SJC Becomes One of Two Institutions to Join Generation Study Abroad

February 26, 2016

Patchogue, N.Y. – February 26, 2016 – St. Joseph’s College (SJC) has become one of two institutions on Long Island to join the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Generation Study Abroad initiative to significantly increase study abroad participation throughout the nation.

IIE launched Generation Study Abroad early last year with the belief that the number and proportion of today’s students who graduate with an educational experience abroad is far too low. Currently, fewer than 10 percent of all U.S. college students study, according to the Open Doors Report on International and Educational Exchange published by IIE, with support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Generation Study Abroad aims to double the number of students who study abroad by the end of the decade.

“This campaign meets employers’ and graduates’ needs,” said Linda Lubranski, global studies coordinator at SJC. “The LEAP report released by the Association of American Colleges and Universities indicates that 63 percent of employers surveyed agree that too many college graduates lack the skills they need to compete in the global marketplace. In a list of 12 competencies, employers state that students are the least prepared with global knowledge. At St. Joseph’s College, we provide students with an education that allows them to participate and compete on a global scale.” 

Under the new partnership, the College will take concrete, action-oriented steps to expand opportunities for study abroad, including access to student funding, increased global opportunities led by faculty and administration, considering a plan for student housing for international students in fall 2018 and expanding SJC students’ global network.

“Globalization has changed the way the world works, and employers are increasingly looking for workers who have international skills and expertise,” said Dr. Allan Goodman, president of IIE. “Studying abroad must be viewed as an essential component of a college degree and critical to preparing future leaders.”

Generation Study Abroad partners with more than 400 colleges and universities across the country and around the world, as well as 14 government bodies, 25 education associations, more than 100 international partners and 100 study abroad, K-12 and social network organizations.

For more information about the Department of Global Studies at SJC, visit sjcny.edu/globalstudies. 

ABOUT GENERATION STUDY ABROAD

IIE’s Generation Study Abroad seeks to significantly increase study abroad participation by bringing employers, governments, associations, and others together to build on current best practices and find new ways to extend study abroad opportunities and resources to tens of thousands of college students whose needs are not currently served by existing programs. Generation Study Abroad will sustain an ongoing dialogue about the need for more students from all backgrounds and in all fields to gain international experience. This will include research to identify and break down barriers hindering students from studying abroad, communications to share strategies and best practices to increase study abroad, and fundraising to mobilize additional financial resources. IIE will also hold a Summit on Generation Study Abroad on October 1-2, 2015 to engage stakeholders in higher education and all commitment partners.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

The Institute of International Education is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. An independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of 19 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,200 member institutions. IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. IIE also conducts policy research and program evaluations, and provides advising and counseling on international education and opportunities abroad.

ABOUT ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE
St. Joseph’s College has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the College provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility and service. Through SJC Brooklyn, SJC Long Island and SJC Online, the College offers degrees in more than 45 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs.