On Nov. 17, The Institute of International Education (IIE) published the 2025 Open Doors Report, which ranked Wake Forest fourth for study abroad participation on the list of leading doctoral universities. It showed that 85.7% of undergraduates received credit for study abroad in the 2023-2024 academic year and the summer of 2024.

The Open Doors Report collects data on international students in the U.S. and U.S. students studying abroad. It provides statistics on topics like enrollment trends, country of origin, fields of study, economic impact and the number of students abroad. The report is considered the world’s benchmark for global education exchange. 

“We are extremely proud of this result,” said Assistant Dean of Global Study Away Programs David Taylor. “It is a powerful affirmation of our students’ commitment to gaining a global perspective and reflects Wake Forest’s efforts to make these opportunities available and accessible to all students.” 

In the 2022-2023 academic year and summer of 2023, 83% of undergraduate students received credit for study abroad. 

“This ranking is not a one-time achievement,” Taylor said. “Wake Forest has been consistently ranked in the top ten for this measure for more than two decades. This longevity shows that global learning is not an add-on, but an integral part of the Wake Forest educational fabric.”  

Wake Forest is dedicated to making study abroad accessible to the student body.

“This dedication is reflected in the engagement of our faculty who lead dozens of semester, summer and short-term programs each year, as well as the financial commitment to make programs affordable through study abroad-specific scholarships, passport scholarships and more,” Taylor said.

Students like junior global ambassador Teodora Sorescu are happy to hear that the ranking reflects the Center of Global Programs and Studies’ commitment. 

“Even from the very beginning, Wake attracted me as a student because of how attainable study abroad programs are for an array of students with different interests and expectations,” Sorescu said.

To showcase Wake Forest’s international opportunities for education and engagement, the University launched the inaugural edition of Global Gauge Magazine. The semesterly publication hopes to give the Wake Forest community a glimpse into the University’s global initiatives. 

“Global Gauge is a vital tool that captures the breadth of our international opportunities, showcasing how Wake Forest takes its mission to the world and brings the world back to Wake Forest,” said Kline Harrison, vice provost for Global Affairs.