WASHINGTON, November 13 – The United Kingdom is once again the number one study abroad destination for American students according to the International Institute of Education (IIE) in the annual Open Doors report published yesterday.  Historically, the UK is the most popular study-abroad destination for US students, attracting 32,109 US students to study abroad for the 2005/2006 academic year.

Representing 14.4 percent of the total study abroad population, the United Kingdom ranks above Italy, Spain, and France respectively attracting 11.7 percent, 9.8 percent, and 7 percent of all US study abroad students.  

“Studying in the UK allows US students to attend some of the top universities in the world while living in a rich and vibrant culture,” commented Sharon Memis, director of the British Council in the United States.  “Living in the United Kingdom provides students with opportunities to embrace British customs as well as travel throughout Europe regardless of whether a student studies for a semester abroad or for a full degree.”

Students planning to study in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland can choose from 150 degree-awarding institutions offering 14,000 programs.  The British Council provides comprehensive information on UK study abroad programs, as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees, available scholarships and other funding options, visa requirements and student life.

A complete copy of the IIE release is available at http://www.opendoors.iienetwork.org

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ABOUT THE BRITISH COUNCIL: The UK’s international organization for educational and cultural relations, the British Council builds long-term relationships between the US and the UK and fosters appreciation of the UK’s creative ideas and achievements.  

We increase recognition of the wide array of learning opportunities available in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and facilitate educational cooperation between the US and UK. Through transatlantic artistic partnerships, we introduce the American public to high-quality, groundbreaking creative achievements from the UK, and our science programs build networks that draw upon the UK's innovation in climate change and other disciplines.  We also develop initiatives that give a voice to the next generation of leaders on both sides of the Atlantic, encouraging them to work together to explore solutions to current and future global issues.

CONTACT:  Stacy Hope
                  (202) 588-7849

                  Mary Catherine Scarborough
                  (202) 588-7356