CofC Ranked a Top Study Abroad Institution
The College of Charleston has been ranked as a top institution for study abroad participation.
Through its Center for International Education, the College of Charleston has been recognized as a top-ranked school among master’s level institutions for participation in short-term and mid-length study abroad programs. The rankings were released in the Open Doors® 2025 Report on International Educational Exchange, the leading annual benchmark for international educational exchange in the United States.
“The College of Charleston’s strong ranking in study abroad participation underscores our commitment to global learning and student success,” says Melissa Ochal, director for the CIE. “This recognition reflects the staff and faculty across campus who encourage and support students in pursuing transformative international experiences.”
The College’s 2023–24 study abroad rankings include:
- No. 2 for overall participation (817 students)
- No. 1 for short-term programs (543 students). This includes all spring break, MBA and summer programs except for the German internship program.
- No. 5 for mid-length programs (286 students). This includes semester programs and the German summer internship program.
“By embracing international opportunities, our students gain invaluable academic, professional and personal experiences that prepare them to thrive in a global society,” says Ochal.
Top destinations in 2023–24 for the College included Italy, Spain, Greece, United Kingdom and France.
“The Open Doors report provides a comprehensive picture of the destinations where U.S. students study abroad,” says Mirka Martel, head of research, evaluation and learning at the Institute of International Education. “For U.S. students, studying abroad is an integral part of the higher education experience.”
Open Doors is the most comprehensive information resource on international students and scholars in the United States and on U.S. students studying abroad for academic credit. The Open Doors project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education.
