Study abroad continues to be a signature program for students at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. 

CSB and SJU are ranked among the top baccalaureate schools nationally for both mid-length study abroad and the total number of students who studied abroad according to Open Doors 2023, the annual report on international education published by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. 

The 2023 report, which was released Monday (Nov. 13), found:

• CSB and SJU are tied for the No. 5 ranking among baccalaureate schools. The schools had a combined 212 students who studied abroad in mid-length study abroad programs during the 2021-22 academic year, the most recent data measured by the IIE. The IIE defines mid-length study abroad programs as lasting one semester or one or two quarters (Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s operate on a semester system). CSB and SJU have routinely ranked in the top eight nationally in this category over the past 20 years.
• Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s are ranked No. 7 among baccalaureate schools with 324 students who studied abroad during the 2021-22 academic year. CSB and SJU have routinely ranked in the top 10 nationally in this category over the past 20 years.

Approximately 46.2% of CSB and SJU students studied abroad, according to the report.

CSB and SJU’s Center for Global Education annually offers students 12 semester-long programs, most of which are faculty-led. The schools also conduct 10-15 short-term study abroad programs.

“I’m delighted that the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University are, once again, being recognized for our commitment to study abroad,” said Kevin Clancy, director of the Center for Global Education at CSB and SJU. “As we rebuild from disruptions caused by COVID-19, this ranking illustrates the continued interest and excitement to engage globally.”

The 2023 Open Doors report found 188,753 Americans studied abroad for academic credit from their colleges and universities in 2021-22. The leading destinations for U.S. students were (in order) Italy, the United Kingdom and Spain. 

The total international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities was 1,057,188 in 2022-23. The top origin countries for students coming to the U.S. were (in order) China, India and South Korea.