Belmont Achieves Highest-Ever National Ranking for Study Abroad Participation

University rises to 15th nationally as global programs expand across four continents

(L-R: Valladolid, Spain by student Erina Shin; London by student Callista Morrison; Italy by student Tess Pope; Japan by student John Purro)

Belmont University ranks 15th nationally among doctoral universities for undergraduate study abroad participation, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report released by the Institute of International Education and U.S. Department of State.

Based on the rate of study abroad in the 2022-2023 academic year, the ranking reflects Belmont's highest position ever in this category, improving from 17th place in 2019. During 2022-2023, 56.9% of undergraduate students, 859 in total, participated in a study abroad experience. Open Doors calculates undergraduate percent rate by comparing the number of undergraduates going abroad in a given year by the number of bachelor’s degrees conferred that year.

"This accomplishment is a true testament to Belmont’s commitment to graduating global citizens," said Dr. Marissa Chandler, director of Belmont Abroad and Belmont USA. "Our programs offer unique opportunities for growth and development through experiential learning.”

Study abroad at Belmont has seen dramatic growth since 2008-2009, when just 178 students participated. The University's global education initiatives span a variety of disciplines, from health care and business to theater and motion pictures. Programs range from Maymester and summer terms to semester-long experiences, including the unique Global Honors Semester Abroad, with options designed to accommodate various academic majors and student interests.

Dr. Jim McIntyre, assistant provost for academic excellence, noted the growing interest in global experiences among Belmont students. "For our students to be able to have an international learning experience and just see a very different context and perspective on the world is fascinating and eye-opening and enlightening," he said. "I think every student should have that opportunity." 

Belmont students studied abroad in more than 18 countries, with the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Japan emerging as the top destinations.

In these locations, students explored history in the Tower of London, marveled at the architectural wonder of the Duomo in central Florence, spent time learning from host families over home-cooked Spanish food in Valladolid, and took part in an authentic tea ceremony in Kyoto.

One contributing factor to Japan's ranking among the top four locations for Belmont students was the 2023 launch of Dr. Chris Born’s Belmont in Japan program. The program packs in sights and excursions from Tokyo and Kyoto to Hiroshima. The program is built around an interdisciplinary approach and has included courses in popular culture studies, cancer biology, Japanese art and sports history of Japan alongside Japanese language instruction. And while the classes are the foundation of study abroad programs, the subject material is enhanced by being abroad. Student participant Patrick Wood said, “My favorite thing had to be the sights. Being in the places with all the culture wrapped around me was what I was waiting for.”

The majority of students who study abroad do so on a short-term faculty-led program (73% in 2023), which take place in the Maymester and summer terms. The programs are between 2-4 weeks in length and allow Belmont faculty to plan their courses around site visits and experiences.

Olivia Cisler, who participated on the faculty-led Belmont in France: The City and Sun, reflected on her program, “I really respect and admire our study abroad programs. I feel that I made so many more connections to students and being able to have a relationship with professors while abroad is something that I will cherish for a long time. I think those were the best three weeks of my life. I felt that the curriculum held a stronger connection to the students, because our classroom was touring the museums.”

Emma Cate Whitefield, assistant director of study abroad, commented on the ranking, “ This accomplishment means a great deal to Belmont and our team. This was my first year on the study abroad team, and watching these programs come to life and seeing how they enhanced student’s academic experiences and impacted their lives was so special and rewarding. All the work put into these programs is more than worth it to see students thrive abroad.” 

The University currently offers 46 faculty-led programs, with more than 1,000 students studying abroad annually. The Office of Study Abroad now partners with more than 100 faculty members to deliver a diverse range of programs across four continents, including new offerings for 2025. New programs include experiential learning opportunities in Guatemala, India, South Korea and France.