The University of Denver (DU) has been ranked 9th nationally among doctoral-granting universities for the proportion of undergraduates engaging in study abroad, according to the Institute of International Education (IIE). du.edu This distinction underlines DU’s ongoing commitment to global education and experiential learning as a core part of its undergraduate experience.
In the 2023–2024 academic year, more than 71% of DU undergraduates studied abroad before graduating, according to the IIE ranking. du.edu This high participation rate reflects DU’s strong emphasis on international exposure and integrating global perspectives into its students’ education.
For DU, study abroad is more than a checkbox — it’s part of its signature 4D Experience, which encourages students to deepen their intellect, foster well-being, discover character, and design meaningful careers. du.edu Uttiyo Raychaudhuri, Vice Provost for Internationalization, credits this long-term institutional strategy for enabling DU to build “globally competent graduates” and maintain strong international partnerships. du.edu
DU’s Office of International Education (OIE) provides comprehensive support to students pursuing global learning — from advising and financial planning to program selection. du.edu Thanks to its Partner Program, students pay their regular DU tuition even when enrolled in abroad programs, ensuring that scholarships and financial aid remain applicable. du.edu Further, the Cherrington Global Scholars initiative helps eligible students cover roundtrip airfare and visa fees, amplifying access for more students. du.edu
This academic year, 846 DU students committed to going abroad; many have already departed for their destinations. du.edu Among the top destinations, Spain leads with 22% of students, followed by Italy (21%), United Kingdom (9.5%), Czech Republic (6%), and France (4%). du.edu The diverse geographic spread highlights DU’s broad network of global programs and the appealing range of options on offer.
Raychaudhuri underscores that studying abroad helps students “expand their horizons, deepen cultural understanding, and build lifelong skills and confidence” — transforming their academic and personal trajectories in ways that a traditional classroom can’t fully replicate. du.edu These experiences, he argues, prepare students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose and leadership in a globalized world.
For DU students interested in studying abroad, the Office of International Education encourages participation in First Step sessions, which help navigate program options, financial planning, and timelines. du.edu With DU’s strong infrastructure and institutional support, going global is not just a possibility — it’s a central part of the DU undergraduate experience.