As reported by the Institute for International Education, the percentage of American college students studying abroad has been on a steady rise.

Over the past year the number of University of Denver students studying abroad for at least one quarter has doubled.

The timing and planning of the Cherrington Global Scholars (CGS) may increase that number.

Undergraduate students entering the University of Denver in the fall of 2002 will be eligible to spend one academic quarter studying outside the United States at no additional cost.

By fall of 2004, DU hopes to be able to offer a study abroad experience that only requires the tuition and room and board fee, and will include roundtrip airfare.

At the present time 20 percent of DU undergraduates study abroad, by implementing the CGS program in 2004, the university hopes to push that figure up to 60 percent.

“The Cherrington Global Scholars program will help ready our graduates to thrive in an increasingly complex world,” stated Provost Robert Coombe.

“Comprehending how perspectives change from culture to culture is critical preparation,” he said.

The CGS program will be administered by DU’s Office of Internationalization.

To qualify for the program, students will have to select an approved university or college from around the world. At this time the list only has 15 approved programs, but the office hopes that by 2004 to have it up to 30 potential sites.

“When students immerse in study abroad, especially in programs where they are using another language, it forever changes their world view and potential for growth. It’s even truer now than before September 11th,” explained Chancellor Dan Ritchie.

Prior to fall of 2004, the Office of Internationalization hopes more students will decide to go study abroad. As an incentive, a $115,000 travel fund has been established for next year.

“The Cherrington Global Scholars program is another important way that DU continues to differentiate itself from other schools,” said John Dolan, vice chancellor for enrollment.

The CGS program is named after the late Ben Cherringoton. As a chancellor at DU, he worked to enhance students’ interest in world events and their impact.