Centre among nation’s best in study abroad rankings

Centre College’s robust study abroad programs continue to draw acclaim at the national level.

The Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Open Doors 2023 Report lists Centre second in the nation out of all baccalaureate colleges for student participation in study abroad.

Centre’s emphasis on a global education is reflected in the numbers: 85 percent of students study abroad, with nearly half of students studying abroad more than once in their four years — and all students are guaranteed a study abroad option in their time at Centre. The IIE estimation puts Centre’s participation in study abroad (110.1%) above 100%, due to students traveling more than once.

“You can see in our study abroad numbers how important it is for students,” said Adam Chen-Dedman, Executive Director of the Center for Global Citizenship at Centre College. “Given that so many of our students study abroad or away more than once, it’s clear that students crave the kind of life-changing experience this high-impact practice offers. Students are not only exposed to ways to effectively and compassionately embrace difference in the world, but they also discover more about themselves and how they can engage their passions in new contexts they might never have imagined."

With new programs and locations announced yearly — including our new semester-long language immersion programs in Taipei, Taiwan and Erlangen, Germany to CentreTerm 'short-term' abroad options across multiple academic disciplines in locations such as New Zealand, Italy, Senegal and The Gambia, South Korea and Thailand— it’s no wonder why studying abroad has become so integrated into the overall Centre experience.

“Our 3-week CentreTerm courses allow students who might not otherwise consider studying abroad for a semester to more readily access these transformative experiences,” Chen-Dedman said. “We have flexible options in January for those who might be involved in athletics or a pre-med track. Whether you want a more independent and immersive language experience or a hands-on experience through a Centre faculty-led flagship semester in London, England, Mérida, Mexico or Strasbourg, France, we offer a rich variety of opportunities that will open doors and expand your horizons.”