CMU Study Abroad program garners national recognition

Central Michigan University has received the 2020 Institute of International Education's Seal of Excellence for its commitment to increasing and diversifying the number of students in the university's Study Abroad program.

From 2014-19, CMU increased its overall study abroad participation numbers by 40% as well as its minority student participation by 40%. CMU is one of only 19 U.S. institutions to be recognized by the IIE for achieving its pledged goals over the five-year period.

"The Office of Global Engagement looks forward to building on this growth and continuing to make study abroad accessible to more students, once student travel may resume post-pandemic," said Dianne De Salvo, CMU's director of study abroad.

De Salvo said that in the last year, CMU students have had the opportunity to participate in virtual international internships in countries around the world.

CMU offers over 150 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries for nearly every major and minor. Approximately 750 students expand their horizons and enhance their college experience through the program each year. Through study abroad, students advance their awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity, develop intercultural competency, gain new perspectives that enrich their education and help them grow personally, and prepare for professional success in an interdependent world.

The 19 U.S. colleges and universities recognized by IIE for meeting their Generation Study Abroad commitments in 2020 are: Belmont University; Central Michigan University; Christopher Newport University; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Fairleigh Dickinson University – Metropolitan; Heidelberg University; Hobart and William Smith Colleges; Howard University; Millersville University of Pennsylvania; Ohio Northern University; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; Stevenson University; University of Findlay; University of Kansas; University of Texas at Austin; University of Tulsa; University of Wisconsin-Madison; Wake Forest University; and William & Mary.