Centre Study Abroad program ranked among top 5 in nation

In the newly released Institute of International Education (IIE) Open Doors 2025 Report, Centre ranks fifth in the nation among all baccalaureate colleges for study abroad participation — reaffirming the College’s reputation as a leader in international education.

With 84 percent of students studying abroad at least once, and nearly half doing so multiple times, Centre’s emphasis on immersive global experiences remains central to the student journey. The IIE calculation places Centre’s study abroad participation at 122.4%, a figure that surpasses 100% because so many students take part in multiple courses abroad throughout their four years.

These numbers highlight a promise that few other colleges offer: every Centre student has the chance to study abroad.

“Our programs are built to immerse students deeply in the places they study, encouraging them to engage thoughtfully with the world around them,” said Matthew Pierce, Director of Centre Global. “That intentional design is what sets Centre apart and why so many of our students choose to study abroad more than once.”

Centre’s global education programs are designed to provide meaningful, hands-on learning in locations across the world — from semester-long experiences to CentreTerm classes in January and summer term travel courses that offer intensive study in just three weeks. Participants experience local cultures, conduct field-based research, pursue language study and deepen their understanding of the world.

With so many options, Centre students are able to study abroad even if they are varsity athletes or STEM majors, experiences not always possible at other schools.

With faculty guidance, students are able to make the most out of their study abroad, choosing from a variety of programs that best fit their needs. For semester programs, the College offers courses like Centre-in-Merida, Centre-in-London and Centre-in-Strasbourg in which Centre students and professors travel, teach and learn together. Centre also partners with institutions across the country and around the world to offer exchange and full-immersion opportunities.

With more than 25 countries regularly represented in the College’s program portfolio, Centre continues to innovate by expanding partnerships, strengthening international relationships and ensuring global learning remains accessible to all students. Scholarship support and built-in program structures make study abroad a key part of the Centre experience rather than an exception.

“Global engagement is a core value at Centre and central to the Centre experience. Even one study abroad experience can reshape a student’s outlook and approach to the world,” said Pierce. “Those insights stay with them as they step into their careers and lives beyond Centre.”