November 26, 2024 — According to the Institute of International Education’s annual Open Doors report, Marist once again ranks first in the country for participation in full academic year abroad programs among master’s-granting institutions. It’s the third straight year Marist has earned the top spot in that category. International programs have become a signature part of the Marist experience, serving as a portal to the world and other cultures for students across all areas of study.

Marist also is among the top four colleges or universities in the country for total study abroad students and semester-long study abroad programs. The College has increased the number of students participating in all categories compared to last year’s record-breaking report.

The Open Doors rankings, published in collaboration with the Institute for International Education and the U.S. Department of State, apply to the 2022-2023 academic year. Dr. John Peters, Associate Provost for International Engagement, says internationalization remains a signature strength at Marist. Marist was ranked in comparison to other institutions that have master’s degree programs. 

“Navigating a new culture, whether through study abroad or as an international student on our Poughkeepsie campus, is a transformative experience,” said Dr. Peters. “With about half of Marist students studying abroad—nearly five times the national average—opportunities like our Florence campus, global internships, and cultural exchanges empower them to explore the diversity of our shared story. At Marist, we bring the world to our students and our students to the world.”

The rankings add to previous accolades Marist has earned for its international programs, including the Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award for the First-Year Florence and Dublin experiences. 

Expanding offerings in locations around the globe provide hands-on experiences, internships, and cultural exchanges that significantly impact students' personal and professional development.

Veronica Vogelman '26 and Elizabeth Granholm '25 tour the Floating Village Kamplong Pluk, Cambodia. Photo courtesy of Veronica Vogelman '26.

Some additional offerings, beyond the semester programs in Florence and Dublin, that contribute to Marist’s nation-leading programs include:

• Marist Spain: This program is nested within the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, one of Europe’s most prestigious universities. With two distinct tracks—Spanish-language and English-language—students can tailor their academic journey to match their language proficiency.
• Multi-Country Semester in Asia: The Asia Study Abroad Program (ASAP) offers a full-semester experience across multiple countries. While geared toward business majors, it is open to all interested students. The curriculum includes company visits throughout the region to explore management and organizational practices.
• Ghana Physician Assistant (PA) Clinical Rotations: The School of Science collaborates with the University of Cape Coast to offer PA master’s students the opportunity to complete clinical work in Ghana.

“My experience in Ghana was life changing. Not only from a medical experience standpoint, but also from a cultural perspective,” said Sarah Perkes '25M, who completed a clinical rotation in Ghana. “I made a lot of friends, and the culture there is to seemingly treat everyone around them like family. I think this is the type of trip every individual needs to make in their life in order to learn more about the world and themselves."

“ASAP was a big selling point for me when I first toured Marist,” said Ross Carpentier '26. “Being an avid traveler who loves learning about different cultures, seeing all kinds of places, and meeting all sorts of people. The friends I've made, the places I've been, and the experiences I've had, I owe to the great opportunities of ASAP and Marist.”

“Spending a semester living, learning, and traveling along Australia’s east coast is a cherished and life-changing experience I’ll treasure forever,” said Madeline Dwyer '25, who studied in Australia. “As an environmental science major, I love hands-on learning outside the classroom.”

“The homestay and internship components of the Marist Madrid program gave me a deep sense of belonging, allowing me to truly integrate into Spanish society,” added Eric Pfalzer '25 who is spending fall 2024 in Madrid, after having participated in the First-Year Dublin Experience.

Marist also remains committed to helping students with financial need fully benefit from these and other study abroad opportunities. The Presidential Fund for Equity in the Marist Experience provides support for a range of educational experiences, including short-term courses abroad.