Chapman University highlighted its global education opportunities and accomplishments during the national celebration of International Education Week (November 14-18), a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. The Center for Global Education kicked off the week with Global Fest, co-sponsored by Chapman University Student Government Association, to highlight international students at Chapman through a flag procession and cultural performances. The week also included a study abroad showcase, cultural identity discussions with student clubs, foreign film screenings and guest speakers through the Department of World Languages and Cultures, and activities such as Cranes for Peace and an Aikido Martial Arts lesson.

The Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, released November 14 by the Institute of International Education (IIE), indicates that Chapman has risen among Masters Institutions to #11 for the number of students who participate in a global experience abroad with a total of 650 students in 2014/15.  Students can go abroad to more than 40 countries on semester abroad, short-term Travel Courses, and international internships. Students are increasingly selecting non-traditional locations such as Thailand, Nicaragua, Bulgaria, Morocco, and Finland. Currently, 41.8% of all undergraduate Chapman students participate in at least one global education program, beating out the national average of just under 10%. Students can utilize their federal, state, and Chapman financial aid on most programs which makes studying abroad more affordable. Students also receive free airfare on certain programs and First Generation students can receive travel funding from Chapman’s Promising Futures Program.

Chapman University has focused on increasing study abroad participation this year, as a commitment partner in IIE Generation Study Abroad initiative to double the number of American students who go abroad each year — 600,000 individuals — by 2020, and to diversify that group. Chapman University has committed to making it possible for more students to study abroad by pledging to increase the number of students who go abroad to 60% of the student population over the next five years. This is being made possible by focusing on groups traditionally underrepresented in study abroad such more opportunities for science and theatre majors, as well as offering Gilman Scholarship workshops for Pell Grant recipients with the Center for Global Education and Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs.

The Open Doors report shows that more than 313,000 U.S. students received credit for study abroad during 2014-15, an increase of nearly three percent over the previous year.  The Open Doors findings reflect that students study abroad in part to gain international experience that can be applied in their careers.

Likewise, the number of international students enrolled in U.S. higher education increased by 7.1% to 1,043,839 students in 2015/16. This marks the first time that number of international students at U.S. colleges and universities surpassed one million, again confirming that the United States remains the destination of choice for higher education. International students represent just over five percent of the more than 20 million students enrolled in U.S. higher education, up from around four percent in previous years. More than 550 undergraduates and graduate international students are at Chapman from over 70 countries.

At Chapman University we emphasize the importance of global awareness and believe that an international education enhances a student’s global outlook and overall education.

Note:  The Open Doors report, released on November 14, contains national study abroad information – top destination countries, top institutions, study abroad participation by State, and more. Top 10 lists, data tables, and infographics are available to download and share at www.iie.org/opendoors.