The 2007 Open Doors report, which surveys study abroad programs across the nation, ranks UW–Madison 5th and 6th respectively among other research institutions’ semester- and year-long programs in 2005-2006.
Overall, UW-Madison’s study abroad program ranks in the top 20 of U.S. research institutions. And for good reason: UW–Madison offers students over 150 overseas study and internship opportunities to every continent except Antarctica. In 2005-2006, it sent more than 1,600 students abroad.
“Giving students the global competence they need to be effective professionals and responsible global citizens is of the highest priority,” says dean of students Lori Berquam. “International research and teaching ensure that our students will help to shape the future of global relations.”
In regards to short-term, semester-long and year-long study abroad programs, it’s in the semester and year-term programs where UW-Madison aims to excel.
In a November 13 article by Sarah Carter in UW-Madison’s student paper The Daily Cardinal, Rob Howell, director of international academic programs and German professor, noted that many of the campuses that ranked higher in the overall ranking than UW-Madison could have as many as 80 to 90 percent of their programs only having a one-week to three-week duration, so are able to send more students abroad.
UW–Madison a top producer of Fulbright students
UW-Madison students have fared well in landing 2007-08 international fellowships with The Fulbright Program. In all, 24 UW-Madison students were offered Fulbright awards, and 18 accepted.
In an October 25th article in UW-Madison’s student paper The Badger Herald, reporter Lauren Cohen quoted Fulbright recipient Alison Carter saying, “Fulbright has given me enough money to go to Cambodia for a long enough time to make contacts and get a lot of research done for my dissertation.”
Among the nation’s public research universities, Madison ranked 11th in the number of students receiving Fulbrights this year—a testament to the strength of UW–Madison’s area and international programs.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides funding for one academic year of study, research or assistant teaching abroad.