DU has been ranked No. 3 in the country for undergraduate participation in study abroad programs in to the latest Open Doors report.

According to the report, 73.6 percent of DU undergraduate students studied abroad in the 2007-2008 academic year.

The University of San Diego was ranked No. 2, sending 78.5 percent of its students abroad, while Pepperdine University took first place with 96.7 percent of its undergraduate student body studying abroad last year.

Eric Gould, vice provost for internationalization, attributes the high student involvement to the financial generosity of DU’s study abroad program.

“It becomes a good academic deal,” said Gould. “You’re studying longer but only paying for a quarter. You’re bringing back more credits than you would pay for in 10 weeks at DU, and you’re there for 15 weeks.”

The DU study abroad program, Cherrington Global Scholars, allows eligible students to study abroad for a semester at the same cost as a quarter term at DU. Students also have the option to say abroad for a year.

Cherrington covers fees such as round-trip airfare and student visas.

DU spends approximately $2.5-3 million per year for the additional tuition, airfare and visa expenses.

Returning junior Ricky Anderson, who spent the fall quarter in El Salvador, said the study abroad office staff helped in guiding his decision-making process.  

“They were really supportive with everything and helped me make decisions,” Anderson said. “Everyone should at least check out the programs and make an appointment with an adviser.”

Gould said the study abroad program broadens a student’s horizons.

“Students can take courses in the language of the country, courses that will give a fresh perspective on majors and minors, and interesting elective courses to help them understand the country,” Gould said.

“The two purposes of studying abroad are learning about and immersing yourself in another culture and having a transformative experience,” said Gould.