GW students are among the most involved in study abroad programs, according to a report released by the Institute of International Education last month.

The IIE Open Doors Report, an annual publication on international education and study abroad programs, ranked the University eighth in student participation for semester-long programs and 10th in the number of students who go abroad for a full year, for the 2006-2007 academic year.

Compared with similar universities, GW’s overall number of students abroad has jumped from 34th in 2005 to 27th, the report stated.

The increase “is a testimony to the types of students interested in GW, their world view and their interest in taking on extra challenges,” said Donna Scarboro, assistant vice president for special and international programs.

GW Study Abroad Associate Director Lucienne Jugant said there are currently 507 students studying abroad in about 35 different countries. The most popular locations are Italy, France, Spain and England, she said.

Jugant said the University is looking to improve the study abroad program by creating more faculty-led, short-term programs, as well as long-term study abroad programs.

She said the study abroad office has also made several recent changes to make the process easier for students.

They are exploring a possible online application process, which should streamline the process and allow students to check up on their application status, officials said.

-Chris Gregory