Penn State students are studying abroad in record numbers, according to the national Open Doors 2007 report, which ranked the university in fourth place for the number of students studying out of the country during the 2005-06 academic year.
In the 2005-06 academic year, 2,168 Penn State students received credit abroad.
Penn State made its way into the top 10 at fifth place just two years ago in 2003-04. This is the second consecutive fourth-place year along with the 2004-05 academic year.
Studying abroad is also at a record high in the nation, according to the annual report released earlier this month by the Institute of International Education. The rankings are based on how many students receive academic credit for studying abroad in a school year.
"We want all Penn State grads to be global citizens. You need to know about what goes on in the world," Education Abroad Director John Keller said. "To me, that's the mark of an educated person."
Keller said he is pleased with Penn State's ranking and believes the increase of Penn State students studying abroad is primarily because of the greater variety of programs the Office of Education Abroad now offers.
"We added, three to four years ago, a lot more summer possibilities," Keller said, adding that these trips are more convenient for students who have jobs. "You could probably squeeze in a two-week trip in to India or Paris while still working."
Peer adviser Brad Fraser studied in Palma de Mallorca, Spain for six weeks last summer.
"I'm glad that more Penn State students are getting out there in the world," Fraser said. "You get to meet very different people than you get to meet at Penn State."
Keller said he was reluctant to guess what Penn State's ranking will be next year.
"What's happening now that I worry about is an unfavorable exchange rate and harsh economic conditions," Keller said. "I don't know how that's going to play out in student finances."
He said the Education Abroad Department is trying to offer a greater variety of financial aid and also possibly offer more financially substantial scholarships.
Although the number of American students studying abroad has increased 150 percent in the past 10 years, most of the nation's 15 million college students still graduate without studying abroad, according to the Open Doors report.
Keller said some students encounter issues including cost and discouragement from family and advisers, but students from all majors could benefit from studying abroad.
"Football season in the fall -- no one wants to miss that," Keller said. "People can find all sorts of reasons not to study abroad, but people should be looking for reasons to study abroad."
More students are also choosing to study in nontraditional locations including Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, according to the Open Doors 2007 report.
"Asia is becoming more and more popular," Keller said. "Students know that Asia is an economic powerhouse, so we are seeing increases in that."
Keller said students planning to study abroad should start thinking about it early and read and learn about the country that they plan to visit.
"Become acquainted with the world," he said. "Read international newspapers right now."
Students can speak with peer advisers 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday in 410 Boucke Building.
