Alumni and Friends

KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement continues to be a national leader in the international education of undergraduate students.  According to the last Open Doors report released in November 2020 by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs , KU ranks 22nd in the nation among public research doctoral institutions for undergraduate participation in study abroad, with 28.8% of KU undergraduate students studying abroad prior to graduation.  Among all participating U.S. higher education institutions reporting 10 or more study abroad students, KU ranks 57th in the total number of students studying abroad. 

While COVID-19 initially halted all international travel and overseas education programs through KU, we are slowly resuming study abroad activities.  Following the suspension of study abroad in March 2020 and the subsequent cancellation of all education abroad activities for the remainder of the year, SAGE was able to successfully send a small number of students abroad during the spring, summer, and fall 2021.   As we look to the future, we are cautiously optimistic that the distribution of vaccines both in the U.S. and abroad will allow for the continued recovery of international education and a reopening of the world to KU students.   

Now, more than ever, KU students understand the integral nature of international education to their academic, professional, and personal lives.  International travel will rebound and the desire of our students for this experience is strong.  The continuing support of the university and the Jayhawk nation ensures that KU students will have the means to take part in this transformative learning opportunity in the months and years ahead!