UW-Madison's study abroad program ranked in the top ten among U.S. research universities, according to a report released Monday.
The report, released by the Institute of International Education, ranked UW-Madison third in year-long program participation, fourth in mid-length programs and sixth in overall participation for the 2007-'08 school year.
According to the report, UW-Madison moved up three spots compared to the previous year with an overall 20 percent increase of students going abroad.
""It's a huge priority for the university and specifically for the Division of International Studies to get as many students as we can to have an international experience during their education,"" Masarah Van Eyck, director of communications for the UW-Madison Division of International Studies, said.
Van Eyck said she encourages all UW-Madison students to consider studying abroad during their college experience. She said the skills learned while abroad are becoming increasingly valuable.
""So many studies have shown that international experiences radically change people's outlook; they are able to grapple with complex issues that might have more than one solution,"" she said.
According to the release, the most popular locations for UW-Madison students are European countries, though China continues to move up on the list every year.
Van Eyck said she believes that for every student on campus there is a program to suit their needs and that students concerned about finances can apply for scholarships.
She said interested students should contact the department of International Academic Programs or visit www.studyabroad.wisc.edu.
—Kelsey Gunderson
