April 12, 2013
Study abroad numbers increase
Participation in study abroad programs increased at Kansas State University during the 2011-2012 academic year compared to the previous year.
There were 612 participants in study abroad programs during the 2011-2012 academic year, compared to 518 participants during the previous year. Of the 612 study abroad participants, approximately two-thirds of those participants went on short-term programs, ranging in length from 10 days to eight weeks. In particular, total participants on faculty-led programs increased from 247 students in 2010-2011 to 292 students in 2011-2012.
Across all study abroad programs at the university during the 2011-2012 academic year, Italy was the top destination, followed by Brazil, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom and Spain. In particular, Brazil and China have seen significant increases in participation amongst K-State students over the last two years. This mirrors national trends, where more and more students are seeking study abroad opportunities in locations outside of Western Europe.
The average student profile of a study abroad student at Kansas State University is very similar to the national study abroad student profile, according to the Institute of International Education Open Doors Report. Approximately 65 percent of K-State study abroad participants were female, which is nearly equal to the national average of 64 percent.
The percent of K-State study abroad participants who studied abroad during their junior or senior year was 62 percent, compared to 59 percent nationally. While the majority of study abroad participants at K-State are juniors or seniors, students at all levels participated in study abroad programs, including freshmen and graduate students.
All colleges at K-State sent students abroad during the 2011-2012 academic year, but the length and nature of study abroad programs vary college to college. The College of Architecture, Planning, and Design has the highest participation percentage amongst all colleges at K-State, while the College of Agriculture sends its students to a very diverse set of destinations, including Australia, South Africa, Brazil and Germany, often on faculty-led programs. The College of Arts and Sciences sent the most students abroad with 126 students, followed closely behind by the College of Agriculture at 125 students and the College of Architecture, Planning, and Design at 100 students.