<p>Holy Cross Tops Baccalaureate Institutions in Long-Term Study Abroad Participation
Holy Cross ranks first in student participation among baccalaureate institutions for long-term study abroad programs, according to a report released by the Institute of International Education. </p>
<p>Long-term study abroad programs are defined as taking place during a full calendar or academic year. Though Holy Cross offers single semester and month-long programs, the majority of programs require students to learn overseas for the entire academic year. </p>
<p>Long-term programs provide students the opportunity to overcome culture shock and to become immersed in their host country, said Brittain Smith, director of the Study Abroad Program. When students know they are going to be at a place for a full academic year, they put down roots, make friends, and settle in. </p>
<p>This years ranking marks the fourth time in the last five years that Holy Cross has made the top five. This is the first time Holy Cross ranks No. 1 overall with 148 students studying abroad during the 2008-09 academic year. Smith College occupies the No. 2 position with 126 students. The rest of the schools had fewer than 100 students study abroad for long-term duration, according to the report.</p>