While the number of U.S. students studying abroad fell during the economic downturn, Elon continued its position as the nation's leading master's-level university in the 2010 Open Doors Report by the Institute of International Education. The annual IIE survey, which covered the 2008-09 academic year, is the leading indicator of top college international study programs.
Elon was the #1 ranked master’s-level university in the total number of students studying abroad, with 1,092 during 2008-09. That was more than 200 students more than at Villanova, James Madison University and California State University – Long Beach.
Elon led the nation in short-term study abroad experiences, sending more than 700 students on Winter Term courses, and was ranked #2 among master’s-level universities on mid-length experiences.
Elon and Davidson College were the only North Carolina schools listed in the Open Doors report among the 29 colleges and universities that reported at least 70 percent study abroad participation.