Chippewa Valley Times

Based on the 2022-23 statistics, 410 students from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire participated in study abroad programs. This participation has placed the university 12th among public and private master’s-level schools nationwide. The previous year, UW-Eau Claire was ranked 15th.

Colleen Marchwick, director of the UW-Eau Claire Center for International Education, attributes this high ranking to the university's dedication to study abroad opportunities and the collective efforts of faculty and staff across various departments, including advisors from the Advising, Retention and Career Center, faculty advisors and leaders, Blugold Central, CIE, and the Intercultural Immersions Office.

Marchwick noted that "We have a long history of study abroad at UW-Eau Claire dating back to 1950," emphasizing that international experiences are integral to the university's identity. She added that UWEC supports these initiatives through grants and scholarships available for study abroad. Programs are offered throughout all academic terms—yearlong, semester-long, Winterim, and summer—to fit different student schedules. Faculty members also play a crucial role by encouraging students to pursue these opportunities and ensuring they receive meaningful credit for their coursework overseas.

In addition to its overall ranking, UW-Eau Claire is positioned 18th in mid-length duration (quarter or semester) programs with 140 students participating; it was ranked 17th in this category last year. It is notable as the only master’s-granting public university from Wisconsin and several neighboring states on this list.

For short-term programs, UW-Eau Claire ranks 13th nationally with participation from 273 students—a jump from its previous position at 20th.

The university offers a diverse range of study abroad options with 56 programs spread across 33 countries. Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom are highlighted as favored destinations among participants. Popular academic majors involved in these programs include business, biology and health sciences, as well as foreign languages.

Despite expressing pride in these achievements reflected in Open Doors participation numbers, Marchwick acknowledged areas needing improvement: "The percentage of men and students of color are below our campus populations." She stated that achieving parity between campus demographics and study abroad participants remains an ongoing goal.