Abby Lowenkron, Shannon Tivona, Jenna Burr, and Herbert Leavitt on the hike up to a small, crumbling section of Pont du Gard, the tallest Roman bridge-aqueduct in the world standing at 48 m. high. The students were on a language immersion trip in France. Photo: Virginia Kilbourne ’20
Study abroad participation at Eckerd College continues to rise—and it’s also lifting the College’s rankings, according to the Institute of International Education’s 2019 Open Doors Report.
IIE ranks Eckerd second in the nation among baccalaureate institutions for short-term study abroad, up from third place just one year ago. With a 4-1-4 academic calendar designed to encourage students to take immersive, faculty-led study abroad courses each January, as well as international Spring Break Service Trips and post-Commencement Spring-Into-Summer international courses, Eckerd offers students plenty of opportunities to get out and learn around the globe.
“This is a wonderful honor for the College made possible by the faculty who have supported this program throughout the years,” said Diane Ferris ’86, director of international education at Eckerd, as she addressed the faculty. “Without your help, we would never have been able to reach this milestone. You have made getting the job done a pleasure, and for that we are grateful.”
IIE also ranks Eckerd College fifth nationally among baccalaureate institutions for the total number of study abroad students and 10th nationally in our category for undergraduate participation in study abroad.
High rankings aren’t the only big news in international education at Eckerd College this academic year. This January, the College will send its largest Winter Term cohort off campus and abroad with 446 students traveling, according to Ferris. Also, the London Study Centre will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in March.
