The University of Minnesota is among the top schools nationwide in study abroad participation both at home and abroad, according to a recent report.

Data from the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange revealed the University is one of the highest ranked schools for international programs on Monday. The University also recently announced its participation in a new study program within the University of Minnesota system schools.

The report — released by Institute of International Education and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs — ranked the University sixth in number of students who studied abroad last year, with over 2,700 student participants, according to a news release.

The report also ranked the University 20th for the number of international students on campus. More than 7,000 international students enrolled at the University last academic year.

“Meaningful interaction between and among people with different perspectives promotes peace and justice, and we are proud to be a part of that process,” Associate Vice President and Dean of International Programs Meredith McQuaid said a news release.

Study away

While the University is among the top 20 for international experiences, study abroad programs aren’t always accessible to students for financial and academic reasons.

To give more students a study abroad experience, the University of Minnesota system will introduce a “Study Away” program this spring.

The program will allow students from any University-system school attend another in the system for a semester to emulate a traditional study abroad experience.

The Study Away program offers specific programs at each system school, such as an animal science program at Crookston, a health care program at Rochester and an environmental program at Duluth.

The Twin Cities campus will offer two programs — one in social justice and one in food science and systems.