SF State is #1 for study abroad

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 22, 2013 -- San Francisco State University is the top master’s institution in the U.S. for long-term study abroad programs, according to the annual census of international students published by Open Doors on Nov. 11.   

With international programs available in every academic discipline and in more than 20 countries, SF State sends more students abroad for a full academic year than any other master’s granting university. 227 SF State students are currently abroad.

“Direct international experience prepares our students for the challenges of the 21st century,” said Hildy Heath, director of international education. “Similarly the increasing number of international students who study at SF State bring necessary cultural diversity and important perspectives to our classrooms and our community.”

The international student community on-campus continues to grow, with more than 2,326 international students enrolled for 2013-14. Foreign students exceed 7 percent of the total student body, which is significantly higher than the national average of 4 percent.

Ninety-one countries are represented at SF State. More than 500 students come from China, making it the largest international community on campus. Japanese international students make up the second most populous group, followed by India, South Korea and Vietnam.

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The Institute of International Education, a non-profit organization supported by the U.S. Department of State, published their annual report on international student populations, Open Doors on Nov. 11, 2013. The publication provides more than 100 pages of data on the international student population in the U.S.

SF State is the only master's level public university serving the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin. With nationally acclaimed programs in a range of fields -- from creative writing, cinema and biology to history, broadcast and electronic communications arts, theatre arts and ethnic studies -- the University's more than 219,000 graduates have contributed to the economic cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond.