Salve Regina joins national study abroad initiative

Salve Regina is one of just two Rhode Island institutions that have joined the Institute of International Education’s five-year Generation Study Abroad initiative, which will bring leaders in education, business and governments together in an effort to double the number of U.S. college students studying abroad.

In joining the initiative, the University has committed to a study abroad goal of reaching a 65 percent undergraduate participation rate over the next five years. This would effectively double the current rate at Salve Regina by engaging about 300 students in international opportunities annually.

“We look forward to the benefits of participating in the national dialogue around this initiative and benefiting from the experiences of other institutions, as well as sharing our own successes,” said President Jane Gerety, RSM. To reach the University’s ambitious goal, Sister Jane said she will first form an ad hoc committee of faculty, staff and students to inventory barriers to study abroad participation and work with all constituents to remove them where possible.

Salve Regina ranked 17th nationally in undergraduate participation in study abroad in 2012, IIE reported in its annual “Open Doors Report.” The Office of International Programs reports that currently about 180 undergraduate students participate in international study abroad programs annually.

Salve Regina is among 150 lead partners representing 41 states in the IIE Generation Study Abroad initiative that have committed to specific, measurable actions to help reach new participation goals. The result will be thousands more American students graduating with the international experience necessary for success in a changing world.