Cole Dusing ’26 admires Shark Bay on the island of Koh Tao, Thailand, during Winter Term 2025. Photo by Tim Brewer ’27
Eckerd College maintained its first-place ranking in short-term study abroad—outpacing baccalaureate institutions across the country.
The Institute of International Education released its Open Doors 2025 Report regarding 2023–2024 participation in study abroad programs, and Eckerd ranks No. 1 for total student participation in short-term study abroad among baccalaureate institutions. This is Eckerd’s second consecutive top ranking.
IIE also ranks Eckerd eighth nationally among baccalaureate institutions for the total number of study abroad students and sixth nationally in our category for undergraduate participation (by percentage) in overall study abroad.
“Eckerd College’s recognition as a top baccalaureate institution in the number of students studying abroad, especially in short-term programs, reflects our unwavering commitment to offering students dynamic, immersive experiences that enhance both students’ education and personal growth,” says Eckerd’s Director of Global Education Laura Semenow.
Students ride horses in single file in Viñales, Cuba. Photo by Ben Nieukirk ’26
With a 4-1-4 academic calendar designed to encourage students to take immersive, faculty-led study abroad courses each January, as well as Spring-into-Summer international courses and pre-fall August Abroad courses, Eckerd offers students plenty of opportunities to get out and learn around the globe.
This Winter Term, the College will send students on 22 faculty-led trips from Botswana to Antarctica.
Video of Eckerd College students taking a Winter Term trip to Italy in January 2025.
We believe,” Semenow says, “that short-term study abroad programs are a powerful way for students to engage with the world, broaden their perspectives, and return with a deeper understanding of the global community.”
