Chapman University Joins Institute of International Education’s Generation Study Abroad Initiative

ORANGE, Calif., August 3, 2015 – Chapman University has joined the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Generation Study Abroad initiative to help more Americans gain international experience through study abroad programs.

IIE’s Generation Study Abroad seeks to mobilize resources and commitments with the goal of doubling the number of U.S. students studying abroad by the end of the decade. Chapman University pledges to increase the number of students who study abroad to 60% of the student population through semester abroad, faculty-led Travel Courses, and International Internships.

“Chapman University is proud to join IIE’s Generation Study Abroad and strive to be a model for our peer institutions. We strongly believe that students should have the opportunity to expand their global outlook and contribute to our mission of leading students to productive lives as global citizens,” wrote Chancellor Daniele Struppa in Chapman’s commitment letter.

Under the new partnership, Chapman University will take concrete, action-oriented steps to expand opportunities for study abroad. The Center for Global Education will offer study abroad scholarship workshops, increase opportunities for international internship and faculty-led Travel Courses, and engage international students in the Chapman community. The Center for Global Education has developed Global Studies 101, an innovative support service for students which helps to better prepare them for the cultural undertakings of going abroad. In collaboration with the Career Development Center, study abroad and career integration workshops will be available for students before and after they go abroad in order to provide more comprehensive support to link international education and career planning.

As of November 2014, Generation Study Abroad partners include over 300 colleges and universities of all sizes and types across the country and around the world, as well as 13 governments, 16 education associations, 67 international partners, and 56 study abroad, K-12, and social network organizations who have committed to specific goals to increase the number of U.S. students studying abroad. Commitments include actions to diversifying the population of students who participate in study abroad and reduce financial obstacles to make this possible.

IIE launched Generation Study Abroad in 2014 in the belief that the number and proportion of today’s students who graduate with an educational experience abroad is far too low. Currently, fewer than 10 percent of all U.S. college students study abroad at some point in their academic career, according to the Open Doors Report on International and Educational Exchange published by IIE with support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Generation Study Abroad aims to grow participation in study abroad so that the annual total reported will reach 600,000 by the end of the decade.

“Globalization has changed the way the world works, and employers are increasingly looking for workers who have international skills and expertise,” says Dr. Allan Goodman, President of IIE. “Studying abroad must be viewed as an essential component of a college degree and critical to preparing future leaders.”

About Chapman University

Consistently ranked among the top universities in the West, Chapman University provides a uniquely personalized and interdisciplinary educational experience to highly qualified students. Our programs encourage innovation, creativity and collaboration, and focus on developing global citizen-leaders who are distinctively prepared to improve their community and their world. Visit us at www.chapman.edu.

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About the Institute of International Education

The Institute of International Education is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. An independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of 19 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,200 member institutions. IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. IIE also conducts policy research and program evaluations, and provides advising and counseling on international education and opportunities abroad.

To contact the Center for Global Education, call (714) 997-6830.

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