CHICO, Calif. — Students at Chico State are receiving an education not only on campus, but in different countries around the world.
The Chico State Study Abroad and Exchange Program recently received recognition by Open Doors, which ranks them at number nine in the nation for master’s degree-granting colleges and universities.
They say the program fosters unique academic and personal growth in students. The program has taken students to over 30 countries, including Ireland, Germany, Spain, Thailand, Italy and more.
The study abroad program served 102 Chico State students during the 2021-2022 school year.
They say the recognition was a collaborative effort, and this is the 17th time in the last 18 years the program has been in the top 10.
“A lot of what you see, that effort, yes is our team, but part of our team is also our students that have studied abroad and come back and paid it forward,” said Study Abroad and Exchange Coordinator Ximena Ospina.
She says this program is life-changing to students and provides them an opportunity they never would have imagined.
“Some of these students are students that have never left California, and this is the first time they are traveling outside the state, now even internationally. Many have shared with me that this is only something that their grandparents or parents have ever dreamed of. It’s also this level of generational dreaming,” Ospina exclaimed.
The university walks students through every step of the process, and provides a place on campus where students can get or renew a passport. They ensure students are receiving excellent education that applies towards their degree programs.
She says she hopes with this recognition they can continue to provide students with the opportunity to learn in a new environment and introduce them to new cultures.
“We really hope to continue growing out programs, continuing to guide students through this process, and watch them do amazing things across the world,” Ospina concluded.
For more information on the study abroad and exchange program, click here.
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