ASU among top 10 schools for international students; top 25 for study abroad

Students from Brazil gather at Arizona State University’s Memorial Union to cheer for their team in the 2014 World Cup.
Photo by: Andy DeLisle

As a testament to its commitment to global engagement and educating world-class citizens, Arizona State University has been ranked eighth in the nation as a top university for international students, and 21st nationally for students studying abroad, according to the 2014 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.

The Institute of International Education, the world’s largest international training and education nonprofit organization, published the report in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

ASU was home to 8,683 international students in the 2013-2014 academic year, up more than 30 percent from 6,645 the previous year when ASU was ranked 11th in the nation. More than 1,820 ASU students took advantage of study abroad opportunities in 2012-2013 to earn credits, helping the university jump five spots to rank 21st in the nation.

“Each year, ASU’s reputation as the New American University continues to grow stronger among the global community because of the strength of academic programs, the success of our graduates, and extensive global engagement at every level,” said Kent Hopkins, vice provost of enrollment management at ASU. “The university remains committed to expanding our global footprint by attracting more international students and encouraging our own students to take advantage of study abroad programs.”

The full top 10 list of the top schools for international students from the Institute of International Education includes:

1. New York University
2. University of Southern California
3. University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign
4. Columbia University
5. Purdue University – Main Campus
6. University of California – Los Angeles
7. Northeastern University
8. Arizona State University
9. Michigan State University
10. University of Washington

Growing international community

Ranked one of the top 100 universities in the world, Arizona State University attracts international students from more than 120 countries across the globe to all four of its campuses. While China, India and Saudi Arabia are the top three countries of origin for international students at ASU, students from all countries have found a home here to learn and benefit from each other.

“International students have a positive impact on the university both inside and outside the classroom,” said Jennifer Glawson, interim director of ASU’s International Students and Scholars Center. “When international and domestic students come together, we create opportunities for all students to develop a broader world view that is absolutely vital to our mission of global engagement.”

Juliete Pereira, an exchange student from Brazil who is majoring in environmental engineering, said that ASU’s support system for international students made her feel valued.

“My professors take the time to answer my questions and are ready to help at all times,” she said. “Being in a new country was confusing at first, but so many people have helped me during the transition.”

Shashank Kunjibettu is from Mangalore, India, pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. He said the opportunity to study in the U.S., especially at ASU, was too good to pass.

“ASU is a reputable university with excellent faculty, a strong and active alumni network, and detailed coursework and good research in thermal and energy fields,” he said. “The university also offers a diverse environment and provides a platform to interact and understand people from all around the globe.”

The United States remains the top destination in the world for students seeking higher educational opportunities, hosting double the number of students than the United Kingdom, the next country on the list.

To learn more about ASU’s international students and scholars, click here.

Study abroad – the gift of perspective

To forge the new role of higher education in the world and enhance students’ educational experiences at home and abroad, ASU offers more than 250 different study abroad programs in over 55 countries around the world. According to Adam Henry, director of ASU’s Study Abroad Office, the university is working to increase the number of study abroad opportunities for ASU students that are cost-effective and allow them to explore the unknown in a new country and culture.

“While abroad, students take coursework for ASU credit and learn about their academic discipline in a completely different context that will impact their overall course of study,” he said. “Engaged students accept and adapt to new cultures quickly to enhance their global awareness, advance their career, and experience personal growth in this ever-changing and cross-cultural environment.”

The top study abroad destinations for ASU students are Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, China and Australia.

Donny Nelson, who is getting a master’s degree in education, visited Bern, Switzerland, in the summer of 2013 as part of the Global Challenges: European Solutions study abroad program.

“The experience made the world much, much smaller,” said Nelson. “It showed me how no land is too far, no problem is too difficult, and no culture is too different. I’m a firm believer in that education is something you do and not something you get. Studying abroad allows exactly for that. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and shatters any preconceived notions you had about anyone or anything around the globe.”

To learn more about the ASU Study Abroad Office and programs, visit studyabroad.asu.edu.