2010 -- SF State is again among the national leaders as a destination for international students and for providing students with long-term study abroad experiences.

Photo of international flags.

According to rankings released Nov. 15 by the Institute for International Education in its Open Doors Survey, SF State ranked second among master's degree granting institutions as a destination for foreign students with 2,572 students. The data is based on the 2009-10 school year, and represented a 4.9 percent increase at SF State from the previous year.

The survey also found that students weren't just coming to SF State. The University also ranked second among Master's degree granting institutions for American students who completed long-term study abroad sessions. During the 2008-09 academic year, 241 students from SF State spent a year in another country as part of a long-term study abroad program, an 11 percent increase from the previous year.

My Yarabinec, associate director of study abroad and international exchange programs, said SF State encourages long-term study abroad programs, in contrast to the nationwide trend of shorter international stays. Of those students who stay abroad for a school year, almost half are students of color, older returning students or students with dependents.

"Going abroad longer gives you a perspective and is important for the individual student and the country," Yarabinec said. "These students who go abroad for a year have a better understanding of other cultures and a stronger platform to become a better international citizen." 

For more information about study abroad programs, visit www.sfsu.edu/~oip/

-- Michael Bruntz

 

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