A shark passes by Mason Nisbet ’26 while she freedives on the “Marine Science Research in Cuba – Gardens of the Queen” Winter Term trip. Photo by Kevin Starnes ’25
Following a brief interruption caused by pandemic travel restrictions, Eckerd College returns to the skies and claims the top spot among baccalaureate institutions sending students for short-term study abroad.
The Institute of International Education just released its Open Doors 2024 Report regarding 2022–2023 participation in study abroad programs, and Eckerd ranks No. 1 in student participation in short-term study abroad among baccalaureate institutions. That’s a solid rise from its No. 2 ranking prior to the pandemic.
IIE also ranks Eckerd third nationally among baccalaureate institutions for the total number of study abroad students and sixth nationally in our category for undergraduate participation in overall study abroad.
“Eckerd College’s recognition as a top baccalaureate institution in the number of students studying abroad, especially in short-term programs, reflects our unwavering commitment to offering students dynamic, immersive experiences that enhance both students’ education and personal growth,” says Eckerd’s Director of Global Education Laura Semenow.
With a 4-1-4 academic calendar designed to encourage students to take immersive, faculty-led study abroad courses each January, as well as post-Commencement Spring-into-Summer international courses, Eckerd offers students plenty of opportunities to get out and learn around the globe.
This Winter Term, the College will send students on 16 faculty-led trips from Chiang Mai, Thailand, to Santiago, Chile.
“We believe,” Semenow says, “that short-term study abroad programs are a powerful way for students to engage with the world, broaden their perspectives, and return with a deeper understanding of the global community.”
