Rollins Named a Top 5 School for Study Abroad

The Open Doors annual report by the Institute of International Education (IIE) has ranked Rollins No. 5 (up from No. 7) for master’s-granting institutions in the country for the percentage of students who study abroad. This is the third consecutive year Rollins has been featured in the top 10 and the seventh year in the top 25.

Around 70 percent of Rollins students study abroad at least once during their college experience, and many take advantage of multiple study abroad opportunities before graduation. Rollins’ emphasis on global citizenship makes it an ideal fit for students looking to expand their worldview, whether that means spending a semester living and learning in Australia or dedicating a few weeks of summer to building an ecolodge in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro.

From short-term field studies to semester- and summer-long programs, our Office of International Programs promotes global citizenship through more than 90 programs and dozens more through partner organizations. Rollins is also consistently a top producer of Fulbright Students thanks in large part to the College’s emphasis on global learning.

“We are very proud and excited about this ranking—especially because it took a bit of time to rebuild student participation in global experiences after the pandemic,” shares Giselda Beaudin, director of global initiatives. “The high ranking reflects Rollins’ continued commitment to ensuring that all Rollins students have opportunities to stretch outside their comfort zones and build the skills and attitudes needed to be a responsible leader in our global world.”

This past summer, biochemistry/molecular biology major and Spanish minor Lexie Cooper ’26 studied abroad in Spain through the Verano Español program, an experience she says changed her perspective and opened her eyes to lives vastly different from her own. Now in its 65th year, Verano Español is one of the oldest American study abroad experiences in Spain, where students spend six weeks immersed in Spanish language and culture through coursework, excursions, and guided activities.

“I feel like I grew as an individual during this experience,” shares Cooper. “Growing up in Michigan, I only traveled to one museum, and it was for a school trip when I was young. I never realized there was so much artistry and culture in Madrid. I learned so much about Spanish history and culture just through paintings. Because of the diversity at Rollins, I also felt more prepared to adapt to new cultures and was excited to learn about the world. Throughout my time at Rollins I’ve realized that you can learn so much more if you participate, interact, and try your hardest. I’m hoping with my improved Spanish skills I can possibly aid Spanish-speaking patients in my future career in the medical field.’