The University of Kansas is 11th in the nation among public universities in the percentage of students who participate in study abroad programs before graduation, according to a recent report.

The Institute of International Education recently issued its annual “Open Doors” report, which showed about 27.5 percent of KU undergraduate students were completing study abroad programs.

“The high quality of KU’s academic programming and the international expertise of its faculty and staff have helped to make KU a national leader among public research institutions in sending students abroad,” says Sue Lorenz, interim director of the Office of Study Abroad.

“Open Doors 2008” is based on 2006-’07 numbers. In that academic year, 1,365 KU students studied outside the United States.

KU also ranks 16th in short-term study abroad programs among public research universities. Many of the KU programs can be taken during winter or summer breaks. Short-term programs often represent a more economical option and can accommodate students in less flexible degree programs.