News

St. Olaf College has ranked No. 20 among baccalaureate colleges in the United States for the number of international students enrolled during the 2019-20 academic year. This information is recorded and reported by the Institute of International Education (IIE) as part of their 2020 Open Doors Report.

“Students from around the world continue to choose St. Olaf for the strong academics within a liberal arts and science curriculum, great attention from professors, research opportunities, the chance to study abroad, and to live in a safe residential community on a beautiful campus,” says St. Olaf Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of International Recruitment Jenny Howenstine.

St. Olaf currently hosts over 300 international students from 95 different countries. Our international student community is incredibly diverse, and international students are able to share and celebrate their culture at a variety of events throughout the year. Some favorite multicultural events include Omkara, Hmong New Year Celebration, African and Caribbean Night, Lunar New Year Celebration, ¡Viva la Vida!, and International Night.

Many cultural and language clubs are also part of the student life experience, with over 16 different multicultural organizations to choose from. International students are also able to plan events and celebrate the international community by living together in one of the college-sponsored honor houses: ERITAJ House.

Open Doors is the comprehensive information resource on international students in the United States and on the more than 340,000 U.S. students who study abroad as part of their academic experience. The Institute of International Education publishes the Open Doors report annually with funding from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The 2020 Open Doors Report also ranked St. Olaf No. 1 in study abroad among baccalaureate colleges for the 12th year in a row.