NMC among top 10 nationally for short-term study abroad
TRAVERSE CITY — NMC has received its highest-ever ranking for short-term study abroad by the Institute of International Education, notching the No. 10 spot in the nation.
All nine institutions ahead of NMC in the category of community college academic study abroad participation have much higher enrollments, averaging 17,000 students. As a percentage of fall enrollment, NMC’s 50 students who traveled in 2022 ranks first among community colleges in the nation, with nearly 2 percent of students participating in a study abroad experience.
Rankings are for the first travel season (spring/summer 2022) following COVID-19. Countries NMC students traveled to in 2022 were Colombia, France, Spain and the United Kingdom. In 2023 53 students traveled to Guatemala, Morocco, Iceland, Spain and Portugal.
NMC’s previous highest rank was 17th in 2015. Currently, 65 students are slated to travel to Brazil, Costa Rica, Ireland, India and Switzerland in May 2024.
Twenty-five of those students will travel with a complimentary passport. In February, NMC was one of only 40 institutions nationwide to win a $4,000 grant, also from IIE, which covered 25 free passports. Required for travel beyond North America, passports typically cost $160 and are valid for 10 years.
Studying abroad is one type of experiential learning opportunity. In its strategic plan, NMC’s goal is that every credential-seeking student have at least one experiential learning opportunity before graduation.
To help students with the cost of studying abroad, NMC also offers the Global Opportunities Scholarship, established by former president Timothy J. Nelson and his wife Nancy Johnson. Most students are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship that typically covers about 25 percent of the cost.
For more information, visit nmc.edu/study-abroad
Release date: December 15, 2023
For more information:
Jim Bensley
Director of International Services and Service Learning
(231) 995-2527
jbensley@nmc.edu