DU recently received high marks from The Princeton Review in the publication’s annual “The Best 385 Colleges” list. The Princeton Review, a college preparatory organization that offers “best-in-class private tutoring, test prep, and admission products and services,” bases its rankings on surveys completed by 140,000 students from all 385 American schools.
This year, DU’s most notable ranking is its esteemed study abroad program. DU ranked No. 3 for the “Most Popular Study Abroad Program” category in the 2021 Princeton Review, right after Dickinson College (No. 2) and Elon University (No. 1).
“DU consistently ranks in the top 5%,” said Stephanie Roberts, Assistant Director of International Education at DU. In an interview with the Clarion, she said she was not surprised by this honor.
Roberts and Emelee Volden, Directors of International Education, agree that there are a number of reasons why DU’s program is so popular. One of these reasons is the variety of programs offered by the Office of International Education (OIE). Currently, DU has partnerships with approximately 150 study abroad programs around the world.
“There are many options for students,” said Roberts. “One of these options is having more or less structure while studying abroad.”
Some programs offer students the opportunity to live with a host family, while other programs offer the student more independence and the ability to act as a local student in whichever country they are studying. Students may also choose the competitive scale of their program, which can determine how difficult it is to be accepted to that particular university.
DU’s success in study abroad is made possible by the Cherrington Global Scholars international study program, which was created in 2001. Thanks to this program, more than 70% of DU students spend at least one term studying in another country.
The program allows eligible students to study abroad at a comparable cost to a term at DU. Roberts described this program as a financial commitment rather than a scholarship. “Students who are eligible for this program can take their financial aid packets from DU with them,” explained Roberts.
Scholars also receive benefits through the Cherrington program that help offset additional costs associated with studying abroad on quarter-length or longer programs, such as reimbursement for round-trip international airfare and student visa application fees.
“Faculty and the OIE are making huge steps towards creating a supportive culture around study abroad,” Roberts and Volden stated.
As for the future of studying abroad during COVID-19, nothing is certain. Volden was quick to explain that students’ safety and health is the first priority when making decisions and hopes to see a vaccine soon.
“There is a need for international engagement and education, but during this time we need to be more flexible,” said Volden.
Roberts and Volden kept a positive and upbeat tone when discussing the future of study abroad. They understand students’ desire to return to normality and advise anyone thinking about studying abroad to go to “drop-in advising hours. “Come talk to us,” encouraged Volden.
Although nothing is definite about the future, one thing is certain about DU’s study abroad program: it is only getting better.
